11 of the top minimoon hideaways in Scotland 2021

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September 20, 2021

Be Inspired, Destination, Minimoons, Venues

11 of the top minimoon hideaways in Scotland 2021

We’ve always said Scotland is the perfect location for a minimoon and this year it couldn’t be more true.

With travel restrictions putting paid to many couples’ plans for a big honeymoon, staying closer to home for a romantic getaway is just what the doctor ordered.

And you really couldn’t do any better. Whether you fancy kicking off married life in a secluded boathouse or treehouse, living it up in a luxurious spa hotel or taking to the water on a barge in the heart of Edinburgh, there’s a minimoon fit for every couple’s tastes.

Read on for 11 of our fave minimoon hideaways in Scotland in 2021.

Airth Castle Hotel & Spa

Located in Central Scotland, Airth Castle Hotel & Spa offers the perfect secluded countryside setting for a relaxing post-wedding getaway, yet it’s within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth.

At the heart of the venue you’ll find the 14th century castle which was once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce. This medieval backdrop is perfectly complemented by the pretty courtyard building which is home to the Grill Room restaurant, spa and many of the hotel’s bedrooms.

If you fancy working out post-wedding you’ll find everything you need in the state-of-the-art gym but if a spot of pampering is more your thing you’ll love The Spa with its luxurious treatment rooms, relaxation areas, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, tanning room and solarium. Then why not unwind with a cocktail in the bar and Plasma lounge? Bliss!

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Ardanaiseig Hotel

Nestled on the banks of Loch Awe, Ardanaiseig has gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s premier luxury hotels. This secluded grand country house boasts 16 en-suite double bedrooms and a cottage within the grounds. Whatever room you stay in you can take in spectacular views of the beautifully landscaped gardens or the loch itself.

But if you’re looking for something super-special for your first stay as newlyweds you’ll fall head over heels for the boatshed. This chic one-bedroom suite is a two-minute walk from the main hotel. The lounge features floor-to-ceiling glass opening onto the terrace right on the edge of Loch Awe, while the mezzanine-level bedroom looks directly over the waters.

If you can tear yourself away from that view Ardanaiseig is renowned for its fine dining experience, sampling the very best the Scottish larder has to offer.

Fernie Castle

Your wedding may be over but you can still feel like a king or queen with a minimoon at Fernie Castle. Set in the heart of Fife, just imagine approaching the 480-year-old castle through 17 acres of ancient woodland. Inside you’ll be greeted by an open fire and you can expect all the modern comforts you could ask for coupled with the ambience of a centuries-old castle.

You could stay in one of the castle’s 20 individually designed rooms but if you really feel like treating yourselves, (and it’s your minimoon so you totally should!) book the oh-so-romantic treehouse suite. Perched in six sycamores ,the treehouse is decked out with three fairylight-festooned balconies – one of which even has a swing. Step through the stained glass double doors and you’ll find custom furniture, freizes and a fridge full of champagne, chocolates and other goodies.

t. 01337 810 381 | website | email | facebook | twitter

Harvest Moon Holiday

Nothing says minimoon quite like a beach holiday and at Harvest Moon Holidays on the East Lothian coast you can kick back and enjoy a proper glamping experience by the sea. You’ve a choice of accommodation, with treehouses, beach cabins or even a beautiful cottage, just 45 minutes from Edinburgh.

Remember this is glamping, not camping, so whatever accommodation you go for you’ll have your own wood-burning stove, en-suite WC and hot showers. The treehouses’ amazing raised decks mean you can take in the breathtaking views of Tyninghame Beach and the Bass Rock beyond. What’s more, below your deck are swings and a love seat – talk about a romantic minimoon retreat!

On-site there’s a farm shop, barbecue and campfire facilities as well as chickens, alpacas, lambs and pygmy goats. Cute!

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Isle of Eriska

Set on its own private island, just a few miles north of Oban, The Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island offers the complete package for minimoons. The Scottish baronial house hotel sits in 350 acres of private land and is approached by bridge.

Inside the main house are 16 individually-designed bedrooms or you could stay in one of the five spa suites in the gardens – each with a private hot tub, naturally. There are a further two two-bedroom garden cottages, six hilltop reserves as well as Arnott’s House with its three en-suite bedrooms and private hot tub.

This truly is a retreat to get away from it all. On the island you’ll find deer, otters and grey seals while the hotel boasts an award-winning spa, sports hall and golf course. For adventurous minimooners, activities include falconry, sea kayaking, axe throwing and clay pigeon shooting. Or you could just relax with a whisky tasting by the fire.

Leannan Boathouse at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort

Leannan Boathouse at Forbes of Kingennie - minimoon

Nestled in the heart of the Angus countryside, just minutes from Dundee, you’ll find Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort, the perfect destination for golfers and anglers and those just wanting to get away from it all. The resort is centred around the main bar and restaurant and the Inglesmaldie events suite which sit overlooking the largest of the three lochans. Forbes of Kingennie is of course a picture-perfect wedding venue but if you want to kick off married life in style, book you minimoon at the resort’s Leannan Boathouse.

Originally a traditional boathouse, built in 1855, the Leannan Boathouse is now a romantic hideaway on the side of one of the lochans. Two balconies offer views of mature woodland and the fishing pond. Just imagine lying in bed with the balcony doors open.

Stobo Castle

The name Stobo is synonymous with everything peaceful and as Scotland’s destination spa, relaxation is the name of the game here. If you’re ready for some well-earned downtime after months of busy-wedding planning this is the place for you.

Located in the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, Stobo Castle is set around its own loch. Before you even set foot in one of the treatment rooms you’ll feel at ease relaxing in the beautiful grounds with their restful Japanese water gardens and waterfall or taking to the hills for some mountainbiking.

But this is first and foremost a spa hotel and the list of treatments is extensive. There’s even an in-house hair studio. Once you’re feeling blissfully relaxed kick back in your beautifully-appointed room or enjoy fine dining and a cocktail.

The Four Sisters Boatel

Looking for a mini-adventure on minimoon? Then why not take to the high seas, or at least the Lochrin Basin in the heart of Edinburgh, aboard The Four Sisters Boatel? While this canal barge is now safely moored , she is certainly luxurious and has been awarded 4 stars by the Scottish Tourist Board.

The boat comprises two beautiful double cabins with plasma TVs and DVD players, a comfortable living area with a large sofa, flat screen TV, and hifi, recessed children’s bunk beds in the stern and a well-equipped galley kitchen. There’s even a barbecue!

You’ll even by greeted aboard by the boatel’s skipper before you get to enjoy this gem totally to yourselves. All aboard!

The Hideaway Experience

Described as “the ultimate adult only 5 star romantic destination” The Hideaway Experience promises complete seclusion and luxury, making it the perfect minimoon treat. Only a 15 minute drive from Dundee train station, The Hideaway Experience, is tucked away in rural countryside. You could drive out to the resort or why not take advantage of their chauffer collection service and kick off your stay in style?

Each self-contained hideaway cottage or lodge is set in its own private grounds with stunning views and hot tubs as standard. You can choose between The Dreamers, The Romantics, The Honeymooners, The Lovers and the soon to be opened Stargazers. In each you can expect a coffee machine, cocktail bar, sauna, log burner, double bath and double hammock but the added extras are definitely worth considering. The team can organise a champagne breakfast, massage for two or even helicopter arrival. Yes please!

The Scotsman Hotel

A relaxing minimoon doesn’t have to be rural. Once the home of a national newspaper, The Scotsman is now a luxury hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, making it the perfect base to explore the capital. This beautiful baroque building retains many original features including wood panelling, a marble staircase and gorgeous stained glass. Sitting on the edge of the old town on North Bridge the hotel spans several floors and many of the stylish bedrooms and suites boast unrivalled views of The Mound, Calton Hill and Princes Street Gardens.

You can expect a warm Scottish welcome with an arrival nip of whisky, Arran Sense of Scotland toiletries and the option of breakfast in bed. Staying in the city centre you’ve your choice of things to do but if you fancy a quiet night in you’ll love The Scotsman Picturehouse, the hotel’s in-house cinema. Pass the popcorn.

t. 0131 556 5565 | website | email | facebook | instagram

Uist Forest Retreat

If your minimoon dream includes escaping to the islands do it in style at Uist Forest Retreat where you’ll find luxury treehouse accommodation in the Outer Hebrides. Your self-catered treehouse accommodation is set within sheltered forestry with stunning sea views and access to the Claddach Vallay strand.

Choose between the Cailleach-oidhche roundhouse (named after the neighbouring long-eared owls in the forest), the Iolaire roundhouse (after the white-tailed and golden eagles seen in the area) or the Damh (stag) cabin. You’ll love the wrap-around windows meaning you can make the most of those sea views while you cosy up by the wood-burning stove.

Head outside to walk across the sands at low tide to Vallay island, or go otter tracking, seal spotting or even take a boat trip to St Kilda.

Have you found your perfect wedding venue yet?

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Planning a small and intimate wedding? Read our pick of 15 of the best Scottish micro-wedding venues 2021