Football Billionaire Chooses Oban for Holidays
Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich and his wife spend a mini family break in Oban on their £1.5 billion 557ft private yacht before mooring off to the South of France.
Here at Bonawe House, we’ve always told people that Oban, Gateway to the Isles, is a forgotten gem in the UK. An overlooked destination which we think has just as much charm, natural beauty and history to rival that of perhaps the French Riviera or even Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The weather isn’t always in our favour here but in beauty, wildlife and atmosphere we do not lack.
And Russian football billionaire Roman Abramovich doesn’t seem to disagree either. Abramovich, his wife Dasha Zhukova, and their son spent a whole week enjoying the wonderful sights of Scotland before heading off for their holiday in the South of France.
The Abramovich’s took to their private yacht, The Eclipse; the largest private yacht to have ever been built (back in 2010). The huge family yacht can take up to 36 guests and has a whole range of luxury facilities including a large cinema room, conference facilities, a beauty salon, two swimming pools with a sauna, two helicopter pads, a children’s play area, and even a missile defence system. And this huge £1.5 billion vessel was moored off the Isle of Kerrera in Oban Bay earlier this month.
More About beautiful Oban
As well as the wonderful coastline and the area’s surrounding beauty and rich history, Oban is known for its fantastic seafood. Many will refer to it as the seafood capital of the Scotland or even the UK, and we would whole-heartedly agree. Our beautiful resort town is home to so many outstanding seafood cafes and restaurants, all ranging in price depending on your budget; but the real beauty of it is that it doesn’t matter whether you choose high-end or just a small diner by the bay, it will be delicious all the same.
Roman Abramovich and family chose to grab a bite from Gordon MacGillivray’s famous seafood cabin and we would highly recommend this informal dining option to anyone visiting the area.
Other Things to See in Oban
If you’re looking to visit Oban soon, don’t miss the spectacular sights; Dunollie Castle, the beautifully tranquil Loch Creran, the remote Castle Stalker, and Scotland’s very own colosseum building, McCaig’s Tower which crowns our town centre high up on a hill.
Other than the wonderful landmarks, Oban is a prime destination for a number of outdoor sports and activities including golfing (at Taynuilt Golf Course, Dalmally Golf Course or Oban Golf Club), fishing in Loch Etive or Loch Awe, or wildlife expeditions and miniature safaris. We also have some stunning short walks from Bonawe House such as a 1 mile moderate trek over Loch Etive Pier or the 2 hour Bonawe Furnace Lade Walk which is on relatively flat land for most the way.
To enquire about Oban or accommodation at Bonawe House, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. Email bookings@bonawehouse.co.uk or check availability of our holiday cottages and holiday lodges online.
