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Scottish Highlands hidden gems

Published 20th May 2026

We love the Scottish Highlands. You just can't beat them for mystery, romance and sheer beauty.

And we've found some of the best off-the-beaten track places to stay. Think cottages beside cool dark lochs, hidden cabins in the mountains and wild hideaways right on the beach.

These are the Scottish Highland getaways to have on your radar right now.

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Romantic Highland escapes for two

Lux Compact Cabin

Lux Compact Cabin

Perthshire - Perth

Sleeps 2
A luxury cabin in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, with king-sized bed, ensuite shower room and kitchen, perfect for a couples' retreat.
Black h

Black h

Isle of Skye - Highland

Sleeps 2
Spaciously minimalist and modern, Black h is the perfect self-catered property for two to enjoy the privacy and remote beauty of the Isle of Skye
Cairn Valley

Cairn Valley

Aviemore - Inverness-shire

Sleeps 2
Secluded Highland cottage near Aviemore with a spa tub, woodland views and magical wildlife encounters.
Tiny House Mhor

Tiny House Mhor

Lochearnhead - Loch Lomond

Sleeps 2
Plan the perfect couples' retreat with a visit to Tiny House Mhor in Balquhidder, Perthshire, an eco-friendly property with a fire pit, wood burner and countryside views.
Tallavey Cottages

Tallavey Cottages

Enochdhu - Perthshire

2 per cottage
Two stone built cottages dating back to the 1800s offer a high end romantic getaway in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Migdale Heights

Migdale Heights

ARDGAY - Sutherland

Sleeps 2
Cosy and stylish cabins nestled amongst the Scottish Highlands with hot tubs and spectacular views over Loch Migdale.
Moray Cabin

Moray Cabin

Elgin - Moray

Sleeps 2
This solar powered eco cabin sits in Scotland's beautiful Moray region, offering arresting views of the nearby Duffus Castle ruins.
Rowan Cottage

Rowan Cottage

Isle of skye - Scotland

Sleeps 2
Enjoy a romantic retreat at this beautiful and modern cabin on the Isle of Skye with incredible sea views.
Croft 103

Croft 103

Durness - Sutherland

Two crofts, each sleeping 2 adults
Two contemporary eco-hideouts in a wild Scottish landscape, hidden away from the outside world for the ultimate romance…
MidPark A-Frame Cabin

MidPark A-Frame Cabin

Huntly - Aberdeenshire

2 adults
Take in the dark skies and northern lights at this designer larch A-frame on a contemporary Scottish Estate with Highland Coos nearby.
The Birdhouse

The Birdhouse

Applecross - Ross shire

Sleeps 2
Charming couple's retreat by the coast in the Scottish Highlands with stylish interior close to the North Coast 500 route.
Rhuroin

Rhuroin

Shieldaig - Ross-shire

2+1 kid
This marvellous home in the Highlands overlooks the sea and offers warm, calming interiors in a wonderfully peaceful setting.
Bliss Haus

Bliss Haus

West Coast - Scottish Highlands

2 - 4
Bliss Haus is a stylish coastal hideaway by the Atlantic ocean, perfect for the ultimate escape from the everyday.
Cairn Lodges

Cairn Lodges

Arisaig - Mallaig

Lodges sleeping 2, 4 or 6
Four stunning modern luxury wood cabins with hot tubs, log burners, underfloor heating and breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands

Highland family stays for 4 - 7

Lewie’s Croft

Lewie’s Croft

Achnasheen - Wester Ross

Sleeps 4
Designed by an award-winning architect, this outstanding retreat offers stunning exteriors, grand social spaces and breathtaking views of Loch Ewe.
Cuillrigh

Cuillrigh

Portree - Isle of Skye

Sleeps 4
Modern, stylish holiday home on the Isle of Skye, offering spectacular views of the dramatic Highland landscape and great access to the vibrant town of Portree.
The Field House

The Field House

Avernish - Kyle of Lochalsh

Sleeps 4
An architect-designed Highlands retreat that sits in perfect harmony within its stunning location on the banks of Loch Alsh.
The Cabin Skye

The Cabin Skye

Isle of Skye

Sleeps 4
Enjoy a peaceful escape in this stylish, environmentally-friendly cabin with uninterrupted sea views on the Isle of Skye.
Tigh Na Mara

Tigh Na Mara

Near Lochaline - Argyll

Sleeps 4
Contemporary oak-framed coastal retreat with sweeping views over the Sound of Mull.
Avernish Lodge

Avernish Lodge

Kyle of Lochalsh - Ross-shire

Sleeps 4
Rugged outside, modern inside… This 2-bedroom lodge on the banks of Loch Alsh has the most beautiful of locations and superb style
Bailebeg Cottage

Bailebeg Cottage

Ballindalloch - Banffshire

Sleeps 4
Escape to the Highlands with a stay in this beautiful stone cottage with stunning views over an estate in the Cairngorms National Park.
Eagle Lodge

Eagle Lodge

Aviemore - Inverness-shire

Sleeps 4
Fabulous timber-clad lodge with sauna and gym access in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Tigh Beag

Tigh Beag

Shieldaig - Ross-Shire

Sleeps 4
The perfect combination of subtle style and stunning scenery, Tigh Beag is in just the right place for that Scottish holiday you always wanted - right by Loch Shieldaig.
Dalmore Bothy

Dalmore Bothy

Blairgowrie - Perthshire

Sleeps 4
Luxurious, newly built bothy hidden away in the Scottish Highlands - perfect for a tranquil retreat with the family.
Railway Cottage Killin

Railway Cottage Killin

Lix Toll - Stirlingshire

4+2
Beautiful and historic railway cottage in a secluded location surrounded by hills and forest with open fire and large garden in Killin, Scotland.
9 Achnacloich

9 Achnacloich

Isle of Skye

Sleeps 6
Renovated croft house on the Isle of Skye boasting breath-taking sea and mountain views.
Clarsach - Gairloch

Clarsach - Gairloch

Gairloch - Highlands

Sleeps 6
Sleek and spacious contemporary Highlands cottage, with three double bedrooms, enviable views and modern amenities.
Stable Cottage

Stable Cottage

Alexandria - West Dun

Sleeps 6
Traditional stable-doored stone cottage with a bright, colourful interior a short drive from Loch Lomond.
Allt An Tsaoir

Allt An Tsaoir

Sheildaig - Strathcarron

Sleeps 6
Spectacular coastal lodge in Torridon with panoramic loch and mountain views in the wild Scottish Highlands.
The Longhouse

The Longhouse

Aberfeldy - Perthshire

Sleeps 6
Stunning timber and glass longhouse, stylish and modern yet warm and welcoming, surrounded by the glorious Scottish Highlands.
McLeod's Cottage

McLeod's Cottage

Ballindalloch - Banffshire

Sleeps 6
Charming cottage on a spectacular estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, perfect for a Highlands escape with the family.
The Lighthouse - Gairloch

The Lighthouse - Gairloch

Gairloch - Wester Ross

Sleeps 7
Enjoy having your own private haven in the spectacular Scottish Highlands at The Lighthouse in Gairloch.

Large Highland houses for groups of 8+

The Cairngorm Cottage

The Cairngorm Cottage

Dulnain Bridge - Grantown-On-Spey

Sleeps 8
Luxurious cottage with a hot tub and stunning views in the Cairngorms National Park, perfect for a family escape to the Highlands.
Surradale Farmhouse

Surradale Farmhouse

Elgin - Moray

Sleeps 8
Stunning farmhouse retreat near Elgin with a wood-fired hot tub, cosy wood-burner, big skies and miles of walking opportunities.
Kilchuimen House

Kilchuimen House

Fort Augustus - Inverness-shire

Sleeps 8
This truly magical Highlands escape is located on the southern shore of Loch Ness and offers stunning views, open-plan living and luxurious interiors.
Pine View Lodge

Pine View Lodge

Mallaig - Invernesshire

Sleeps 10
Stunning Highland retreat offering incredible views, a wood-fired hot tub, a cold plunge and a grand open plan living space.
Home Farm Oban

Home Farm Oban

Oban - Argyll and Bute

Sleeps 10
Enchanting hideaway tucked within a private woodland glen near Oban offering groups of up to 10 a peaceful and private retreat.
The Old Manse

The Old Manse

Inverness - Inverness-Shire

Sleeps 12
A grand Scottish Highlands property, sleeping up to 12 guests in luxury and style, with views over the magnificent Loch Ness.
The Mountain Grange

The Mountain Grange

Aviemore - Highlands

Sleeps 15
Enjoy the sheer luxury of this Scottish Highlands lodge, with its log burning fireplaces, large hot tub, and views of the picturesque Cairngorm Mountains.
Old Milton

Old Milton

Kingussie - Highlands

Sleeps 16
This former shooting lodge offers spectacular views of the Cairngorms National Park, and comes with its own golf course.
Kincraig House

Kincraig House

Kincraig - Highland

Sleeps 18
Grand and opulent Highland estate lodge near Aviemore with turret bathroom, hot tub and sweeping Cairngorm views.
Big Husky Lodge

Big Husky Lodge

Boat of Garten - Inverness-shire

Sleeps 25
Luxury holiday lodge in the Scottish Highlands that sleeps up to 25 guests, boasting a games room, spa suite and outdoor hot tub.
What are some hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands for a unique stay?

Discover enchanting hideaways like the fairytale-like treehouses in Glenfinnan, or secluded loch-side cabins near Ullapool, offering tranquillity and breath-taking views.

How can I find sustainable accommodation options in the Scottish Highlands?

Coolstays offers a range of eco-friendly properties across the Highlands, from solar-powered retreats to environmentally conscious lodges designed to minimise their carbon footprint.

Are there family-friendly unique stays in the Scottish Highlands?

Yes, families can enjoy stays at converted railway carriages on private estates or spacious barn conversions with activities nearby, ensuring an unforgettable Highland adventure.

What special amenities can I expect at a Coolstays property in the Scottish Highlands?

Expect features like hot tubs overlooking dramatic landscapes, cosy wood-burning stoves for chilly evenings, and bespoke interiors that blend comfort with local charm.

Where can couples find romantic accommodations in the Scottish Highlands?

Couples will love our handpicked cottages nestled along serene lochs or intimate bothies surrounded by untouched wilderness for a perfect romantic escape.

Do any Coolstays properties offer guided outdoor activities in the Scottish Highlands?

Many properties partner with local guides to offer exclusive experiences such as hiking trails through ancient forests or kayaking on tranquil lochs to enhance your stay.

Can I bring my pet to a Coolstays property in the Scottish Highlands?

Numerous properties welcome pets, allowing you and your four-legged friend to explore scenic trails and rugged landscapes together without compromising on comfort and style.

Are there any luxury glamping options available in the Scottish Highlands through Coolstays?

Experience luxury under canvas with our curated selection of stylish yurts and safari tents set amidst stunning Highland scenery, blending wilderness with indulgent amenities.

How do I reach hidden gems featured on Coolstays in remote parts of the Scottish Highlands?

While some locations are accessible by car, others may require short hikes or transfers arranged by hosts. Detailed directions and support ensure smooth arrivals at these secluded spots.

What makes staying at a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands different from traditional accommodations?

A stay at one of these unique locations offers unparalleled privacy, distinct character shaped by spectacular nature, and immersive experiences away from typical tourist paths.