This is an amazing retreat in the Scottish Highlands. Guests stay in cottages on the property of a beautiful Scottish Manor house. Hosts Sir John and Lady Lucy treat you as family. Meals are amazing. Talented and knowledgeable young guides take you by van to the wilds of the Highlands to explore castles, wildlife areas and other hidden treasures of the countryside. The guides are beyond compare--so upbeat and thoughtful about environmental issues. I felt like I had a whole education on my vacation. The Aigus Field Center is an experience, not a hotel, and you will leave refreshed, rejuvenated and changed. It would be great for a group of nature or history lovers or even family reunions. We attended with a historical society group of 23. A fabulous stay. I'd give it a ten if you had ten little circles to fill in above.

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.

I spent a Wildlife week at Aigas in June 2012, and was more than satisfied with the experience. Clearly the result of many years planning, the courses at Aigas are well-honed to give you insight into the often secret side of British wildlife. The ranger staff are knowledgable and charming, the setting fabulous and the house and kitchen a delight. The size of the groups - ours was 7 people - gives the chance to get to know each other well, and we enjoyed each other's company as a bonus. I undertook quite a bit of extra-curricular activity on some early morning outings, and was encouraged and surported in this by the staff.