Islay—pronounced eye-la—has been one of Scotland’s whisky heartlands since at least the 1700s. Once a cottage industry, making Scotch here is now big business: global giants Beam Suntory, Diageo, LVMH ...

This island in Europe is a haven for those who appreciate a good scotch whisky, but that's not all the great times and fun it offers visitors.

The first thing to know about Islay (pronounced Eye-luh) is that it’s not just for whisky lovers. I and eight of my closest friends spent a week on this beautiful little gem and left with the feeling ...