The allure of the Scottish Highlands has always been undeniable, with its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich history. But for glamping enthusiasts, there’s another way to experience this breathtaking region: the luxurious options of NC500 Pods.
Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, NC500 Pods offer a unique blend of comfort and nature. These pods are not just accommodations; they are experiences. With locations at Achmelvich Bay and Brora, guests are treated to stunning views, modern amenities, and the promise of adventure.
The sites offer dog-friendly and dog-free pods, equipped with all hotel comforts for a truly luxurious experience.
The success of NC500 Pods can be attributed to the vision and dedication of Calum MacLeod and Alister Young. Their love for the Highlands and their understanding of the evolving travel landscape led them to create a glamping experience that seamlessly blends luxury with nature.
Their commitment to offering travelers a unique way to explore the Scottish Highlands, without compromising on comfort, has set NC500 Pods apart in the world of luxury camping.
Achmelvich: A Corner of Paradise
The Achmelvich site, situated less than 5 minutes from the beach, is an idyllic setting for beach lovers. In an email exchange with Modern Campground, Calum emphasized the significance of the location, stating, “Achmelvich is a unique opportunity to stay right next to Achmelvich Beach, one of the most desirable places on the NC500 Route and often ranked among the best beaches in the world.”
“Ali and I have been fortunate enough to go on holiday in Achmelvich our whole lives and we’re delighted to be able to share the experience with our guests,” he added.
Each pod at this location is equipped with all essential appliances and utensils, fresh towels and bedding, an en-suite bathroom, a kitchenette, WiFi, smart TV, Amazon Alexa, and more. Moreover, being fully insulated and fitted with underfloor heating makes each stay comfortable for glampers any time of the year.
For sleeping, each pod has a double bed as well as a sofa that folds out to a double bed—accommodating groups of up to four campers.
The pristine white sandy beaches nearby offer a plethora of water activities like swimming, sailing, water sports, fishing, and more.
Beyond the coastline, the site is close to the Hermit’s Castle, a structure steeped in mystery and regarded as Europe’s smallest castle. Additionally, the towering presence of Suilven, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, beckons adventurers and nature lovers.
Brora: A Blend of History and Nature
On the other hand, the Brora site of NC500 Pods is not just a testament to the beauty of the Scottish Highlands but also a reflection of how traditional aesthetics can harmoniously blend with modern amenities.
Calum reminisced, “Brora is right next to Clynelish Distillery and also a number of beaches. I actually looked at the plot when working in my old job as an electrical design engineer, on the neighbouring distillery. Brora gives much more spa vibes with a couple of hot tubs and a sauna!”
Premium glamping pods at Brora are equipped with modern fixtures such as voice-controlled lighting of multiple colors, Bluetooth sound systems, Amazon Alexa, super-fast WIFI, smart TVs, USB plug sockets, underfloor heating, and full insulation. These features, combined with a fully equipped kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, a deluxe double bed, and a fold-out sofa bed, ensure that guests experience both comfort and the charm of the Highlands.
In a unique offering, the Brora site has introduced what they call one of the world’s first-ever “wild” saunas. This renovated glamping pod, now equipped with sauna facilities, provides panoramic views of the Highland wilderness. It’s an innovative approach to integrating relaxation amenities with the natural environment.
Additionally, for those seeking a touch of luxury, the site offers a Honeymoon Suite, catering to newlyweds or guests looking for an elevated glamping experience.
The town of Brora itself is a gateway to the region’s rich history. The majestic Dunrobin Castle, with its French Chateau-inspired design, stands as a testament to Scotland’s architectural grandeur. Visitors can also explore the Falls of Shin and the Timespan Heritage and Arts Centre, hubs of local history and culture.
Located near the Clynelish Distillery, guests can immerse themselves in Scotland’s whisky heritage. The distillery, part of the iconic Four Corners of Johnnie Walker, provides insights into the art of whisky-making.
Brora provides a perfect base camp for exploring Caithness & Sutherland, with plenty of activities and attractions to immerse visitors in the region’s culture or enjoy the vibrant coastline, glens, and mountainous walking trails.
In the continuous efforts of NC500 Pods to enhance the glamping experience for their guests, MacLeod said a new 40m2 pod has just been installed for guests at the Brora location. Meanwhile, the Boujee Pod, a pod with a freestanding copper bath will be installed at the Achmelvich site this week.
To learn more, visit nc500pods.co.uk.
Featured image from NC500 Pods.