Breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality and a rich history make Scotland an exceptionally special destination for a luxury journey.
From the epic mountain vistas of the Scottish Highlands to the stunning coastline of the Hebrides and the endless mirror-like lochs in between, Scotland has enchanted travellers for centuries. This fairytale-like land invites you to stay in age-old castles and charming stone cottages set on vast tracts of land where you can wander free, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The Best Luxury Lodges in Scotland
Whether staying on a grand estate overlooking the Highlands or a secluded retreat on a private island, Scotland’s luxury lodges offer unparalleled comfort and unpretentious, authentic hospitality that is unrivalled. Increasingly, many of these luxury lodges in Scotland have embarked on pioneering rewilding programmes, working to restore natural landscapes to their former glory. The benefits of rewilding not only lie in enhancing the beauty of the surroundings, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the country, its wildlife and its people — a true reflection of rewilding Scotland.
Below are some of the best places to stay in Scotland, each offering something unique but all providing exceptional luxury, world-class cuisine and spectacular settings.
Best for nature lovers
Alladale Wilderness Reserve stretches over 90 sqkm of mountains, forests, lochs and rivers in the heart of northern Scotland. Rugged and romantic, the reserve is home to one of Scotland’s most successful rewilding programmes, which has seen the return of many endemic species. This commitment to conservation is embedded in the ethos of the lodge, offering guests the chance to connect deeply with the natural environment and learn more about animal conservation success stories taking shape across the Highlands.
Stay in one of the welcoming cottages or the grand old Victorian lodge and fill your days learning more about the landscape through guided drives, hikes, mountain bike rides and traditional feasts paired with whisky tastings. The experience at Alladale is as much about relaxation as it is about education, making it a perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Scotland.
Best for Scottish heritage
This landmark in Braemar is a 19th-century neo-Gothic style property that has been given a playful contemporary touch through specially commissioned paintings, sculptures and chandeliers. Each of the 46 rooms has been individually designed to celebrate proud Scottish heritage with a modern flair, blending history and contemporary style seamlessly.
Stroll through the breathtaking gardens designed by Chelsea Flower Show medallist, Jinny Blom, dine on the freshest seasonal fare, and sample a few of the 365 whiskies at one of the best lodges to stay at in Scotland.
Best for a private getaway
Located on a private island just a few miles north of Oban, this Scottish baronial hotel is set on 365 acres, providing ample space to soak in the peace and tranquility with lochs and sea stretching as far as the eye can see. This is a serene place where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature and each other.
There are 30 bedrooms and suites, each more opulent than the last. The main house features traditional accommodation, while the Hilltop Reserves offer modern rooms equipped with kitchenettes, fireplaces and hot tubs. Be sure to spend a couple of hours in the on-site spa for restorative wellness treatments along with a few laps in the indoor heated pool.
Best for lochs and landscapes
Situated right on the shores of Loch Ness, Aldourie Castle combines the grandeur of a castle with the comfort of a home. Set on 500 acres of gardens, woodland and wildflower meadows, this enchanting castle offers an exclusive and intimate stay with just 12 bedrooms, all filled with plenty of natural light and featuring traditional Scottish décor.
Aldourie Castle is also part of WildLand’s pioneering 200-year vision of landscape-scale conservation in the Scottish Highlands, working to let nature heal, grow and thrive — an inspiring example of how regenerative travel can support long-term restoration. During your time at the castle, you’ll learn more about these conservation efforts, while also enjoying plenty of downtime, soaking in the uninterrupted loch views and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Best for Highland scenery
Community-led conservation is more than a strategy, it is a way of seeing. It shifts conservation from exclusion to partnership, from top-down policy to lived custodianship.
Africa’s frontline stewards are already leading the way, as both the data and stories in Seeding Solutions 2024 make resoundingly clear.
The question now is: how will we choose to follow, support and amplify their work?
This is truly a golfer’s paradise, with no less than three championship courses right on your doorstep, but Gleneagles Hotel offers so much more than just world-class golf. Set on a charming rural country estate, the 100-year old grounds feature a fantastic spa, three swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym along with 10 restaurants and bars, perfect for a post-round drink, romantic dinner or a cosy nightcap.
All the rooms exude a luxury, five-star feel, with décor inspired by the mountains, meadows, rivers and lakes of the Perthshire countryside with Scottish textiles and luxurious fabrics. This is not just a hotel – Gleneagles is a destination in itself with a wide range of activities catering to both the golf enthusiast and the luxury traveller.
Best luxury castle
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, originally dating back to the 19th century, is situated near Fort William in an area rich in landscape and history. When Queen Victoria visited in 1873, she wrote in her diary: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”, nestling in the foothills of Ben Nevis.
One of the highlights of a stay in the castle is its superb culinary offering at the flagship Seasgair restaurant helmed by celebrity chef, Michel Roux Jr. Spend your days wandering through the stunning walled gardens, exploring secret paths that wind their way through the trees, or engaging in a range of outdoor activities nearby, including wildlife tours, cycling and fishing before retreating back to your cosy castle for a ‘wee dram’ alongside a crackling fire.
Best for Highland hospitality
Situated on Sleat, the southern peninsula of the spectacular Isle of Skye, Kinloch Lodge Hotel is nestled between a mountain and Loch na Dal. Although it now stands as one of the most gorgeous luxury lodges in Scotland, the property was originally built in 1676 as a farmhouse and was later converted into a shooting lodge for the Macdonalds of Skye in the 18th century. Eventually, it would be transformed into a hotel by Godfrey Lord Macdonald and his wife, a world-renowned chef. It is still in the family to this day, continuing its tradition of true Highland hospitality.
Food is a central focus at the hotel, with much of what is presented on your plate coming from the Isle of Skye, foraged from the shore and sourced from local farmers. In between meals, explore the countryside on beautiful wild walks as you inhale the fresh mountain air.
We stayed at the Kinloch lodge on our team trip to the Scottish Highlands at the end of 2024, and had an incredible time.
We have an upcoming Hosted Journey in Wild Nature – Scotland Retreat, coming up in the beginning of May 2026, where changemakers unite to reconnect with nature and champion the restoration of our planet’s vital ecosystems. Contact our experts to enquire more today.
Interested in Lodges in Scotland?
If you are ready to embark on your own Scottish adventure, then get in touch with our expert travel team on +44 20 8044 9538 or at connect@journeyswithpurpose.org and begin creating your once-in-a-lifetime, luxury trip to this remarkable country.
