Although travel restrictions are continuing to ease across the globe and overseas holidays are now officially back on the cards, if you’re feeling deterred due to this summer’s airport chaos and can’t quite face the queues and crowds, then it could be another good year to opt for a staycation instead.
The Scottish Highlands might not be the first place you think of if you are considering a luxurious holiday, but you might be surprised at some of the opulence that’s on offer while still experiencing everything that the beautiful Scottish countryside has to offer. From lavish lodges and quaint cottages to some delectable cuisine, all set against a backdrop of rolling green hills and breath-taking landscapes, it’s the perfect choice for a summertime break on home soil.
Here, we take a look at just how you can enjoy a holiday in the Highlands without having to compromise on those all-important home comforts – not to mention those extra luxury touches we all crave from a long-awaited getaway.
Choose your home away from home
Finding an elegant and extravagant accommodation option is perhaps one of the most important steps in ensuring your luxury holiday goes without a hitch, and from huge four-poster beds to stand-out features like Jacuzzis, saunas and home gyms, you can find just about anything you can dream up in the Highlands.
While there’s a lot to be said for five-star hotels, nothing offers quite the same level of privacy and exclusivity as hiring your own private lodge. Consider taking a look at Luxury Highland Lodges for some of the very finest in the region, which are certain to tick all the right boxes and more.
Stock up on local food – and even hire a private chef
Whether you’ve decided to try glamping or have rented out your own private space, stocking up on local food is an absolute must. There is nothing quite as luxurious as high-quality locally produced food you can really indulge in, so taking that step if you are catering for yourself is not one to be missed – but to up-level the experience even finer, why not hire in your own private chef to do all the cooking for you?
Make a day of sourcing your ingredients, and explore the surrounding villages to make the most of their markets, delicatessens, and other local specialties. You’ll come home with a sack full of locally produced goodies that you just cannot get anywhere else. If you want an authentic Scotland experience, opt for highland cheeses and wild mushrooms that have been picked fresh!
Back at your abode, you’ll be able to put your feet up with a glass of your favourite fine wine while your chef uses your shopping to whip you and your guests up a culinary masterpiece. And what could be more luxurious than that?
Explore the Highlands
Of course, the main reason people opt to visit the Scottish Highlands is because of the beautiful countryside, and if you’re looking for peace, tranquillity and the utmost in seclusion, then there are few better places.
Wild swimming, long, scenic walks, and enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches that the UK has to offer are just some of the activities you can get up to (in any weather, if you are brave enough!). Climbing mountains is also a popular activity in the Highlands and will promise you mesmerising views at any peak – so don’t forget to keep your camera on hand to capture some memories.
If you’re not really the outdoors type, then don’t write this destination off just yet, as if you’d rather avoid putting your body through rigorous exercise, then you can simply relax and enjoy the remote location of the Highlands, partake in some nature watching, and take in the surrounding expansive views while indulging in some fine food. The Highlands is a great spot to read that novel you have had your eye on for a while or just to just enjoy the calming silence of the countryside – so whatever your tastes, it’s the perfect spot to indulge and unwind.
Luxury holidays are always what you make of them, but taking the time to ensure everything is perfect can quickly turn a regular holiday into something special. Give the Highlands a try this year, and you might just be surprised at all it has to offer.
