SPONSORED: 5 of the most extraordinary places to stay in Scotland

There has been a rise in the number of people opting for a Scottish stay-cation each year as holidaymakers shun the sun abroad for a truly unique experience on home soil. To celebrate this, we have sourced some amazing places for you and your family to stay, especially if you are looking for somewhere a little outside the box. Will you opt to stay in a treehouse, a converted railway carriage, a safari lodge, a glamping pod or a luxurious lighthouse suite?

 

Experience a luxury stay in a secluded treehouse

Two sumptuous, architect-designed treehouses on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park await you at Dalnoid.

If you could imagine the perfect setting for a romantic treehouse, you’d probably picture beautiful Glenshee, magnificently surrounded by mountains, forests and heather-strewn moorland.

Each self-contained treehouse-for-two is blissfully secluded with amazing mountain views (even better when viewed from your hot tub, glass of bubbles in hand!)

The Silver Birch Treehouse is accessed by a tree-lined track illuminated with fairy lights. Cross the bridge and feel immediately as though you’ve booked yourselves into a grand hotel suite.

The huge, open-plan interior is immediately welcoming, featuring a wood-burning stove, an opulently-furnished lounge area with TV, and a fully-equipped kitchen and dining space. 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to flood inside by day, and act as a magnificent canvas for sunset-watching and stargazing.

The bubble-wall bathroom has a free-standing bath, dual washbasins and a walk-in rainfall shower. When it’s time to turn in, the superking-size bed, set under a glass pyramid roof light, all but guarantees a sound night’s sleep.

The Scots Pine Treehouse is very similar in style and layout, discovered through a ‘secret’ log archway amongst the trees. Both treehouses also feature wraparound decking and scenery-showcasing hot tub.

 

Stay in a lighthouse suite on the Ayrshire coast

Defy the ordinary at Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort. Set on the Ayrshire coast, the hotel features breath-taking views towards the Isle of Arran and provides the ideal setting for a relaxed getaway. Rising from the mist, one suite stands out like a beacon amongst the rest – The Lighthouse Suite.

Elegant in its décor and grand in its aura, The Lighthouse Suite is set in the original Stevenson Lighthouse building dating back to 1873. There is a large and lavishly furnished living room with an extensive private terrace for the enjoyment of al fresco meals or drinks or simply to contemplate one of the world’s most iconic views. Above are two bedrooms, each with their own bathroom where you can enjoy a bath with unrivalled coastal views.

Standing at 24 metres high, the towering lighthouse is steeped in history. Situated amongst the ruins of Turnberry Castle, the birthplace of King Robert the Bruce, the structure was built by pioneering Scottish lighthouse designer Thomas Stevenson; the father of renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson.

In 2016 the lighthouse was painstakingly restored into one of the world’s finest hotel suites, shining a new light onto this remarkable piece of Scottish history.

Experience this lavish suite for yourself with rates from £1,490. To book call 01655 333 991 or email reservations@trumpturnberry.com to book.

 

For total escapism choose a luxury camping holiday in Aberdeenshire

Down on the Farm in rural Aberdeenshire provides a great base for family holidays, romantic getaways or a memorable location to celebrate a special occasion.

It offers four luxury camping options – Harvest Hut, an off-grid shabby chic revamp of a former farm workers accommodation and the Coastal Carriage, a tastefully remodelled vintage railway carriage. Both are beautifully decorated and come with log burners.

There are also two tube-shaped and nautical-themed glamping pods, better known as Hobbits, which come with comfy beds and cushions, a kettle, microwave, fridge, crockery and cutlery and even a TV to fend off boredom (but there’s not much chance of that!)

Even the toilet at Down on the Farm is a great cause for excitement – an outside loo built into a giant converted whisky barrel.  In fact the toilet was the winner of the prestigious Home Throne Award at the Loo of the Year Awards in 2012.

By combining the romance of glamping, the adventure of the farm and escapism of the countryside, the scene is set for a truly memorable experience.

 

 

Get away from it all in a Scottish safari lodge

Few places can genuinely claim that you can sit on your front deck while enjoying a glass of wine and watch a pod of dolphins go by; well this is part of the magic that awaits guests at Catchpenny Safari Lodges.

Having undone its zips to the world for the first time in 2018, the family-run Catchpenny is a collection of eight luxury canvas safari lodges with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth, located between the popular seaside villages of Elie and St Monans in the East Neuk of Fife.

The self-catered lodges each sleep up to six people in two double and two single beds, with a private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, open-plan living dining area with log burning stove and of course expansive covered front deck for soaking up the views.

Dog friendly Catchpenny is completely off-grid with all power generated using micro wind turbines and solar panels and stored in batteries within each lodge.

Unplug, relax and revive – Catchpenny provides the perfect base for getting away from it all and exploring the historic fishing villages of the East Neuk and miles of deserted beaches along the Fife Coastal Path.

 

 

Go glamping in a beautiful pod in the Borders

Near the historic towns of Hawick (‘cashmere capital’), Denholm and Jedburgh, Westcote Glamping offers panoramic views of the Minto Hills, rich Reivers history and an array of outdoor activities.

On-site it has a variety of animals from lambs to peacocks and a beautiful glen perfect for dog walks or horse riding; they even offer stabling facilities. While, nearby you will find exhilarating hikes, great golfing, historic ruins and charming pubs.

With a range of beautifully styled pods, huts and gypsy caravans each with individual character, you can enjoy the closeness of nature without forgoing the luxury of home comforts. All accommodation options come with warm brushed cotton sheets, luxurious feather duvets and outdoor decking areas equipped with their own BBQ and fire pit.

So visit Westcote to relax under the spectacular Scottish stars that fall slightly north of Europe’s largest dark sky reserve while toasting marshmallows and drinking your complimentary bottle of Prosecco.

Fundamentally, Westcote offers a luxury, sustainable and enjoyable option for those wishing to visit the Borders region or those looking for a Scottish staycation.

Therefore, visit this season for an idyllic rest or an outdoor pursuits-filled adventure in one of Scotland’s most extraordinary, but underrated, regions.