Sleep in a Monastery on Loch Ness: The Scottish Highland Escape You Didn't Know You Needed
- Samantha
- Oct 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
The Highland Club, a former abbey built on the ruins of a 1730s military garrison originally designed to suppress Jacobite uprisings.
There’s luxury, and then there’s legacy. Our stay at The Highland Club, nestled on the southern edge of Loch Ness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, proved to be a soulful return to a slower, more meaningful way of travel as a family.
Set within a breathtaking 19th-century Benedictine monastery, this property has been lovingly restored and reimagined into a luxury self-catered retreat.
The vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, sweeping views across the loch, and a stillness you can’t quite put into words, it all felt so serene. I often wandered the peaceful grounds with my youngest (just 3 months old at the time), gently walking him to sleep.
There was something incredibly soothing about being surrounded by such architectural beauty. The calming aura of this former monastery is truly extraordinary — it’s as if the walls themselves whisper tales from its rich and fascinating history.
From the peaceful strolls with my newborn to the quiet majesty of its architecture, this stay was an experience that awakened every sense. Here's what made it truly unforgettable…
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Note: For a visual journey through my stay here, feel free to explore my dedicated Instagram highlight under the handle @SammyLouLuxe
A Stay Steeped in History
The Highland Club’s spacious self-catered apartments bring together Scottish tradition with contemporary comforts. Ours had everything we needed and more: cots, high chairs, children’s cutlery and crockery, dishwasher, coffee machine, washing machine, and even a hamper full of thoughtful local goodies to help us settle in, including the most melt-in-the-mouth highland shortbread, as well as milk and butter in the fridge (a godsend with little ones!).
We truly felt at home from the moment we arrived. With two little ones in tow (a three-month-old and a four-year-old), comfort and ease weren’t just nice to have, they were essential and The Highland Club delivered on both.
Evenings were spent quietly playing the apartment’s board games with the kids, creating those simple, joy-filled moments we’ll remember for years.
Laz and I left our family staycation at The Highland Club feeling genuinely refreshed, and that says a lot coming from two very tired parents!
Fun Fact: Originally a 1729 military fort, the site evolved into St. Benedict’s Abbey before its modern transformation. Today, guests walk the same cloistered corridors as the monks once did, with every arch and turret still standing proud.
Soulful Luxury That Lives and Breathes
From the moment you draw back the long regal curtains and take in the floor-to-ceiling views of mystical morning mist rolling across the loch, coffee in hand, brewed fresh from the apartment’s machine, every moment connects you to the land around you.
We loved to spend our slow mornings at the self-serviced apartments savouring our fresh berries and warm croissants straight from the oven before heading out for a peaceful stroll through the landscaped abbey gardens, often pausing to play a round of chess on the giant outdoor board.
Then there’s the wellness; The indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and gym, just a short walk from the apartment, are housed within the monastery itself allowing you to enjoy swimming beneath ancient arches with stained glass above you. Each visit is pre-booked for privacy, so it often felt like our own private spa.
Endless Experiences Without Leaving the Grounds
Whether you’re chasing active days or calm connection, this estate offers it all.
Within the 20-acre grounds, you’ll find:
Tennis and badminton courts
Table tennis (indoor and outdoor)
A cosy club lounge with billiards and books
Giant lawn games
Football, croquet, bocce, and more
An adventure playground for little explorers
It’s the kind of place where generations can make memories together and where children can run freely without the need for planning or overstimulation.
A Gateway to Scottish Heritage
A short stroll through the charming village of Fort Augustus takes you to the legendary Caledonian Canal, or the starting point of the Loch Ness cruises, a highlight we absolutely loved. With cafés, museums, local crafts, and souvenir shops nearby, you don’t even need a car to enjoy your stay… though we did hire one to explore the wider Highlands, from glens and castles to traditional pubs serving (surprisingly delicious!) haggis.
Autumn was a magical time to visit, just when the leaves start to turn to copper and crimson plus the tourist crowds have mostly disappeared. It was quiet, intimate, and deeply restorative.
Why You Need To Add This Stay To Your Wanderlist
As a luxury and family travel creator, I’ve experienced five-star suites and overwater villas, but this was different. It wasn’t about prestige or polish, it was about staying at a place with meaning and depth.
The Highland Club preserves cultural heritage not by locking it behind velvet ropes, but by letting you live within it. You walk the same cloisters as monks, soak in a pool once part of a sacred space, and drink your morning coffee while looking out onto one of the most legendary bodies of water in the world. Your children play in a courtyard once used for prayer and contemplation. Your family rests where generations before you found refuge. It reminds us that in a distracted world obsessed with what's next, sometimes the most profound luxury is found in moments that make you feel alive and present.
Top Tips For Your Stay at The Highland Club
Choose a loch-facing apartment if possible - Waking up to the mist rolling over Loch Ness is truly magical. The floor-to-ceiling windows make it unforgettable.
Pack for slow mornings - Croissants in the oven, berries on the table, and a fresh coffee from the in-room machine, the apartments are made for easy, cosy starts to your day.
Take time to explore the abbey grounds - Don’t rush. Wander the cloisters, sit by the chessboard garden, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere, it’s part of the experience.
Visit the club lounge & indoor pool - Pack your swimsuits to enjoy this hidden gem within the monastery walls, perfect for a rainy afternoon or a moment of quiet indulgence.
Bring comfy shoes for lakeside strolls - The grounds stretch right to the edge of Loch Ness, and walking the shoreline (especially at golden hour) is breathtaking.
Stock up locally for a self-catered stay - Stop by a nearby farm shop or deli. Having snacks and simple meals in your apartment makes it feel like a home-away-from-home.
Book a dinner nearby in advance - Fort Augustus is small and can fill up quickly. We loved The Boathouse restaurant just a short walk away.
Don’t skip the history - The building dates back to 1729, its time as a fort, then a monastery, adds incredible depth to your stay. Ask the team or look out for plaques as you explore.
Book a Loch Ness boat trip - bonus points if you spot Nessie!
Would I Recommend It?
Without hesitation. For couples seeking romance, families seeking rest, or creators seeking soulful stories to tell, The Highland Club is that rare place that offers it all: luxury, culture and memories that are talked about around the dinner tables for a lifetime. For us, this is the very heart of why we love to travel. To truly experience the magic of this stay, watch the highlights from our time at The Highland Club by clicking the video below:
If this has sparked your wanderlust, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram and TikTok [@sammylouluxe] as that’s where I share behind-the-scenes stories, travel tips, and magical moments from my trips as they happen. Think of my Stories as your front-row pass to the adventure, long before it hits the grid or gets turned into a guide.
This stay was a hosted press trip
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