This Valentine’s Day, get away into the wilds of Scotland with your special somebody and enjoy a beguiling mix of luxury and stunning scenery with these retreats and bothies suggested by Embrace Scotland
SNIPIE’S BOTHY
Snipie’s Bothy is a lovers’ gem, nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire.
With spectacular views of Bennachie to the north, this is the perfect spot to cosy up next to the wood-burning stove or explore the romance of the surrounding countryside.
Local highlights include famous whisky distilleries, the unique Cooperage Centre, Royal Deeside, forest walks, mountain biking routes and golf courses galore.
Price on request. Phone 01464 841394.
LOCH LOMOND LUXURY LODGES
Enjoy one of these charming luxury lodges tucked away on the banks of Loch Lomond. Relax in your own sauna or covered hot tub (there’s nothing like relaxing in bubbling water while surrounded by snow), enjoy a leisurely walk in the extensive private gardens, or gaze across the stunning shimmering waters. Don’t forget to tuck into the complimentary welcome pack when you arrive.
From £470 for three nights. Phone 01360 660054.
FAR HORIZONS HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Comfort, rural island peace, inspiring views and all the clean sea air you can breathe are all part of the appeal of Far Horizons.
Situated on Ivy Cottage Farm on the Isle of Arran, the Hayshed, Ploughman’s Bothy and Blacksmith’s Bothy all overlook the sea with uninterrupted views all the way to Kintyre.
Watch the sun set over the water while cuddled with your loved one next to a terrace barbecue for a perfect romantic experience.
From £540 for three nights. Phone 01770 870295.
LOCH LOMOND WATERFRONT LODGES
Set in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park, these stunning luxury lodges are an ideal lovers’ getaway. Situated on the waterfront on the east side of the loch, each lodge has a private hot tub, steam cabin, en suite bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens all with loch views, not to mention access to a private beach and the availability of a personal chef to cook your very own romantic meal in your lodge.
From £390 for three nights. Phone 01360 870144.
HEBRIDEAN LUXURY HOLIDAYS
Tucked away near the edge of Stornoway on the hauntingly beautiful Isle of Lewis, these five-star lodges are the ideal getaway haven for lovebirds.
Craigroyston, Lolaire and Metagama are timber clad, warm super-insulated houses, complete with private saunas and Jacuzzi baths. All lodges come with stoves, high vaulted ceilings, oak floors and a view to die for.
From £400 for three nights. Phone 07917 035295.
AIRHOUSES LUXURY LODGES
These five-star luxury lodges nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders are all about self-catering in comfort and style – from the welcome breakfast baskets packed with locally sourced goodies to hot-tub heaven – the Airhouses offer everything a happy couple could want. Close enough to Edinburgh for a romantic Michelin-star restaurant visit, alternatively feast on home-cooked farm ingredients while enjoying the warmth of the country-life.
From £430 for three nights. Phone 01578 717113.
PRESS MAINS COTTAGES
Relax and unwind in a romantic bothy or traditional crofter’s lodge for two, on the Scottish Borders.
Complete with spa baths,
four-poster beds and cosy log
fires, a weekend stay here is always a treat.
They even have their very own private “wildlife TV channel” where guests can watch the local red squirrels, roe deer and even badgers go about their daily business, while the spectacular coastal walks will have you falling into each others’ arms in no time.
From £200 for three nights. Phone 01890 7714310.
LAZY DAY COTTAGES
Relax and unwind in rural comfort at the Lazy Day Cottages, Berwick Upon Tweed. With facilities including an outdoor hot tub, traditional Finnish sauna, luxury double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, open-plan kitchen, dining and chill-out room, patio with extensive private garden, it is little wonder the Lazy Day luxury log cabins won a five-star rating from the Scottish Tourist Board.
Wheelchair access is also available.
Whether you’re relaxing or out-and-about active, you’ll both find a perfect time here.
From £470 for three nights. Phone 01289 384938.
GHILLIE’S COTTAGE
Ghillie’s Cottage is a beautiful, recently refurbished romantic holiday getaway set in the rolling hills of Nithsdale in Dumfries and Galloway.
The cottage has been redeveloped into one spacious living area, with a large garden and set in private farmland. The cottage is within easy access of a host of local attractions, from Drumlanrig Castle to the quaint villages of Thornhill and Moniaive, while exploring the rolling hills and stunning woodlands as the sun sets will put you in the perfect mood for a cosy evening in.
From £375 for three nights. Phone 01848 330443.
THE BOTHY, GLENSHEE
The Bothy offers a true “home from home” experience and the ideal cosy getaway for couples this Valentine’s.
Situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, the Bothy is a haven for long romantic walks, snow-laden slopes, visits to historic castles and some of Scotland’s very best distilleries. Complete with underfloor heating, a cosy sitting room with french doors and your own private garden, this is a lovers’ paradise definitely worth visiting.
Price on request. Phone 07903 831294.
Embrace Scotland is a marketing initiative promoted by The Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers (ASSC). Embrace is the only organisation in Scotland to Quality Assure all their self-catering holiday cottages, houses, apartments, lodges and chalets in Scotland to ensure a fantastic getaway. Visit www.embracescotland.co.uk