Not so long ago, we took a whistle-stop tour around 5 Outdoor Wellness Experiences to Try When You Visit Mull and today, we’re diving deeper into two of them: cold water therapy and heat therapy. Yes, we’re talking all-things cold water swimming with expert guide Emma at Wild Hebridean Swimming and getting fired up with wood-fired hot tubs, saunas and more. So, let’s dive in!

Cold Water: Wild Swimming on Mull

What makes cold water swimming unique on Mull

“There’s something about stepping into the sea that feels like crossing a threshold. The water is clear and the landscape can feel both vast and intimate. Experiencing a place from the water is totally different to doing it on land,” explains wild swimming guide Emma.

“Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the waters are milder than you might expect and the beaches can rival anywhere in Europe – except you might be the only one there!”

“There’s a simplicity to wild swimming but the impact can be profound. There are myriad benefits to cold water exposure that help us better able to deal with stress and blue therapy has been shown to have a significant positive effect on our nervous systems. But it’s important to do it safely – revving up our rest and digest at the same time as our fight or flight causes confusion in the body.”

“Allowing the body to adapt first is key before putting the face in. Cold water swimmers describe feelings of euphoria, a reset and clarity – and sometimes all three! Sharing an experience like this with other people only heightens that enjoyment – there’s a collective feeling of accomplishment and a sense of belonging to a community.”

A landscape made for exploring

“Due to its volcanic origins Mull has lots of rocky outcrops and rugged coastlines that provide sheltered coves and majestic caves to explore,” Emma continues. “On guided swims, it’s not unusual to encounter seals, seabirds and dolphins, and the ever-changing light and unpredictable Hebridean weather mean no two swims are ever the same. High tide can open up swims that completely disappear at low tide.”

Guided swims and retreats on Mull

“Wild Hebridean Swimming offers small-group swims and wellbeing retreats designed to help people build confidence in the water and explore the coastline of Mull and Iona with guides who are local and therefore know the waters intimately. Options range from relaxed “Dip & Chill” sessions close to shore to guided coastal swims and multi-day adventures that include walking tours, sauna and stroke technique coaching.

Whether you’re dipping your toes for the first time or heading out for a longer swim, Mull offers space and a chance to reconnect with nature, with others and with yourself. And sometimes, all it takes is that first step into the water.” To find out more, check out Wild Hebridean Swimming here.

Heating Up: Sauna Experiences on the Isle of Mull

Recharge your mind, body and soul with a deep heat experience island-style. A new addition to Mull in recent years, guests can now enjoy a travelling wood-fired sauna courtesy of Island Sauna Shack. They bring the heat so you just need to bring yourselves and enjoy this immersive experience.

You’ll find them at locations including Aros Park in Tobermory, Salen Bay on the east coast, Fidden in the south west and Calgary beach in the north west. All with easy access to the sea (or buckets of sea water, should you prefer) to make the most of the hot and cold experience – sauna, dip, repeat!

For a more traditional take, you could also check into the Isle of Mull Hotel Spa for the day to take advantage of their sauna, hot tub and treatments.

However you choose to explore heat as part of your wellness experience on Mull, we hope these ideas give you plenty of inspiration.

And relax…

Of course, after a bracing cold water swim or a muscle relaxing deep heat experience, you might want to indulge in some well-earned relaxation. That’s where our hot tub holiday cottages come in.

Available at a size to suit you, from Cherry Tree Lodge and The Sea Shanty offering cosy accommodation and hot tubs for two, to Gorsten House’s huge farmhouse, sweeping grounds, in-house sauna and wood-fired hot tub to boot. If you’re visiting Mull and chasing an island wellness experience, we’ve got the cottage for you.

Planning a big family gathering or get-together with friends this year? Then look no further than our hand-picked and exclusive selection of large holiday houses in Scotland, right here on the enchanting Isle of Mull.

This idyllic island in the Inner Hebrides is accessible in under an hour’s ferry ride from Oban on the west coast, making it the perfect setting to invite your nearest and dearest for a holiday to remember. Here’s our pick of large holiday houses in Scotland to inspire you!

1 Carsaig House | Carsaig

Magnificent in size and style, Carsaig House sleeps up to 15 guests throughout its impressive rooms, with regal elegance and period luxury aplenty. Picture roaring open fires, dramatic sea views and the beach just below the stunning walled garden. All in one of Mull’s most secluded and wild settings at Carsaig, with the dramatic Carsaig Arches all in a day’s hiking from here.

2 Oakfield House and Cottage | Tobermory

One of the most impressive homes in all of Tobermory, the island capital, Oakfield House offers one of the finest large holiday houses in Scotland from which to choose. The main house sleeps 10 with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus the adjoining Oakfield Cottage offers accommodation for 4-5 more. Antique furnishings, unrivalled views over the bay and a glorious kitchen make this one hard to miss.

3 Craig Ben Lodge | Loch Uisg

Picture large holiday houses in Scotland and you might even imagine a property with a turret! Embrace the fairy-tale architecture of Craig Ben Lodge from its idyllic position beside freshwater Loch Uisg, complete with crenellations and a turret too. Open fires, dramatic ceilings and spellbinding views make this a property to write home about, in a superb area for access to the coast and wildlife.

4 Kilfinichen House | Kilfinichen

If your hunt for large holiday houses in Scotland takes you to grand Highland estates, then look no further than Kilfinichen House. This stunning mansion sits within manicured lawns close to Kilfinichen Bay on Loch Scridain, in a wonderfully wild setting to the south side of the island’s only munro, Ben More. Opulent interiors make this homestay feel just as special as your surroundings.

5 Gorsten House | Loch Don

Not many large holiday houses in Scotland will also be the home of an artist, but Gorsten House is one of them. This stone-built property blends creative design features with modern luxuries like a sauna and wood-fired hot tub to offer one-of-a-kind multi-generational living immersed in 450 acres of coastal landscapes, with panoramic sea views.

Browse our range of large holiday cottages on the Isle of Mull and plan your perfect stay today.

When you think of a Scottish Highland bothy, chances are a stone-built, single-storey cottage springs to mind. You’ll picture thick stone walls, slates adorning the roof and a simple layout inside, perhaps just a room or two, with the essential fireplace at the end.

Taking inspiration from bothies on Mull and further afield, we bring you our pick of bothy-style cottages on Mull, with a twist. Because while these cottages have humble beginnings, they’ve been lovingly renovated to offer all the creature comforts you’d expect of an Isle of Mull Cottages homestay.

Which would get your pick?

1 Fisherman’s Bothy

The clue is in the name with this one, packing in the charm with its rock-weighted, thatched roof and pink painted stonework, perched on the edge of Kilfinichen Bay.

2 Tigh na Mara

Translating to house of the sea, it’s easy to guess why, as this red tin-roofed cottage sits a stone’s throw from the shore of Loch Spelve, a view perfectly framed through the wee cottage windows.

3 Aird Ghlas

This one’s a modern take on bothy cottages. This cosy hideaway was once actually a garage! Hard to believe now with its panoramic views and pretty brickwork, but the simple layout inside still pays homage to the Highland tradition.

4 Derryguaig Smiddy

Beautiful dark stonework, a wood burning stove and a stunning setting in the foothills of Ben More above Loch na Keal – this cottage ticks all the boxes when it comes to bothy cottages and more!

5 Dobhran Croft

A bothy with a modern makeover, this wee white cottage in Lochbuie has been transformed to offer contemporary luxury and even a wee bedroom upstairs!

6 Shore Croft

Visitors to this beachfront bothy cottage will be delighted to find mid-century furniture and a beautifully appointed kitchen offering a unique contrast to the cottage’s traditional roots.

7 The Bothy

A classic choice, this cosy stone cottage adjoins a traditional farmhouse in a remote setting at Laggan, within walking distance of the beach, a beautiful walk or adventurous drive around the coast from Lochbuie centre.

Discover more cottages perfectly made for two in our our hand-picked range of holiday cottages for two.

With 300 miles of crystal-clear waters lapping the island’s coastline, and lots of sandy coves with sheltered seas to discover, Mull makes a prime destination for cold water and wild swimmers. But where are the best cottages to stay at for wild swimming on Mull?

North of the Island

Our picks for wild swimmers in the north of the island centre around the white shell-sand coves at Calgary and Croig.

Cnoc Deaghuinn is a charming cottage for six a short walk from the coast at Croig, where you can follow tracks to reach glorious hidden beaches at Port na Ba. Especially lovely for a sunset swim, thanks to the westerly aspect!

At Calgary, we bring you three properties all in one convenient location, where the sculpture Art in Nature trail leads you almost from the door, down through woodland, to the horseshoe-shaped beach at Calgary Bay. The Cart Studio, East Loft and West Loft each sleep two, with the lofts welcoming dogs too.

South of the Island

The Ross of Mull may only be a few miles wide at its narrowest point, but it’s home to more beaches than you could squeeze into a week! In this part of the island, turquoise waters and white sand mix with pink granite outcrops for truly stunning beaches.

Tigh na Failte, a dog friendly cottage for six in Fionnphort, takes top spot for wild swimmers here, with the beach quite literally at the bottom of the garden!

Shore Croft, a cosy stone cottage for two, comes hot on its heels, perched just above the sheltered bay of Uisken beach.

Meanwhile, adventurous spirits will be delighted by the opportunities for wild swimming on Mull when staying at Ploughman’s Cottage and The Pod at Scoor, with multiple hidden sandy bays to discover within a short hike from the house, including Kilvickeon beach.

The Sea Shanty will also appeal, with a short walk over the hill delivering guests directly to the beach at Tor Mor.

Wherever you base yourself, wild swimming on Mull offers endless adventurous, from cool coastal swims to enchanting waterfall plunges. Read our guide to some wild swim spots on the Isle of Mull to dip your toes and book your cottage today.

The Hebrides may be a wild and beautiful place, but that needn’t come at a compromise when it comes to luxury too. For those seeking to treat themselves, here are five luxury experiences to enjoy while on Mull, from those that take you into Mull’s remotest corners and waters, to those that bring the magic of Mull to you.

Dine with a difference

No guide to luxury experiences on Mull would be complete without covering the foodie scene! Mull punches well above its weight for gastronomic delight, with local chefs serving up the freshest seafood, landed that day by a local fishing boat, amid menus that major on island ingredients, from wildflower-infused desserts to croft-raised Highland beef.

So where to sample the finest of island feasts? Epicureans will be in their element at fine dining restaurant, An Cala Cuin in Tobermory, Ar Bord in Dervaig or Ninth Wave in Fionnphort. It is essential to book well in advance. Or, for the luxury experience to enjoy at your homestay instead, don’t miss Hebridean Lodge, where you can order three delicious courses to take home and warm up when you’re ready.

Bespoke guiding

Whether you’re seeking one-to-one guiding to maximise your chances of wildlife encounters with a target species, a photography expert to help you capture high quality images, or an angling aficionado to help you secure the biggest catch of the day, Mull has a range of high quality guides who offer bespoke services to suit your requirements.

Private charters

Some of Mull’s most popular boat excursions – including the famous Mull Charters sea eagle trip – can be booked for exclusive use. Not forgetting the whisky and gin-tasting experiences offered by Tobermory Bay Tours, too!

There are also several operators catering solely to exclusive-use clients, whether you want to set sail on a traditional sailing boat with Alternative Boat Hire, or hit the waves and discover Mull from the water with Coastal Connection.

Exclusive access

Adventure needn’t come at the cost of a high quality experience, and this is just one great example where Mull delivers in spades! Picture wild swimming in a crystal-clear, deserted sandy bay. In the crisp and cold waters at the foot of a glittering waterfall. Or in a naturally formed plunge pool, miles from the nearest road.

An experienced local guide can open the door to these incredible opportunities well off the beaten track. Walk Mull offers bespoke guided hikes to some incredible wild swimming spots, tailored to your requirements.

And relax…

It would be amiss not to mention the spa facilities on the island when diving into all-things luxury experiences on Mull. Conveniently located in the south east of the island, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa promises a range of experiences for non-residents, from full day pampering to hot stone massages and more. The perfect treat after a challenging hike, or before embarking on the long journey home.

With these luxury experiences on Mull to inspire you, it’s time to book your luxury homestay to match. Delve into our hand-picked range of high quality island properties to find your cottage today. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we can create a personal shortlist of cottages to consider, tailored to your unique requirements.

Planning your Hebridean adventure with your other half and four-legged-friends in tow? We’ve hand-picked the perfect collection of dog friendly cottages on the Isle of Mull for couples just like you!

So, whether you fancy beachside or harbourfront, quirky and characterful or contemporary and sleek, read on to find the perfect pet friendly cottage for two.

Seabank

Within its character shell, you can feel the love and care that has been poured into every design choice at Seabank, from the oh-so dreamy kitchen, to the cosy living area with doors thrown up to showcase the unrivalled sea views. Modern luxury meets remote seashore setting here.

The Bothy

This one’s for the wild at heart couples with a keen sense of adventure! After leaving the metalled road behind, navigate a track that hugs the rock formations along the coast at Lochbuie and sweeps past Laggan Sands beach, before arriving at your escape at the Bothy, nestled into a remote working estate in the island’s south east corner.

Tigh na Failte

Although technically big enough for more than two, Tigh na Failte simply had to have a mention. One of the few dog friendly cottages on the Isle of Mull with a garden that leads straight onto the beach, this is the perfect retreat to relax, reconnect and dose up on vitamin sea by the bucket load.

14 Victoria Street

Quirky vintage-inspired finds meet modern conveniences in this reimagined former fisherman’s cottage in the heart of the island’s harbour town. The perfect choice for couples keen to sample the delights of the sea, from the buzzy harbourfront restaurants, to boat trips sailing from the pontoons and coastal walks to the lighthouse and more.

Kilbeg Cottage

A great choice for couples keen to explore the entire island thanks to its central location, with Instagram-worthy dog walks from the door along the River Forsa and deeper into the glen, approaching Ben Talaidh.

Dobhran Croft

Nestled into the wee hamlet of cottages at Lochbuie a stone’s throw from the sea, Dobhran Croft delivers on every level, from jaw-dropping hikes to nearby summits, stunning coastal trails to little-known beaches and a great brunch spot just down the lane at the Old Post Office.

Old School House

This one’s for the wildlife lovers, with Mull’s big five making their appearance in the local area. Gorgeous sea views will mesmerise from the window, while the cottage’s quirky character features and layout add oodles of charm. Plus, there’s a quiet beach a short walk along the coast, too!

Taigh Cian

Tucked beneath a rocky bluff beside a freshwater loch, this cottage feels oh-so private. Enjoy lazy coffees on the deck as you gaze across the water, before hiking to nearby beaches or making longer treks out to ruined townships too.

Wood Cottage

A retreat tucked between the trees in Aros Park, Wood Cottage feels a world away from civilisation. And yet, you’re just a scenic walk along the coastal path (or a few miles by road) into Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital. The perfect choice for hikes from the door with waterfalls, lochs and woodland aplenty, without compromising on everyday conveniences too.

Lorne Cottage

This pretty pink cottage stands out amid the terrace of fisherman’s cottages overlooking the sea in Tobermory Bay, high above the harbourfront. And the warm welcome outside continues within, with character stone walls, a roaring open fire and all the luxury touches for a perfect romantic retreat.

Find your perfect dog friendly Isle of Mull cottage for a romantic getaway today.

Picture Mull in the winter: vast open landscapes, dramatic winds and rushing rivers, and – come nightfall – wonderfully dark skies. On a clear night, the magic of the island in winter comes alive with superb views of starry skies and, on the luckiest occasions when the right conditions arise, the dance of the Northern Lights too. If you’ve fancied escaping to Mull in winter, here are five winter breaks hand-picked for stargazers. They’re all pet friendly, too!

Mucmara Lodge, Dervaig

Around a mile from the village centre in Dervaig and rubbing shoulders with the woodland of the Quinish Estate, Mucmara Lodge promises perfect dark sky conditions to enjoy the night-time wonders, whether a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing, or constellation-spotting from the garden before returning to warm by the fire. Winter breaks at pet friendly Mucmara Lodge start from £935 per week.

Dobhran Croft, Lochbuie

Far from any light pollution a stone’s throw from the sea, Dobhran Croft is one of our most popular cottages for winter escapes. There are dark skies aplenty to enjoy in this remote location, shared only with a handful of other cottages, and on clear skies ample opportunity to enjoy them. To the north, when conditions allow, there’s even the chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing beyond the summit of Ben Buie for the luckiest visitors. Winter breaks at pet friendly Dobhran Croft start from only £95 per night.

Ardwhin Cottage, Lochdon

Nestled beside the shore of Loch Don in the tiny village that shares the loch’s name, Ardwhin Cottage offers stargazing opportunities aplenty. On clear nights, there’s the added bonus that the sparkling constellations above are reflected in the inky waters of the still loch – a magical sight, whether enjoyed outdoors or from the comfort of the conservatory. Winter breaks at pet friendly Ardwhin Cottage start from £695 per week.

Seabank, Tiroran

The final stone cottage in a small cluster along the shore of Kilfinichen Bay, Seabank promises stunning views southwards across Loch Scridain and towards the Ross of Mull peninsula beyond. In this remote and quiet corner of the island, dark skies come guaranteed, and Seabank’s cosy sitting areas and large windows make for perfect viewing. Winter breaks start from £695 per week at pet friendly Seabank.

Balmeanach Farmhouse, Loch na Keal

Cocooned between the Ardmeanach peninsula, Gribun cliffs and sea at Loch na Keal, Balmeanach Farmhouse certainly ticks the box for a remote yet luxurious base. With only a farm for neighbours, the nights feel truly dark, with wide open skies and clear views both to the north and the west. Winter breaks at pet friendly Balmeanach Farmhouse start from £1100 per week.

Vitamin sea? Check. Powdery white shell-sand? Check. Crystal-clear waters that turn turquoise in the sunshine? Check, check, check! And then add to that dreamy vista the beautiful drifts of machair that flower in season and are almost exclusively found in the Hebrides, as well as the little-known coves you stumble upon that are off the beaten track (and most tourist maps!).

Mull’s 300 miles of coastline offer the ultimate beach adventure for those who know where to look and with our Isle of Mull beach cottages, it’s easier than ever to dose up on vitamin sea.

Shore Croft, Uisken Beach

Sitting above the sheltered white sands of Uisken beach, decorated with rock pools and off-shore skerries, Shore Croft is a charming stone cottage with an unrivalled view. Soak it up over your morning coffee, expertly made thanks to the cottage’s coffee bean grinder, and then pull on your boots for a walk along the sand, or, for the adventurous, a kayak or wild swim.

Sands Cottage and Calgary Bay Cottage, Calgary Beach

Not one, but two cottages beside Calgary beach, arguably the island’s most photographed thanks to the pretty horseshoe-shaped bay of white shell sand. Sands Cottage sleeps 4 and is pet friendly too, while Calgary Bay Cottage sleeps 6 and is a great choice for a pet free property. Both lie just a stone’s throw across the single-track lane from the beach, promising windswept walks to watch the sunset and the salty air carrying on the sea breeze.

The Bothy, near Laggan Beach at Lochbuie

Not quite immediately on the beach, The Bothy is still pretty close to it, with a sweeping stretch of sand at Laggan beach only a few hundred metres from the front door. These pretty grey sands make a great spot to walk the dogs (this cottage is pet friendly too!), with a mausoleum to discover at one end, or venturing back towards Lochbuie village, the ruins of Moy Castle on the way too.

Whether you’re keen to find an Isle of Mull beach cottage or a superb sea view, discover our range of hand-picked holiday cottages and our local’s guide to the best island beaches.

Feeling inspired to visit the Isle of Mull this Easter? You’re in luck, because for 2023 we still have a handful of gorgeous Easter holiday cottages on the Isle of Mull available over the first two weeks in April. Large houses, cosy cottages, pet friendly properties – read on to discover the perfect last minute holiday cottage on Mull for early April this year.

Pet friendly Willowbank (sleeps 6)

The perfect property for all the family, four-legged-friends included. Willowbank combines lovely modern interiors and appliances with ultra-cosy warm timber beams and a beautifully vaulted ceiling in the living room to create a real wow factor. Excellently located for access to quiet beaches, coastal walks and boat trips to Iona, Willowbank is perfect for those who love all-things outdoors.

Studio Apartment (sleeps 2)

A quaint gem close to the sea in the island’s south east, Studio Apartment sits in a pretty courtyard setting not far from Duart Castle and in some of the best wildlife country on the island. The perfect choice for birdwatchers and those who prefer to feel more remote, with the ease of a pub and shop just a few miles away.

Canna (sleeps 2)

Now reduced by £350 per week, snap up a bargain when you stay at luxury Tobermory cottage Canna this April. Soak up stunning harbour views over the bay to Calve Island and enjoy the island capital’s eateries, coastal walks and boat trips close by.

Pet friendly Gorsten House (sleeps 8)

Come and stay in the home of an artist, where the stunning sea views beyond the window are met with equally imaginative interiors within. A large homestay, Gorsten House is sure to impress, with acres of grounds to explore too.

Pet friendly Kilfinichen House (sleeps 8)

At once grand and yet cosy and inviting, Kilfinichen House sits at the heart of the Kilfinichen Estate with views over Loch Scridain and the surrounding countryside. A prime corner of the island for eagles, otters and abundant wildlife and with Ben More not far, this is the ultimate homestay for adventurers and wildlife lovers.

Don’t miss your chance to find Easter holiday cottages on the Isle of Mull this year. Check out our last minute offers for the latest cottage deals.

Gone are the days when eco friendly holiday cottages meant compromising on comfort and luxury. Quite the opposite, in fact, with modern day technology promising a five-star experience without the carbon footprint. So, if you’re keen to visit the island and do your bit for the planet too, which eco friendly holiday cottages could you choose? Read on and find the perfect bolthole for you.

1 Torr na Locha, Ardtun

Located on a working croft in the rural south west of the island, Torr na Locha is arguably one of the most eco friendly holiday cottages you’ll find on Mull. This characterful stone building uses local timber that would be unsuitable for structural use to fuel the wood burning stove and back boiler, sources its electricity through a supplier that specialises in renewables and tops it up with a solar array that generated 3,650KW in 2022.

Venturing outside the cottage, there’s yet more to appreciate. Tree planting on the croft to support and sustain the temperate ancient Atlantic rainforest of oak, birch, aspen and willow contributes to carbon capture, while the active peatlands to the front of the house have the potential to store 500 times more carbon each year than using the cottage demands.

2 Dragonsfly Rest, Bunessan

Perched above the bay of Loch na Lathaich in the Ross of Mull village of Bunessan, Dragonsfly Rest combines welcoming interiors with eco-conscious additions, like the heating. Warmed by the sun through solar panels in tandem with the wood burning stove that together heat the radiators, guests will feel cosy year-round.

3 Mor Aoibhneas, Bunessan

Making the most of mix-and-match technologies, Mor Aoibhneas uses an air source heat pump to warm its dramatic double-height ground floor living area with cosy underfloor heating. And outside, there’s an electric vehicle charging point to enable you to explore the island with ease, with plans for this to be fully solar powered by summer 2023 too.

Book your holiday cottage on Mull.