In a new Lifestyle Section in May's Business Bulletin, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce checks out some of the travel, transport and luxury fashion available in the region.
In the first feature, Danny McKay, the Chamber's resident Journalist, reviews the tranquil luxury of Cairngorm Bothies and Lodges, stunning wooden cabins in the peaceful Cairngorm woodland.
Sitting on the deck outside the immaculate Red Squirrel Lodge in the Cairngorms, with the birds and the breeze through the pines the only sound, it felt like blissful, serene, tranquility.
We had to keep reminding ourselves we were only an hour from Aberdeen, and a mere seven minutes from Aboyne.
Myself and my partner Gillian were lucky enough to be invited to spend a night at Cairngorm Lodges and Cairngorm Bothies by Sarah and the team to see what all the fuss is about.
We were not disappointed.
Cairngorm Lodges and Cairngorm Bothies offer self-catering, eco-friendly, luxury accommodation in the wonderful (and extremely photogenic) forests of the Scottish Highland Estate.
Our first night was spent at the beautiful, cosy Hazel Bothy – a stripped back, small but fully equipped luxury glamping getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city.
Hazel Bothy
The woodburning stove had already been lit for our arrival, with a complimentary "Dark Sky" basket packed with snacks and handy gadgets like binoculars and headtorches should we wish to go for a wonder after dark.
Woodburning stove in Hazel Bothy
After going for a wonder along one of the many nearby woodland trails, we returned to our bothy and settled down on the picnic table on the deck for a drink and to watch the birds flying back and forth from the feeders.
As it started to get dark and the temperature dropped, we headed back inside and lit the stove which soon warmed up the bothy and created a cosy, relaxing atmosphere for the evening as we chatted and drifted off to sleep watching the fire.
Hazel Bothy
The next morning we tidied up after ourselves, checked out and headed into Aboyne for lunch and an explore before checking into the luxurious Red Squirrel Lodge in the afternoon.
The lodges are far more spacious than the bothies and have a more modern feel, with TV and full kitchen, without losing that woodland cabin simplicity vibe.
An evening on the deck wildlife-watching here saw the birds joined by cautious, elegant red squirrels filling their cheeks with monkey nuts before scurrying off to stash them safely for later.
I could have happily watched them all night, but we eventually dragged ourselves away to curl up in front of the fire and watch a DVD before bed.
Before we left the next day, we were invited to a meeting of the Grampian Bonsai Society, where Chairman Rod and the team taught us about the native trees and sustainability.
We helped out clearing some saplings that were growing too close to the bothies, and made sure the roots were intact so they could be transported to a tree nursery.
We salvaged a few ourselves to take home, with Rod explaining to us how the versatile trees can be grown in pots in any number of creative and artistic ways.
All in all, we left Cairngorm Lodges and Cairngorm Bothies feeling refreshed and in awe of the spectacular landscape effectively on our doorstep.
There’s no better way to experience the luscious forests and hills of the Cairngorms than by staying at one of the picturesque bothies or lodges which perfectly balance luxury, well-equipped comfort with back-to-nature simplicity and peace.
We can’t wait to go back!
Visit cairngormbothies.co.uk and cairngormlodges.co.uk to book your stay too.
Use code SPRINGAGCC to get 10% off a three-night stay at either the Lodges or Bothies!
Offer valid on stays between now and December 14 2026. Booking must be made before May 31 2026.
Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.