For a relaxing weekend away from the Christmas buzz, a week’s holiday in a friendly comfortable setting, or just an extended lunch and a tranquil day out, the Karma Lake of Menteith Hotel has everything covered.
The hotel is situated in the Trossachs National Park, easily accessible from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and there is lots to see and do.
ACCOMMODATION
The first impressions on approach are of an unassuming country house, but upon entering a pleasant surprise awaits. There is a welcoming reception with exceptionally warm and knowledgeable staff who do everything they can to set you up for an enjoyable visit. There could be room for confusion over where the main entrance of the car park is, but when you get there it is spacious and also has several electric charging points.
The Karma Group work on a points system and you can use them in any of their hotels. For £2,995, guests can enjoy three weeks accommodation over a three year period in any Karma Group hotel, or in certain participating Marriott Group hotels. All of their properties offer different individual experiences, which is in keeping with the ethos of the company.
The rooms are clean and well maintained, decorated in Scottish country house style, with lovely touches. For example, the coffee and tea facilities offer Tunnock’s Teacakes and Caramel Wafers. All prices vary depending on the room chosen and the facilities you pick for non-members.
The hotel is also dog friendly with comfortable dog beds and treats provided for your pooch. The only area off limits for dogs is the main restaurant, but otherwise they are welcome in the cosy bar in front of a roaring open fire.
FOOD AND DRINK
Visitors to the hotel are spoiled for choice with three separate menus, all of which are available in both the restaurant and in the bar. The bar menu has everything one would expect from soup to burgers, and fish and chips. The main menu focuses on local produce wherever possible and there is a menu developed by the Head Chef who learned his skills at the original Karma group venue in India. It is possible to mix and match from all three menus wherever guests choose to dine.
The wine list is extensive with a selection of wine either by the glass or bottle. For whisky lovers the whisky vault offers 138 whiskies, and tastings for wine or whisky can be arranged. The Karma Group also have their own wines, whisky and gins which are inspired and produced from their properties across the globe. A wide range of well-known Scottish brands are available for those looking for something more familiar.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Each room has a detailed directory for guests with all the information about holding events and activities at Karma Lake of Menteith. For the newly engaged looking for an intimate wedding venue this could be the right place. There is a church beside the hotel for the ceremony and the bridal couple and their guests can have exclusive use of all the facilities.
At Christmas there is a “12 days of Karma” experience, which includes a host of daily events with a traditional ceilidh and fireworks at Hogmanay. Be quick to secure a booking to attend Christmas and New Year 2025, as this year’s event already sold out on 7 January 2024.
There is a trout fishery immediately adjacent to the hotel where there are boats for hire for fishing or pottering around the lake. Lessons can also be arranged for those who are not seasoned anglers. Alternatively, if guest prefer to have someone else take the helm, Historic Environment Scotland run ferry trips to Inchmahome Priory on an island in the middle of the lake during high season.
There are nature and dog walking trails nearby, or for the more adventurous there is hill climbing in the area.
With community at the centre of Karma’s ethos, locals are involved in activities around the hotel including a wild swimming group and evenings with music by a local band on the last Friday of every month. A local artist offers seasonal painting classes and a local florist leads wreath making classes.
There is a games room on site with pool table, dart board, a variety of board games, and a record player with a selection of vintage LPs. The hotel also has a small library and outside seating/barbecues for use during the better weather.
THE FUTURE
There are plans to have yoga classes on the lawn in the spring and summer season, and negotiations are underway for a sauna and a couple of hot tubs on the property. It is hoped that part of the adjacent church may also be used as a community space.
Whatever guests want to do with their free time, the Karma Lake of Menteith hotel has something to appeal to everyone.
