Our favourite Scottish Lodges for a Self-Isolating Staycation

5 lodges with hot tubs in Scotland: I’ll race you…

When it comes to social isolation, it doesn’t get much better than the Scottish highlands – or any of those other scenic corners of the country where you can still have a break, far from the crowds. A log cabin makes a great choice for a post-lockdown break, because it allows you to (FINALLY) escape those same four walls you’ve been looking at every day, while still staying safe, so, for anyone looking to swap one form of social isolation for another right now, here are 5 of our favourite lodges with hot tubs in Scotland: just please don’t ask me to pick a favourite…

5 lodges with hot tubs in Scotland

(Disclosure: we visited these locations as part of previous blog collaborations, however I was not asked to include them in this post and received no compensation for doing so…)

01.

Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges

As the name suggests, Loch Lomond Waterfront sits right on the banks of the famous loch, and is one of the most tranquil places I’ve ever stayed. Our beautiful lodge comfortably slept four adults and one toddler, and had a hot tub with a view right down to the water – absolute bliss! The nearby villages of Balmaha, Drymen and Killearn are all picture-perfect, and perfect for a stroll, while the Loch Lomond visitor centre, and other attractions, are just a short drive away. The lodges re-open today (July 15th), with contactless check-in and out, enhanced cleaning services and no need to interact with anyone at all, if you so wish – so, as well as being Covid-19 safe, it’s also an introvert’s dream, basically. 

As these are self-catering lodges, each with their own private patios and hot tubs, it’s the kind of place even I would comfortable visiting right now – and that’s saying something. Check out my full review here.

02.
Highland Heather Lodges, Crieff

Another hot tub with a view (It’s the one in the first two photos on this page) – this time of the beautiful countryside around Crieff, Perthshire. This lodge was so private that I don’t think we saw another guest the entire time we were there: we did, however, see a red squirrel (Which is very rare in the central belt, but more common further north), and various other wildlife, which all helped add to the experience! Again, the lodge itself was absolutely beautiful, with two bedrooms and a fully-fitted kitchen. Max was a big fan of the little play park (It was just a swing and slide, but he WAS only 1 and a half at the time!) right outside our door, while we thoroughly enjoyed exploring nearby Drummond Castle gardens and Auchingarrich Visitor Centre. It’s a stunning part of the world, and one we could easily have spent much more time in – and no, I’m not just talking about the hot tub…

As with many holiday cottages in Scotland, these are self-catering log cabins, so you can bring your own food and maintain complete social isolation, or visit one of the many restaurants / takeaways nearby – up to you. Read my full review here.

03. 
Eagle Brae, Scottish Highlands

OK, I know this post is supposed to be about lodges with hot tubs in Scotland, but I couldn’t resist including Eagle Brae, because while our log cabin there didn’t have a hot tub, we really didn’t miss it, especially given that we had this spectacular view to look at, right from the comfort of our bed: 

(Oh, and it may not have a hot tub, but our lodge DID have its own private sauna, plus a herd of deer who’d come right up to the windows, and stand there looking at us curiously. No, you REALLY won’t miss that hot tub…)

When it comes to log cabins in Scotland, they really don’t get much more luxurious than this one (In fact, when lockdown started I kept saying to Terry, “I just wish it had happened this time last year, and we’d got stuck at Eagle Brae.” Because I can definitely think of worse places to spend a few weeks in, that’s for sure…), and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. It’s also well placed as a jumping-off point to explore the Highlands, being about 20 minutes drive from Inverness, and close to the banks of Loch Ness. Read my full review here.

04.
Landal Piperdam, near Dundee

While many lodges with hot tubs in Scotland offer self-catering facilities only, Landal Piperdam is slightly different, in that the log cabins are all part of a much larger complex, which comes complete with play barn, restaurant and bar. There’s also tons of activities available (These may not all be available at the moment, obviously, so make sure you check with them directly before booking, if there’s something you’re particularly interested in): we loved trying out the Segeways, but there’s also a large indoor pool, if you’d rather just kick back and relax. (And, of course, our lodge came with its own hot tub, which is where we ended up spending the majority of our time.)

As the resort is close to Dundee, we enjoyed the opportunity to explore the city – including the stunning V&A museum – but there’s also more than enough to keep you busy on site, if you don’t want to venture too far from your home-from-home. Read my full review here.

05.
Auchrannie Resort & Lodges, Isle of Arran

I’m cheating slightly with this one, because, when we visited Auchrannie, we actually stayed in the hotel, rather than in one of the luxury lodges which are part of the resort. We were, however, due to stay in one of the lodges not long after lockdown started, and were absolutely gutted that it didn’t go ahead, because this resort is one of our favourite places in the world, and the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Isle of Arran.

There’s a range of holiday cottages and lodges on offer – and yes, some have hot tubs – and they’re the perfect place to retreat from the world. As with all holiday cottages in Scotland right now, you’ll have to check with the resort directly to find out exactly which facilities will be open during your stay: these cottages all have self-catering facilites, for instance, but you may also want to check out the hotel’s spa, pool, and restaurants – so just make sure Covid-19 wont stop you doing that before you book!

On the subject of staycations, meanwhile, while you’re staying in one of these lovely lodges, the people at Wayfair have come up with this little game of Staycation Bingo, to help lift your spirits and help you imagine you’re on some exotic holiday:

How many of these have you achieved so far during lockdown? I’m pretty sure I’ve got “fridge open 24/7” nailed – mow I just need to get on with the rest…

Any other lodges with hot tubs in Scotland that I need to know about?

The best holiday cottages, log cabins and lodges with hot tubs in Scotland

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