AUTUMN is hot tub weather – cooler days, beautiful scenery and hot plunges into luxurious whirlpools.
Here is a tempting selection from across the country.
Watery Escape
Loch Tay Highland Lodges, Loch Tay, Perthshire
Ideal for water babies, this smart lochside resort offers domes, pods and lodges. Book accommodation with a hot tub, then sit back, relax and drink in the stunning views over the loch.
There’s also a host of watery activities to try, from katakanu hire (six-person kayaks) and self drive boats to river tubing. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on dry land then a hike up neighbouring Ben Lawers is the ticket, especially with the knowledge that aching muscles can be soaked back at base.
There’s something magical about experiencing a hot tub in the rain or snow, but for those who prefer to luxuriate without being exposed to Scotland’s elements, it’s possible to request accommodation with a private hot tub under cover, such as the modern three-bedroom Eldersburn Lodge. The rural isolation of this Perthshire gem makes it a real escape from it all.
A minimum three-night stay in a camping dome with hot tub – sleeps two adults and two children up to 12 years old – costs start from £250. A three-night stay in a lodge with hot tub – based on a three-bedroom Signature Lodge, sleeps six – costs start from £655. Dog friendly. largoleisure.co.uk
Back to nature
Glen Dye, Banchory, Aberdeenshire
Head inland to Royal Deeside to discover quirky, innovative accommodation at the 15,000-acre Glen Dye estate. Each property has access to a hot tub, but most offer private access, and some even boast two private hot tubs.
The aim here is to get back to nature and a stay at the North Lodge and River Cabin sums up the Glen Dye experience perfectly.
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The North Lodge dates to the 1890s but, recently refurbished, it now sleeps six across three contemporary bedrooms. Situated on the banks of the River Dye, paddling, splashing and swimming are actively encouraged.
The lodge has a modern kitchen, but venture along a private riverside footpath to your own River Cabin that’s stocked with everything guests need for outdoor cooking, including a wood burning stove and a Big Green Egg barbecue.
North Lodge guests also have access to the Glen Dye Arms, a BYOB pub with a log fire and record player. The “piece de resistance” is the lodge’s personal hot tub, standing bold in the landscape, right by the river.
A minimum three-night private hot tub stay starts at £900. A minimum three-night stay at North Lodge and River Cabin starts at £1050. Dog Friendly. glendyecabinsandcottages.com
The outdoor capital of Scotland
Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Fort William, Highlands SET on the outskirts of Fort William, this Highland holiday park offers immaculate hot tub accommodation with mesmerising views of Ben Nevis, yet it’s only a few minutes drive from the attractions, restaurants, shops and activities of town.
Ride the Nevis Range gondola, book a soap-making workshop at the Highland Soap Company or visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and monument. Camping, motorhome pitches, glamping pods and static caravans are also available. A minimum three-night hot tub stay starts at £479. Dog friendly. highlandholidays.com
Stargazing
Alpnhaus, Newcastleton, the Borders
It's the season for stargazing so dip down to the Scottish Borders to discover a unique, architecturally award-winning property that channels alpine chalet vibes.
With no immediate neighbours, this child-free bolthole sleeps two. It’s off grid and powered by renewable energy but with all the comfort of a Scandic lodge.
Think wood panelling, natural materials and a traditional, freshly prepared alpine mountain breakfast basket placed outside the door each morning. Set 350 metres above sea level there’s little light pollution so it’s an ideal spot for stargazing.
Sit in the wood-fired hot tub, take in the dark skies above and breathe in the hillside air. For those who wish to take their star gazing to the next level, drive 10 miles to the Kielder Observatory.
A minimum two-night hot tub stay starts at £550. Dog friendly. singdean.co.uk
Island paradise
Solas, Luskentyre Beach, Harris
For those who wish to combine hot tub indulgence with a spot of island hopping, take a look at the slice of paradise that is Solas.
Situated above the jaw-droppingly beautiful Luskentyre beach, this three-bedroom property features a yoga deck, floor to ceiling windows to appreciate the views, wood burning stove, plus a separate spa building that’s connected to the property’s top floor via a bridge.
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Cross over the bridge to warm up in the sauna. The wood-fired hot tub provides unforgettable views of Luskentyre’s white sands and turquoise waters.
Solas starts at £3295 per week. Dog friendly. The property welcomes babes in arms or children aged over seven. uniquehomestays.com
Fans of Fife?
Book the three-bedroom Gardener’s Cottage at the Madeira Estate for Pittenweem explorations, a wood-fired hot tub, and a shared Dell outdoor fire pit for al fresco dining, or make use of the Bothy, a covered terraced area with pizza ovens and a wood burning stove. madeirainfife.com
Fancy a resort style holiday?
We’re talking soft play, bar and restaurant onsite, crazy golf, swimming pool, watersports, the works. Take a look at Argyll Holidays’ hot tub lodges at Drimsynie Estate (argyllholidays.com). Another option is to explore Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort for Angus adventures near the city of Dundee. piperdam.com
An indoor hotel option to look into
this time offering a vast Jacuzzi bath in a spacious sleek black and white bathroom – is the Laird’s Suite at Meldrum House Hotel.
The hotel also offers stylish dime doming and its own 11-hole parkland golf course too. meldrumhouse.com
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