AD | Horrendous airport queues, the spiralling cost of flights and accommodation, the hassle of booking everything separately, and hours spent travelling. A holiday overseas no longer feels that appealing for many of us. However, being married to a Scot, I know Scotland has some of the most stunning scenery anywhere in the world, especially in the Scottish Highlands. And getting away from it all doesn’t mean roughing it either, as one of the best ways enjoy a nature holiday here is by choosing luxury lodges in Scotland for a comfortable break. But first…
Why Choose the Scottish Highlands for a Holiday?
The Scottish Highlands occupy more than one third of the Scotland’s land area and host the UK’s largest National Park. The Cairngorms are home to an incredible range of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, glens, lochs, forests, beaches, and wildlife.
The Highlands are an all-seasons destination too, with outdoor activities ranging from skiing in Winter to water sports and swimming in Summer, as well as canoeing, pony trekking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, walking, and more. In addition to the stunning scenery of North East Scotland, the world famous Malt Whisky Trail is set here. And let’s face it, if you’re planning a whisky-tasting bender, you’ll want plenty of fresh air and access to Nature the next day…
The Perfect Location for Wildlife Watching
Spending time in Nature is known to help us rejuvenate ourselves, both mentally and physically. And the Cairngorms are the perfect location for wildlife watching. Up here you could spot otters, seals, ospreys, red squirrels, red deer, Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, pine martens, and more.
And maybe, one day, you might even see a Scottish wildcat. At the time of writing, the Highland Wildlife Park in the Cairngorms has just welcomed eight kittens in three litters, which they hope will help restore the critically endangered indigenous wildcat population.
Wellbeing by Water – Scotland’s Lochs
The restorative qualities of being in, on, or near water also increase our wellness and wellbeing. And in Scotland, you’re never far from one of over 31,000 lochs and lochans such as Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Loch Morlich and An Lochan Uaine. Loch Ness is the largest and carries more freshwater than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.
And it’s home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster, with Nessie a draw for adults and children alike. Loch Morlich is surrounded by forests and beaches where you can kayak, sail, windsurf, and go boating. Pretty An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch) is so called as legend believes the green colour comes from pixies washing their clothes in the water – nothing to do with algae then (!)
The Ultimate Scottish Road Trip – NC500
The North Coast 500, which begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. With 516 miles of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, captivating castles, remote fishing villages, and hidden gems, there are plenty of opportunities to get back to nature here.
And as they drive on the left in Scotland, all you need to watch out for are the wild Highland Coos, with their long horns and shaggy coats. A worthwhile couple of hours detour off the route will also take you to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Lights Fantastic – The Aurora Borealis in Scotland
Yes, it’s true, you can see the Northern Lights in the Cairngorms. Normally, between late September and late March (ideally December and January) is the best time to catch them, depending on how strong the magnetic activity is. Northern Scotland is on the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska. And if you time it right, you might be able to see one of the world’s most breathtaking natural sights, the Aurora Borealis, thanks to the clear, dark Scottish skies.
These are a few reasons to take a restorative and invigorating nature holiday in the Scottish Highlands – but where are you going to stay? Because no matter what kind of activities you’re doing, coming back to a relaxing and comfortable luxury holiday lodge at the end of a long day is going to be the icing on the cake.
Choosing the Best Luxury Lodges in Scotland – Introducing The Hollies Retreats
If you’re searching for the perfect location from which to explore the Scottish Highlands, The Hollies Retreats self-catering lodges in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park are the ideal luxury accommodation in Scotland. Inverness is only 30 miles away, and Elgin is another beautiful town within easy reach. Closer to home, you can explore Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore – whisky lovers will appreciate The Hollies being at the start of that Malt Whisky Trail I mentioned earlier.
Family holidays
Families are well-catered for with Glenmore Lodge sleeping four and Cairngorm Cottage sleeping six people. Plus, if you’re looking for luxury lodges with hot tubs, you’re in luck as each lodge has one, making them the ideal balance of self-catering accommodation and relaxed luxury.
Family holidays are about being together, spending quality time with each other, and having the chance to reconnect and bond again. It’s just as important for kids to have a break and be able to let off some steam too, so they’ll love Hamish and Dougal, the resident Highland Coos.
Pet friendly holidays
Looking for a pet friendly holiday for that home-away-from-home vibe? The good news is all The Hollies Retreats luxury self-catering lodges are dog friendly, including the Speyside Suite that sleeps two (ideal for couples). Because dogs are part of the family and with so much gorgeous wilderness to explore it would be a shame to leave your furry friends at home.
Open All Year Round
The Hollies Retreats luxury lodges in Scotland welcome guests all year round. Whether you’re mulling an out of season scenic break (lucky you, we’re stuck with school holiday dates for the next few years), a Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter or even Christmas escape, you can check availability and take advantage of any last minute special offers here.
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Choose a Scottish Highlands Holiday
And there we are, some excellent suggestions of things to do on a nature holiday in Scotland, plus a selection of beautiful luxury holiday lodges in Scotland and Scottish country cottages for your perfect Scottish Highlands staycation.
And I’ll just leave you with a few more reasons to holiday at home: Scotland is very close and if you drive up, you can break your journey in the Lake District (two holidays in one). There’s no need to change any money (although we’ve found certain English institutions are a tad suspicious of Scottish notes on our return). And you won’t face any overseas mobile roaming charges either (thanks, Brexit). So, have I missed anything? 🙂 Saor-làithean sona ann an Alba, if not!
Does a nature holiday in some luxury self-catering accommodation in the Scottish Highlands appeal to you? Are you a fan of staycations and exploring more of home sweet home? If so, which of these luxury lodges in Scotland would you love to stay in?
* This is a sponsored post – please see my Disclaimer.
I was asking myself, how to watch wild animals and reading your post. Made me want to go to a zoo or some sort. I will be saving this in the future though. Thank you for the awesome review and details about it.
Thank you 🙂 I think you’d love the Cairngorms then, lots of wildlife to marvel at and fall in love with!
Wow this sounds so inspiring to visit, the scenery is amazing. The cottages looks so pretty. Love the northern lights too..
It’s amazing to think you can see the Northern Lights from the UK, isn’t it?
I’d love to go to Scotland and we would LOVE to do the NC500 at some point as well. I think I might have to bookmark this and check out this company at some point – they sound perfect!
I thought of you when I wrote about the NC500, how funny! Yes, these lodges sound amazing, don’t they? Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Truthfully, not much convincing is needed for me to crave a trip to Scotland. As someone who has never been off the East Coast of the United States, I’m truly dying to travel just about anywhere – but Europe specifically is my top bucket list destination. When someone asks me where in Europe, I just say, “all of it.” But really, it’s true! I want to see all of these spectacular places – and I can assure you that the Scottish Highlands are certainly on my list. One of these days I hope to make it there and see all of this in person!!!
I love that you want to see all of Europe, Stephanie! But being biased, I’d have to say Bath and the Scottish Highlands should be top or your bucket list, they’re each very different but soooooo worth visiting and staying for a while. Fingers crossed you can, one day 🙂
Ooh I love this! I’ve never been to the Scottish Highlands before but I’d really love to visit some day. The wildlife looks amazing (those Scottish wildcats are adorable) and I never knew you could see the Northern Lights from there… That’s crazy! Thank you so much for sharing x
TBH, I had no idea you could see the Northern Lights from Scotland before I started researching this post either! Glad you enjoyed it, Ceri, thank you! x
This has made me want to go to Scotland to stay in a luxury lodge! I would love to see the Northern Lights, what a spectacle they are! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
They really are amazing, and incredible to think we can see them from within the UK too! x
I would love to relax in a luxury lodge one day in this stunning country so alive with beautiful animals, plant life, and scenery! The hot tubs and lodge sizes are all equally appealing. <3
You and me both, Jaya! And one day I will make it so 🙂
I would love to visit overseas in a place like Scotland, especially because all the places and scenery look so beautiful. I especially love all the wildlife, the red squirrels are so adorable, and the Scottish wildcats looks really similar to a tabby cat, I would want to pet them which I am assuming isn’t allowed.
You are correct, you can’t pet them – not that you’d be able to get close enough anyway! Think of the most feral cat and then multiply by 10 🙂 But still very beautiful, nonetheless.
Wow, this place looks and sounds absolutely amazing. Scotland is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit so I’ll for sure be adding this to my list of places to stay! This company sound amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with us lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
That’s great to hear, Elle, thank you – hope you can get up there some day!
I’ve never visited the Scottish Highlands, but would absolutely love to! I love that the lodges are dog friendly too, so you can bring along your furry friend!
It’s such a good idea, isn’t it? The Scottish Highlands are perfect for dog walkers.
Scotland has a special place in my heart and the Scottish Highlands is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing this as it’ll be very helpful in planning my trip!
That’s really good to hear, Soffy, and glad this was useful 🙂
Hi Lisa,
That all sounds fantastic. I’m sold on the whisky tasting alone. Harvey, our Labrador, was sold as soon as he saw that there were great walks AND water. Now we just have to persuade my wife (hopefully the scenery alone will suffice) and we’ll be away!
I’m sure a combination of the scenery, you, and Harvey will be able to work your persuasive magic, Richie, but good luck and I hope you’re successful!
I already wanted to visit Scotland so this post was really helpful in finding good spots to choose! I have seen so many wonderful scenery pictures online from Scotland and it looks so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your suggestions Lisa.
Lauren x
Oh that’s great to hear, Lauren, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Scotland is amazing (not that I’m at all biased!), so I hope you can get up there some time soon x
I visited Scotland a few times during my childhood days. But I never visit the country’s nature side. I only visited the city. Reading your post makes me want to visit Scotland again. Thank you for sharing.
That’s really lovely to hear, Fadima, thank you. I hope you can visit again some day, the Highlands are really something else.
This looks amazing!!! I would love to visit one day.
Hopefully you’ll make it one day 🙂
I’ll definitely save this for later. Scotland has been on my bucket list forever. I hope I can visit some day 🙂
Thank you, glad it was helpful and that you can get to Scotland some day too 🙂
These are all fantastic reasons to stay in a lodge in Scotland. I love that you can see the Northern Lights and bask in nature’s glory! This is definitely on my list of things I’d love to do in the future. Thanks for sharing!
I know, it’s amazing you can see them from within the UK, quite mind blowing! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
I really want to go on a roadtrip in Scotland. I’ve not been since I was a teen (apart from to Edinburgh) to visit my godparents, but they retired to Devon, so it’s harder to decide train/plane/car, especially with an 11yo. I think it’s a stunning country, and so much to see in a relaxing environment
I think the NC500 sounds amazing, so many wonderful things to stop and see. I hope you can make it up there one day soon!
When I *finally* get back to the UK, I’m going to make sure I visit my sister in Edinburgh and see if we can experience some of the nature at these resorts!
That sounds like a plan then, Molly, hope you can visit soon.
Those Scottish Wildcats are so cute! I’d love to explore more of Scotland 🙂
They are very cute – and very feral!
Thanks for sharing, I have been to one of the Lochs in Scotland on holiday there was a lot to do there, hopefully, I will holiday there again 🙂
I hope you can visit again sometime soon too, Nic 🙂