Luxury Lodges Scotland - 5 star lodges

Mountain Bear Lodge - Luxury Lodges Scotland - 5 star lodges (sleeps 14 + 2) close to Aviemore.

Now I'm not really sure that I should have had a holiday log cabin in this guide of the BEST 100 self catering in Scotland. I have stayed in many over the years and have grown a little tired of them, sometimes they now show their age too much. But I had to make an exception for Mountain Bear Lodge. Especialy as one very well known guide had placed it as Scotland's best holiday accommodation. Mountain Bear Lodge is a "real" log cabin, made from whole trees as in Canada, and has a lounge with a cathedral ceiling that is designed to give an overwhelming feeling of space and light, this combined with the massive log stove and cosy dining area, makes this the ultimate gathering place to exchange stories of the days events. The lounge is installed with a large TV, Skybox, DVD player and Wi-Fi

Situated within easy reach of the well-equipped kitchen, and just off the lounge the very cosy dining “Stuble” designed to allow guests an intimate dining exerpience, with its low ceiling and comfortable seating with views that look over the moor to the mountains. Seating up to 16 guests at the massive table, it is a space which can adapt to just a light breakfast, or a full-on formal dinner - A lovely place to enjoy a meal!

The layout of the fabulous kitchen is designed so that, if required, everyone in the party can muck-in and help prepare the evening meal. I have not seen two dishwashers before but it really helps and makes cleaning up so quick and easy. There is a larder fridge, double oven + 3 oven range with 5 rings, ceramic hob, freezer and many extras. The kitchen is situated only a few feet away from the cosy dining “Stuble”.

The Luxury Lodge is located in great scenery and this prize among log cabins has been designed to make the most of its location with a massive 180° decking to enjoy al fresco dining served by the large barbeque, which is situated at the side of the back deck. This area, is bathed in sunlight from early morning to late afternoon, and provides a natural gathering place for all the guests, with two large tables, outside heating, and in close proximity to the fabulous 7-10 person Hot Tub. Whatever the weather, day or night, you and your party can luxuriate in the warm water, and maybe even see the runs that you skied or boarded down that day. What luxury and pleasure! ther can't be many greater pleasures than a hot tub in the snow just as the sun sets, fantastic.

There are more Aviemore log cabins, as this is just one of 15 in this group of lodges and many more could have made it to this guide, my other favourite is ptarmigan lodge that sleeps 10. Stunning and beautiful.