Travelling from Lochranza on Arran to lochside Portavadie is most convenient by boat, taking only 30 minutes in the RiB to cover the around six-mile distance to an entirely different world - which is hidden away on a promontory off Loch Fyne. Portavadie, which opened in 2015 as a luxury west coast retreat, comprises ultra-modern accommodation and Scotland's largest heated outdoor infinity pool. Later, as we explored the spa complex, it felt ludicrous to be venturing outside in nothing but our swimwear - but as our limbs sank into the deliciously warm, 33 degrees Celsius water, the sensation was heavenly. Beyond the pool edge, Loch Fyne shimmered as if scattered with crystals.
I'd have happily whiled away an eternity there, in this beauty spot to rival any I have ever seen, but the RiB and our onward journey to Tarbert across the water beckoned. Tarbert, dubbed the 'gateway to Kintyre', is storybook pretty - a collection of colourful cottages arranged around a horseshoe-shaped harbour. We munched cake, explored the irresistibly stocked Loch Fyne Gallery, and climbed up to the castle, which boasted almighty sea views.
When we returned to Lochranza that evening, welcomed by the mountainous outline of the 'sleeping warrior' slumbering under a pinkish sky, we felt wind-battered, rosy-cheeked and entirely at one with the world. Scotland is such a heavenly concoction of surprises.
Other highlights of our week on Arran, a universally appealing island lathered with excellent hiking, beautiful beaches and luscious cafes, included a sunny hike up Goat Fell, the island's highest summit; a lovely coastal pony trek with Cairnhouse Stables in Blackwaterfoot; sumptuous massages at Auchrannie Resort's suave A Spa in Brodick; a great concert of John Denver songs performed by singer Chris Bannister; a night in the exquisite balcony suite at the beyond brilliant Douglas Hotel in Brodick; and a wild and wonderful ramble up Glen Catacol and back down Glen Easen into Lochranza, where our company extended to orchids, rare Arran Whitebeam trees and impossibly untouched views.
We gorged on to-die-for sourdough bread from Blackwater Bakehouse; creatively delicious sandwiches from Lochranza's Sandwich Station - I had humus with wild garlic pesto; and Arran Gold whisky cream cake from the Isle of Arran Distillery. And we felt at one with the world while watching guillemots and gannets from the pebbly beach at King's Caves outside Machrie on the island's west coast - on another glorious day, when the sun shone, the sea shimmered ... and I couldn't have imagined anywhere I would rather have been.
