The rugged landscape and history of Scotland make it a romantic place to be all year round, but come Valentine’s Day, many of the hotels are laying on something a little bit special for your stay. Four-poster beds, breakfast baskets, complimentary champagne and chocolates, and bespoke dinners all feature in Valentine’s stays in some of Scotland’s most incredible hotels. This vast sweeping country also has many tucked-away cabins and cottages with some extra romantic features like private hot tubs and incredible views of lochs and mountains. Enjoy a romantic woodland walk and toast marshmallows on an open fire.
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Whether you’re staying in the city or out in the wild wilderness, Scotland has an amazing choice in super romantic getaways. Here are my favorites.
1. Maryculter House, Aberdeenshire
Immerse yourself in the abundance of natural landscapes and adventurous activities while staying at the luxurious four-star Maryculter House, situated on the banks of the Royal Deeside. One of Scotland’s most historic hotels dating back to the 13th century, the stunning property has retained many of its original features, including its ancient Great Hall central to the legends of the Knights Templar. You’ll be treated to champagne and roses on arrival, and your room will be decorated with helium heart balloons to start your Valentine’s weekend. Enjoy dinner at Poacher’s Brasserie, which offers stunning views of the River Dee, and enjoy dishes from seasonal, local ingredients from the mountain to the sea.
2. Lower Polnish, Ardnish Peninsula
Perfect for couples looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day living, Lower Polnish is a unique Scottish retreat for two. This cozy cabin offers the chance to get away from distractions, get back to basics, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. This cozy former blackhouse sits a stone’s throw from the private shoreline on the Ardnish Peninsula in an isolated position away from it all, with only wildlife to disturb you. True romantics can make the most of gathering driftwood to toast marshmallows over a fire on the shore, spotting red deer, seals, and dragonflies, and bonding over board games in front of a roaring fire.
3. Cabin By The Castle, Elgin
If you love a remote, wind-swept Scottish castle, how about staying right next to your very own ruin of one? The Cabin by the Castle is exactly that. This cozy, two-person cabin is positioned under the gaze of this old castle on the hill, which dates back to the 1600s. You can sit out on the patio, toast marshmallows around the fire pit, and enjoy a dram of whisky or two while gazing over at Duffus Castle. One of the windows in the cabin has been designed to provide a picture frame of the castle, and no matter where you sit, you can see the ancient ruin.
Pro Tip: The region of Moray is famous for its many whisky distilleries. You can take a tour, indulge in some tasting, and buy a bottle or two to take back to the cabin with you.
4. Frances’ Sketch Pad, Fort William
This cozy, romantic cabin near Fort William in the highlands is named after the owner’s mother, Frances, who liked to paint the amazing views in this area. Frances’ Sketch Pad has a wraparound veranda with its own private hot tub, all with incredible views of Ben Nevis. Set in awe-inspiring scenery of mountains and a rugged landscape, this two-person cabin is a romantic retreat with all the little luxuries needed to make your getaway the most memorable possible. And if you fancy following in Frances’ footsteps and having a go at painting or drawing, the views are very inspiring.
5. Arcadia, Loch Lomond
This tucked away couples’ cabin, Arcadia, is set in a dell within vast magical woodland, giving it a real fairy tale atmosphere. If you like a real getaway, this rustic cabin is secluded and very romantic. The cute handcrafted cabin has a small veranda, is lit by fairy lights, and includes an outdoor bath on the wooden patio so you can relax and bathe under the stars. You can toast marshmallows on the fire and get cozy while spotting the natural wildlife of the area. If you like the outdoors and want a romantic stay that fuzes luxury with camping, this is a perfect choice.
Pro Tip: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are close by, so this is a great base for exploring the park and the stunning scenery. It’s the ideal base if you like hiking, or if you just want a slow wander around in the beautiful landscape. I recommend spending a few nights here, as there is a lot to explore to really do it justice.
6. Hotel Indigo Dundee
Hotel Indigo Dundee is set in a former textile mill with its own bell tower, making this a unique and unusual space for a hotel. The hotel is offering a Valentine’s stay package that includes your overnight stay with breakfast plus a Valentine’s dinner in their adjoining restaurant, Daisy Tasker. I love how the Hotel Indigos all over the UK are so different from one another. I’ve stayed in a few now, and they are all unique, always inhabiting the most interesting and historic buildings. The restaurants are also all unique and are all run separately from the hotels. The Valentine’s dinner at Daisy Tasker includes smoked salmon, champagne chicken, and warm dark chocolate with orange fondant. Add a bottle of champagne to make it extra romantic.
7. Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall
Tulloch Castle dates back to the 12th century, and though it was once the home of Clan Davidson, it is now a stunning 22-bedroom hotel. This is a naturally romantic location at any time, but around Valentine’s Day, it gets even cozier. The hotel has a few rooms with four-poster beds and some with balconies. If you book the Romantic Break package you’ll find a box of chocolates and a bottle of the hotel’s house champagne waiting for you in your room. Along with the four-poster bed, this makes Tulloch Castle a great choice for a romantic getaway in a stunning area of Scotland.
8. Stonefield Castle, Loch Fyne
The incredible Stonefield Castle, now a luxury hotel, was built in 1837 and retains many of its original features. There isn’t anything much more romantic than staying in a castle, but Stonefield has gone one step further and is offering a romantic break package. You’ll be staying in one of the castle’s best rooms, with dinner in the restaurant and a full Scottish breakfast in the morning. On arrival, you’ll find a bottle of prosecco waiting in your room, plus a box of chocolates for you to enjoy. Principle rooms at the castle are like a mini-suite, and you’ll find fluffy complimentary bathrobes and slippers inside, so you can really relax.
Pro Tip: The castle grounds lead right down onto the banks of Loch Fyne, giving this castle an incredible setting. They even have their very own island, Barmore, where you can spot seals. It’s a mesmerizing place, but don’t forget a good pair of walking boots, or even better, wellies (rain boots), as it does get very muddy.
9. House Of Gods, Edinburgh
For a romantic hideaway in the center of busy Edinburgh, you won’t find it cozier or more luxurious than House of Gods. This cocktail bar with cabin rooms has everything you need for a night or two of complete relaxation and being treated like you really are special. The rooms are very romantic, with sleigh beds, free-standing baths, and a well-stocked bar. You even get breakfast in bed the next morning, in the form of a romantic picnic basket. You don’t need to leave the room, but don’t miss a wander into the cocktail bar, where you can spend some time making your way through the incredible cocktail menu.
To find out more about a stay at House of Gods, take a look at my article on the unique Edinburgh cocktail bar where you can stay the night.
10. Brae Cottage, Monzie Estate, Near Crieff
Nestled along the border of the Scottish highlands and lowlands, Monzie Estate provides visitors with a rural escape just over an hour’s drive from Glasgow Airport. A go-to cottage for romantic getaways, Monzie Estate’s Brae Cottage is a cozy destination. Perched on the top of a hill with no other buildings around, Brae Cottage boasts total peace and privacy while offering spectacular views of the 4,000-acre Monzie Estate and the breathtaking Scottish countryside. Guests at Brae Cottage can relax in a hot tub under the clear, dark, and starry skies or unwind indoors with cozy tartan throws, a log fire burner, and gorgeous walnut interiors. The properties are powered by hydroelectricity, with furnishings made from upcycled materials in the estate’s on-site joinery. Guests will be spoiled for choice with numerous picturesque lochs and Munroes nearby. This popular holiday spot is accessible come rain or snow, and the charming local village of Crieff is only a short drive away.
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