Business Details
Luxury Accommodation in the Heart of Iona
St Columba Hotel, nestled on the Isle of Iona, offers a sanctuary of tranquility and heritage. Established in 1868, we combine historical charm with modern comforts, providing guests with an immersive Hebridean experience. Our team, comprising locals and Iona enthusiasts, ensures a warm welcome and insider knowledge of the island's hidden gems. The hotel's award-winning organic garden, certified by the Soil Association since 2008, supplies fresh produce for our kitchen and boutique shop, The Larder. Adjacent to Iona Abbey and surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, we cater to those seeking spiritual retreats, artistic inspiration, or simply a peaceful escape.Our commitment to sustainability and community is reflected in our eco-conscious practices and support for local artisans. The Quiet Garden on-site offers a meditative space with panoramic views, while our restaurant serves locally sourced seafood, cheeses, and garden-fresh ingredients. With family-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations, we ensure every guest experiences the timeless magic of Iona.
Services
Accommodation
Restaurant & Bar
St Columba Larder
Retreats & Events
Organic Garden Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer 154 years of heritage in Iona's hospitality with modern comforts
- Our certified organic garden supplies fresh, seasonal produce daily
- Direct access to Iona Abbey and spiritual pilgrimage routes
- Pet-friendly accommodations with dedicated amenities for dogs
- Award-winning restaurant using hyper-local seafood and botanicals
Associations and certifications
- Soil Association
What people say
Superb meals
Friendly service
Perfect location
Peaceful atmosphere
Memorable trip
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Our 27 en-suite rooms combine modern comforts with Hebridean heritage. Each features sea or garden views, Scottish Fine Soap toiletries, and locally sourced breakfasts. Guests enjoy curated island experiences and proximity to Iona Abbey. The hotel's historic setting and organic garden create a unique blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.
Organic Garden
Certified by the Soil Association since 2008, our award-winning garden produces seasonal vegetables, flowers, and honey. It supplies ingredients for our restaurant and boutique spirits, while offering public access for exploration. The garden embodies our commitment to sustainability and local provenance.
St Columba Larder
Our artisan shop offers locally sourced products, including our exclusive St Columba spirits and raw honey. Guests can enjoy barista coffee and island-made crafts. Open daily with 24/7 online access, it showcases Scotland's finest artisanal goods in a convenient setting.
Spiritual Retreats
Adjacent to Iona Abbey, we host contemplative retreats and cultural events. With capacity for 48 guests and exclusive spaces available, our tranquil setting supports spiritual growth and artistic expression. Partnerships with local venues enhance group experiences through guided walks and island excursions.
Fine Dining
Our restaurant serves seasonal menus featuring hyper-local seafood, cheeses, and garden produce. With panoramic sea views, we offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The bar serves craft beers, malt whiskies, and our signature botanical spirits, welcoming both residents and day visitors.
Questions
How do I reach the Isle of Iona?
Travel via Oban to Mull ferry, then bus/car to Fionnphort. Foot passenger ferry connects to Iona. We can assist with luggage transfer from the pier.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
Yes, we're pet-friendly with dog towels, blankets, and treats available. Please specify pet details when booking.
What dining options are available?
Our restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local ingredients. The Larder offers takeaway refreshments and artisan products daily.
Can I visit the organic garden?
Yes, our award-winning garden is open to the public daily. It supplies produce for our kitchen and features seasonal flowers, vegetables, and honey.
Do you host group events or retreats?
Yes, we accommodate up to 48 guests with exclusive spaces available. Our location near Iona Abbey makes us ideal for spiritual and cultural retreats.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We maintain a certified organic garden, use local suppliers, and implement eco-conscious operations across our hotel and shop.
Reviews (5)
Mick Mothersole
Oct 25, 2021
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Bit different to all other hotels I've experienced. Lovely staff. The experience of bkfst - trying to do everyone at the same time - was generally not popular & probably dragged out the time it took. Similarly, no scope for individual ordering - it is either 'take it or leave it' for the cooked items. Buffet would probably be quicker & less wasteful. Coffee is tasteless but it is the same in the Island's other hotel too. If coffee is too strong, it's easy to dilute but if its too weak there's no remedy. V good quality furniture & fittings but exterior woodwork needs rejuvenating. Wonderful position
John Mullen
Oct 23, 2021
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Just popped in for a beer on the way back from a walk. No draught beers at all! The bottle of Fraoch when it came was deeply chilled and cost well over a fiver. Then to add insult to injury they tried to overcharge us by a factor of two. I don't think I will be back.
Jane Harkin
Oct 21, 2021
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Very good hotel, staff super helpful, little extras that make the stay perfect, such as beach towels and walking sticks which can be borrowed.
Steve Hobbs
Aug 07, 2021
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We stopped here for lunch whilst kayaking around Mull. They were happy to serve us despite us being dressed in our dry suits! The service was quick, and friendly, and they had a wide range of gluten free options. I had a delicious soup, and a local beef sandwich on home made GF bread, which was very welcome on a cold damp day. Top marks!
Stephen Roden
Aug 05, 2021
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A very nice experience. Good food, pleasant staff. The view out of the window was awesome, highland cattle and geese with the sound of Iona beyond.
