9 of the Best Hotels For a Honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands

16 Dec

Honeymoons in the Highlands offer an enchanting blend of breathtaking landscapes and intimate experiences that create the perfect romantic getaway. Couples can explore the rugged beauty of the mountains, glens, and lochs, often accompanied by a sense of tranquillity found in the secluded settings. Luxurious accommodations, ranging from charming lodges to opulent castles, provide an idyllic retreat after a day of outdoor adventures such as hiking, fishing, or sightseeing. The unique blend of rich Scottish culture, delectable cuisine, and opportunities for whisky tasting further enhances the experience, making the Highlands an unforgettable destination for newlyweds seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Below we’ve collected together 9 of the best hotels in the Scottish Highlands for a honeymoon, to help get you inspired.

1. The Torridon

Nestled in the highlands between rugged mountain tops and the glistening lochs, you’ll find the idyllic retreat, The Torridon. A family-owned and lovingly restored boutique hotel, it’s a decadent and warm country house that is equal parts perfect for cosying up in, as it is for exploring the great outdoors from. Choose to stay either within their main hotel which features 18 individually designed bedrooms, The Stable which has 12 bedrooms or for absolute seclusion, opt for their tranquil Boathouse with amazing water views. For food, head to 1887 for the finest Scottish inspired dishes featuring meticulously sourced ingredients and an everchanging seasonal menu that takes inspiration from their own kitchen garden. For more relaxed fare head to their brasserie Bo & Muc for simple seasonal dishes, or settle in for the rest of the day with a delicious afternoon tea in their lounge. For bars, enjoy their Whisky bar where you can choose from 35 single malts and sample their rare finds, or their Beinn Bar located within the former dairy, where you can try various local ales and Scottish gins.

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2. The Fife Arms

Positioned within the picturesque village of Braemar alongside plenty of pretty stone houses and quaint tearooms and shops, you’ll find the cool and eccentric Fife Arms. A passion project from the masterminds behind art behemoth Hauser & Wirth, you can expect incredible and unique interiors, plenty of iconic art and a unique take on the traditional Scottish country house. Alongside the beautiful rooms and suites, you’ll find a spa complete with treatment rooms, sauna and fitness centre plus a boot and gun room ready to prep you for one of their curated outdoor experiences. For pre-dinner drinks head for a cocktail in Elsa’s Bar, a cosy art deco snug, followed by a dinner in their Clunie Dining Room with a menu filled with Scottish delights, or for a more laid-back experience, head to their Flying Stag public bar for elevated pub classics by the fire.

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3. Isle of Eriska

The only 5* hotel in Scotland with on its own private island, the idyllic Isle of Eriska is positioned off the west coast of Scotland with a rich history dating back to 1884. Enveloped in nature and accessed via a single bridge, choose to stay in one of their elegant Victorian rooms in the main house, or in one of their separate lodges for a more contemporary and modern experience. The ideal spot for adventurers, there is so much to do on this island. Hike or cycle through the rugged landscapes and discover hidden coves and woodlands, go kayaking or on a boat excursion, try axe throwing, beekeeping or fishing - the opportunities are abundant. Finish the day with dinner in one of their many restaurants, from fine dining through to their casual eateries, all serving locally sourced Scottish dishes.

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4. Links House at Royal Dornoch

Dating back to 1843 when it was originally a manse house and later a much-loved family home, Links House at Royal Dornoch beautifully nails the modern countryside aesthetic and feel. Stay in one of their 15 impeccably designed bedrooms and suites, complete with Hypnos mattresses and notable pieces of artwork and antiques. MARA is their fine dining restaurant, with a seasonally changing menu and locally sourced dishes. If you fancy trying something different whilst you’re staying there, they offer an abundance of unique experiences including falconry, boating, shooting, whisky and cheese tasting, archery and rural picnics served from the boot of one of their vintage Land Rover defenders. Plus if you’re into golf, the first tee is less than 100 yards from the front door.

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5. Glencoe House

Nestled within 10 acres of private gardens, Glencoe House is surrounded by mountain vistas on one side and panoramic loch views on the other. Stay in one of their 8 suites in the main house, where you’ll occupy a full wing of the building, or stay in one of their self-catering lodges in the grounds, each with their own private walled decking, hot tub and outdoor seating. Inside the lodges you’ll find a cosy sitting room with wood burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, luxurious bathroom and a relaxed bedroom on the floor above. Throughout your stay, you can have breakfast and a candlelit dinner served at your own private dining room table within your suite, for the ultimate romantic experience.

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6. Lundies House

An impeccably designed boutique hotel tucked away in a quaint Scottish village, Lundies House beautifully combines luxurious contemporary design with a cosy and warm feeling. Providing a full board, luxury experience, it’s a wonderful spot to unwind in without having to worry about a thing. With close attention to detail given to every elements, the individually designed rooms are dotted with wildflowers, feature hand-painted floral murals and are even equipped with smart backpacks you can borrow for a day of exploring. The main house features a ‘help yourself’ style kitchen, a well stocked honesty bar and cosy fire pits outside complete with snuggly blankets. If you can manage to peel yourself away from the hotel, you can take one of the hotel’s e-bikes for a ride, go on lovely walks or swim and surf in the sea, before heading back for a delicious dinner made using locally sourced ingredients and herbs from within the garden. If you’re lucky, dinner can even be arranged in the kitchen itself, so you can watch the chefs prepare the dishes whilst you sip away on a nice glass of wine - pure bliss.

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7. Rusacks St Andrews

A hotel rich in golfing history, the stunning building that Rusacks St Andrews is housed within dates back to the 1800s and overlooks the pretty town of St Andrews and the famous Old Course. Taking note from its golfing heritage, its richly decorated interiors are inspired by bygone eras and the sport itself, and are home to 3 restaurants including a rooftop restaurant and an impressive 123 bedrooms and suites. Opt for a room with a balcony looking out over the golf course and out to sea, where the iconic Chariots of Fire beach scene was filmed, for the ultimate vantage point. For formal food, head to the rooftop restaurant 18, which is run by Masterchef winner Derek Johnstone and benefits from the best panoramic views of St Andrews. For more informal food, head to Bridge on the ground floor, a light filled brasserie or to their pub in the basement, complete with plenty of live music.

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8. The Pierhouse

Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, The picturesque Pierhouse is tucked away in the quiet village of Port Appin and feels beautifully secluded, as you pass the beauty of Glencoe and the mountains on the way to the hotel. Embracing an informal and relaxed atmosphere, it is a boutique hotel with just 12 bedrooms, all featuring contemporary, warm and cosy design. Head to the bar when you get there, beautifully inviting with a warm wood burning fire and a choice of 90 whiskies, before heading to the restaurant for award-winning seafood dishes that are freshly prepared using locally sourced seafood and game. If you’re keen to explore, they’ve got plenty on offer both at the hotel and nearby - hire electric bikes and sea kayaks, wander around castles, head on seafari adventures, learn wildwood bushcraft and hike around the highlands.

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9. Dornoch Station

Fully embracing the Highlands’ rugged landscape and golfing heritage, Dornoch Station is an incredibly well designed hotel, that really immerses you in its unique, detailed and warm interiors. Celebrating the Scottish Highlands’ myths and magic throughout it’s design, we’ll totally get it if you never actually get round to leaving the hotel. Located just moments from the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club, one of Scotland’s best champion courses, the hotel also has breathtaking views of the coastline and Dornoch Firth. The hotel is home to 89 guest bedrooms, all rich in colour and texture, along with a private putting green, fully equipped fitness centre and complimentary bike rentals. Their wonderful restaurant and bar, The Golden Gorse and Bar Ross, both celebrate local suppliers and seasonal produce, creating delicious Highland inspired dishes.

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