Where to go and what to do on a spa break in the Highlands

Things to do in the Highlands

Stretching to 2,000 ft high, the Highlands span a spectacular region in northwest Scotland, stretching from the city of Inverness to places to watch dolphins swim in the Moray Firth, and the waterfalls of Glencoe valley. Home to a world of attractions, it's a beautiful place to visit, incorporating hiking and sightseeing into your spa break. Here are just a few of the most popular things to do in the Highlands.

Explore Highland castles

The Highlands are inextricably linked to Scotland's history, brimming with myths and legends, as well as plenty of castles. Peppered along the rugged coastline, they make quite the impression, from the magnificent Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, which has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past, to Eilean Donan Castle overlooking the Isle of Skye.

Visit Glencoe National Nature Reserve

Glencoe National Nature Reserve is a 14,000 acre estate with 37 miles of footpaths waiting to be explored. An opportunity to take in mountain views and spot wildlife an eco-friendly visitor centre is the place to start, deciding on what you want to do. Get close to nature on a wildlife Land Rover Safari, climb one of the eight Munro mountains, or discover a world-famous film location featured in Harry Potter and Skyfall. Learn about the legendary Celtic hero, Fingal, the tragic history of Clan MacDonald, or the region's precious biodiversity.

Discover nature in the Highlands

This is a part of the world that nature lovers can't help but fall in love with. See Scotland's iconic red deer and hear their distinctive bellow echoing through the glens. Alongside the deer, maybe even spot the other four of Scotland's 'big five', including eagles, pine martens, otters and red squirrels. You can also venture to the ‘impossible garden’ at Inverewe, brimming with seasonal flowers and huge California redwoods. Naturally, you can even take your chances visiting Loch Ness, extending for approximately 23 miles along the length of the Great Glen, and see if you spot the infamous mythical monster.

Experience Inverness

The largest city in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness sits on the northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. Its history can be traced back to 565, and today invites visitors to explore everything from its indoor Victorian Market to The contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, its Botanic Gardens, or simply sitting in its cafes and restaurants and watching the world go by.

Go on an outdoor adventure in the Highlands

The abundance of natural beauty in the Highlands beckons you to get out and exercise your adventurous spirit. Hike to your heart's content at the Five Sisters of Kintail or along Gleann Lichd, give sea kayaking a go, try birdwatching, orienteering, Stand Up Paddleboarding, white water rafting, canyoning, gorge scrambling and more.

Spas and spa hotels in the Highlands

This spectacular setting is the ideal location for rest and relaxation surrounded by nature. Combined with the nurturing powers of spa treatments, and the luxury of a beautiful place to spend the night, here are some of the most enchanting spas and spa hotels in the Highlands to make the most of your stay.

Coast Spa at The Golf View Hotel

Warm and welcoming is the order of the day at this seaside retreat with gorgeous gardens that lead right down to the shoreline. There are bedrooms that sleep groups of six in the hotel, making it the perfect getaway for groups. In the spa, the cosy welcome continues, with poolside refreshments, an outdoor hot tub and Jacuzzi. There are dual treatment rooms on offer and soothing massages on the menu which use organic Scottish seaweed skincare brand Ishga.

Scotland's Spa Hotel

Dating back to the early 1900s, Scotland's Spa Hotel is a restored Victorian retreat in the town of Pitlochry, in Perthshire. Boutique and welcoming, it combines its heritage with contemporary facilities - perfect for romantic weekends, but also getaways with friends. Inside it's all soothing colours and crisp white linens, while many of the rooms enjoy views of the mountains. The spa was recently refurbished and guests delight in the hotel's charm. Visitors should be mindful that lunch and dinner are served a short walk away at the neighbouring hotel.

Crerar Thainstone House

With this historic grand hotel as your backdrop, you can luxuriate in all that’s on offer in terms of relaxation and pleasure at Crerar Thainstone House. From a laid back soak in the outdoor hot tub, to a rejuvenating swim in the indoor pool, the wet facilities set the scene for a sumptuous massage, scrub or facial in the contemporary spa courtesy of Elemis, that will ease you into a state of total relaxation.

Dunkeld House Hotel

This is your chance to enjoy a taste of Scottish living with your loved ones as you experience salmon fishing, artisan food and famously warm Scottish hospitality. The wild outdoors is breathtaking, so enjoy it before heading inside to the spa where you’ll find a swimming pool with views, a hot tub, sauna and steam room and of course, a treatment menu full of soothing facials, massages and body treatments.

Atholl Palace Hotel & Spa

In the wild and rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Atholl Palace Hotel and Spa is a beautiful, Baronial castle with a history of wellbeing. Welcoming friends, family, couples and solo travellers, relax surrounded by woodland and enjoy time in the spa where, uniquely, the water in the pools is from its original source, filtered through the volcanic rock of Ben y Vrackie.