Scotland’s best hotels, cabins and pubs to indulge in Còsagach – the Scottish version of ‘Hygge’
Còsagach is said to be based on an old Scottish word for feeling snug, sheltered and warm
ONE of the biggest holiday trends of the last few years was ‘Hygge’ – a Danish practice of making yourself feel cosy and special.
That meant loads of trips to Denmark in huge woolly sweaters to drink hot chocolate next to a roaring fire.
Thankfully, a new holiday trend predicted for 2018 is going to be a bit easier on the wallet.
VisitScotland – the tourism board for Scotland has identified ‘Còsagach’ as the new ‘It trip’ for the next 12 months – aka the Scottish version of Hygge.
According to them, Còsagach is based on an old Scottish word for feeling snug, sheltered and warm.
Ignoring the fact that some have questioned if this is even a real word (some Gaellic speakers say it actually means “a damp mossy place”), the Scots really are excellent at being snug.
True, they get an unfair amount of rain compared to many other popular holiday destinations – 265 days of it a year on the north-western coast, but that means they go overboard on making their interiors inviting.
Scotland is famous for its breath-taking scenery, which looks especially magical in the winter months, but you don't always have to be outdoors to appreciate it.
From glamping and log cabins, hotel lounges and old pubs – here are some of the best places to visit if you fancy a Còsagach staycation this year…
Get a room
Hide away in a cosy log cabin for the weekend like the ones at , Beauly
Located in-between the serene beauty of Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, Eagle Brae is a luxury self-catering eco-resort with hand-crafted log cabins topped with wild-flower green roofs.
Everything at Eagle Brae is hand-made like the good old days: hand-crafted logs, hand-woven tweed curtains, custom hand-made hardwood furniture, hand-carved interiors and hand-woven cotton rugs.
From £870 per unit per week.
For romance in the forest, stay in a Golden Oak Hideaway cabin.
For the ultimate cosy love nest, opt for the - complete with an outdoor hot tub, a cosy wood burning stove, a hammock on the decking and a large, sunken bath with room for two.
Guests can pre-order groceries and book in-cabin pampering treatments ahead of their stay.
From £265 per two-bed cabin per three days.
Enjoy a romantic weekend in a treehouse made for two at Brockloch Eco Retreat, Kirkpatrick
treehouse is designed as a cosy romantic hideaway in their own Bluebell wood surrounded by native broadleaved trees and the odd red squirrel.
It is off grid with a small kitchen area, plus a small bath with skylight above for star gazing, with heat provided by a Hobbit log burning stove with all wood included in the price.
From £200 for two nights.
Spend a night glamping under the stars at Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Fluffy rugs, fire pits and outdoor hot tubs all ooze Còsagach, so a night under the stars in a will get you fully into the trend.
Each dome is furnished with a wood burning stove and external fire pit - and some even have their own outdoor hot tub.
From £200 for two nights if you opt for a hot tub.
Take a dip in the wood-fired hot tub at the Nethy Bridge
The Lazy Duck is a hidden gem with wood fired hot tub and sauna in the Cairngorms National Park.
For true cosiness,opt for the Woodman's Hut - an eco cabin just for couples that has an outdoor oven and candle lanterns.
From £105 a night,
That famous Scottish welcome
Eating and drinking plays an important role in Còsagach, so why not pay a visit to a cosy pub.
in Glasgow boasts a vibrant yet laidback atmosphere with big oak tables by an open fire, ideal for catching up with friends.
Meanwhile, the , Glencoe is well-known for its friendly atmosphere.
Nestling among the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, Clachaig Inn has been providing hospitality for travellers for over three hundred years.
In Edinburgh, enjoy the cosy charm of on Broughton Street, where you can relax with a glass of wine and sample their popular Scottish cheese selection.
Or head to Kelso's , Scotland's first micropub - what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere.
Pop in for a pint of real ale, an artisan whisky or a Scottish craft gin on-tap.
Finally, head north to Meldrum House in Aberdeenshire, home of the unique where whisky ambassadors are on hand to help you select the perfect dram.
At almost 800 years old, the Cave Bahas more than 120 malts in their collection.
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A stay indoors after exploring the Great Outdoors
There is nothing quite like a bracing winter walk to blow away the cobwebs, but there is also nothing better than getting back to the heat after a day in the cold.
Bag a Munro in the Angus Glens before returning to the to the warmth of a roaring fire for instance.
Or swap the mainland for a peaceful escape to Scotland's Islands, home of wonderful wildlife and dramatic coastline with a stay in the 's glamping pods with views of Uig, Isle of Skye.
Or if you like a little luxury after a day's adventuring, cosy up in a Scottish castle, like , Morayshire.
The property boasts vaulted ceilings, private grounds and a master bedroom with a four poster bed and a standalone roll-top bath.