Opened in autumn 2025, Ardbeg House on the Isle of Islay is one of Scotland’s most distinctive new hospitality destinations. Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment in collaboration with Russell Sage Studio, the former Islay Hotel has been transformed into a 12-room boutique hotel that celebrates the island’s culture, landscape and the heritage of the Ardbeg Distillery. Kaldewei contributed to the project by supplying baths and shower trays for the guest bathrooms.
Selected for their architectural design, durability and sustainability, Kaldewei products support the hotel’s ambition to combine exceptional guest experiences with long-term environmental responsibility.
Ardbeg House is inspired by Islay’s folklore, dramatic coastline and the 200-year history of Ardbeg Distillery. Together with more than 20 Scottish artisans, the design team created 12 individually themed guest rooms, each telling a unique story drawn from local legends, smugglers, raiders, sea creatures and the mythical “Islay-gator.”
Throughout the hotel, bespoke design elements celebrate the island’s identity. Guests are welcomed by a striking ‘A’ for Ardbeg forged from a retired whisky still, while a custom boat-shaped chandelier made from green Ardbeg bottles hangs above the Islay Bar. Natural textures and materials reference Islay’s rugged landscape, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that continues into the bathrooms.
Ardbeg House required bathroom solutions that could meet the demands of a luxury boutique hotel while supporting varying room concepts and sustainability objectives.
Kaldewei’s steel enamel baths and shower trays were specified for their clean architectural lines, glass-smooth surfaces, exceptional durability and easy maintenance. Their resistance to scratches, impacts and thermal shock makes them particularly suited to hospitality environments, while their fully recyclable material aligns with the project’s environmental goals.
Installed within elegant marble-clad bathrooms, Kaldewei products complement the storytelling approach of the interiors. Warm grey and matt black finishes were chosen to integrate seamlessly into the individual design themes of each room.
“Being part of the Ardbeg House project is a genuine privilege for Kaldewei. Ardbeg House sets a new benchmark for experiential hospitality, and we’re proud that Kaldewei plays a role in shaping the guest journey,” says Adam Teal, Country Manager Kaldewei.
The bathrooms extend the narrative of each bedroom, offering guests a place to unwind after exploring Islay’s beaches, historic sites and the Ardbeg Distillery. Kaldewei’s sculptural baths and spacious shower areas create a luxurious retreat that balances immersion, comfort and relaxation.
Ardbeg House is set to become a flagship destination for whisky enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. Every stay includes an Ardbeg Distillery tour, a nightly “Whisky Hour,” access to exclusive bottlings and dining experiences that showcase modern Scottish cuisine.
Ardbeg House demonstrates how thoughtful bathroom design can enhance an immersive hospitality concept. By combining expressive interiors with durable, precisely engineered bathroom solutions, the project highlights Kaldewei’s ability to support ambitious, design-led environments while contributing to an exceptional guest experience.
KALDEWEI offers luxurious bathroom solutions of superior quality and timelessly elegant design. Bathtubs, shower surfaces and washbasins are made from sustainable steel enamel.
