Enjoy the splendour of Ben Nevis from a hot tub with Highland Holidays

Enjoy the splendour of Ben Nevis from a hot tub in this namesake holiday park, says Rosalind Erskine.

The brand new lodges at Ben Nevis Holiday Park.

The best way to enjoy Ben Nevis? With a glass of wine in a hot tub.

As the majority of us are spending our holiday time at home, we have the opportunity to explore Scotland and the many famous landmarks of our country. One of these is the magnificent Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Scotland and the UK. An ideal base for either a trek up this imposing hill or just to enjoy views of it is the Ben Nevis Holiday Park. The park has added brand new hot tub lodges to its range of accommodation, which include static caravans, glamping pods, an apartment and pitches for camping.

If you’re thinking holiday park equals dated accommodation and forced fun (or maybe I’ve just watched too much Dirty Dancing) then think again, as these new lodges are as modern as they come and offer little luxuries otherwise not associated with this kind of staycation.

Budget or boutique?

These brand new lodges, which range from sleeping two to six, are at the higher price point for the holiday park, with the one bed lodge starting at £559 for a week – making them a boutique option. Other more budget friendly options include the Highland pod, at £75 per night and the Nevis View Apartment, from £185.

Room service

Our one bed hot tub lodge, located at the heart of the park, had an open plan kitchen and living area had a cool blue colour scheme on the tongue and groove walls with light wood furniture – including a small dining table and chairs – and a sleek kitchen with white units and wooden worktops. The bedroom, which had ample storage with a wardrobe and dressing table, followed a similar colour scheme of light blue and neutral and the ensuite had a walk-in rain shower. Overall the vibe was Scandi, until you stepped through the patio door from the living room to the terrace, where the best views of Ben Nevis could be enjoyed. Out here there was a dining table and chairs and the hot tub.

One of the interiors at Highland Holidays' new accommodation at its Ben Nevis site.

Wining and dining

The lodge is a self-catering affair but takeaways can be ordered for delivery (it’s best to check these with reception). Close to Fort William you’ll find the highly rated Ben Nevis Inn, which serves pub grub, ales and a side of live music.

Guests can really push the boat out at nearby Inverlochy Castle, home to the award-winning Michel Roux Jnr restaurant. Afternoon tea here is also very popular, and can be enjoyed overlooking the grounds.

Worth getting out of bed for

One of the new Hot Tub Lodges, which the park has added to its range of accommodation, which includes static caravans, glamping pods, an apartment and pitches for camping.

The Ben Nevis holiday park, which is very dog friendly, is an ideal spot for an active weekend as it’s within a short drive to the visitor centre car park, where climbers start their ascent. The Nevis range, with its famous Mountain Gondola, is also close by and there’s an array of outdoor activities including mountain biking, skiing, snow sports, gorge walking, fishing, kayaking and extensive walking routes. The River Lochy is a short walk, its stony beach another great spot for views of Ben Nevis.

Those less inclined to all-day hill walking can visit the beaches at Mallaig and Arisaig and for Harry Potter fans, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is 15 miles away. Across the road from the viaduct is the Glenfinnan monument, with its beautiful views of Loch Shiel.

Whisky lovers can grab a dram at the Ben Nevis distillery, a five-minute drive from the park and Fort William is just 10 minutes away.

Little extras

One of the bedrooms in the Hot Tub Lodges, which range from sleeping two to six.

Cosy bath robes, slippers and extra towels for the hot tub are provided and reception also has a small shop for essentials, including fresh eggs.

Guestbook comments

Brand new to the park, the one-bedroom semi-detached lodge is perfect for couples searching for a romantic retreat in the Highlands.

Highland Holidays is located at Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Camaghael, Fort William PH33 7NF. (01397 703446, https://highlandholidays.com/)

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