Overlooking the water towards Mull, in a 'wonderful location near the sea and harbour', this hotel on the Hebridean island of Iona has a deserved reputation for its warm welcome, fresh and creative food, and feel of restorative peace. Hands-on owners Wendy and Rob MacManaway and Dafydd and Katy Russon give a 'warm personal welcome', reports a reader who returned and found 'everything as lovely as ever'. 'Quiet rooms', most on the small side, are simple, with pine or oak furniture, neutral colours and local artwork, all with garden, courtyard or sea views. There are no TVs, but guests can soak up the glorious garden view outside. 'Delicious and elegant' meals, all made from scratch including the bread, use kitchen-garden produce, sustainably sourced seafood and meat from local crofters. Hand-dived Isle of Mull scallops and fish of the day might feature on the menu along with pan-fried duck breast and spring nettle gnocchi with beetroot herb fritter and salsa verde. Our reader particularly enjoyed the mango, lemon and coconut sorbet. There are walks from the doorstep, three cosy lounges, one with a fire, and binoculars in the conservatory for bird-spotting and wildlife-watching – you may see a dolphin or two. (Alison Forrester)