From knitting retreats and book clubs to folklore fanatics and history buffs, groups can now book the Loch Nestle Package at The Lovat Loch Ness in Fort Augustus, with the hotel team shaping each stay around what makes the group tick.
Loch Nestle is built around The Lovat’s ‘coftie’ philosophy; the hotel’s own word for a slower, softer, more intentional way to travel. It’s about getting outside, eating well, hearing local stories and taking the time to make real memories through experiencing the landscape rather than simply passing through it.
Following its success with individual guests, a bespoke group version of the Loch Nestle package is now available for special interest and hobby groups, private parties, friendship groups and overseas travellers looking for a more authentic taste of Scotland.
The individual package, from £250 per person per night, includes two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast in a cosy bedroom, with the signature Mòr tasting menu on one night and the Mion three-course seasonal menu on the other, complete with engaging storytelling and folklore. A Highland hot toddy is offered on arrival, with whisky tasting, a history hunt map for exploring, and everything needed for a Loch Ness ‘dook’: a cold plunge in the world-famous loch, followed by warming up around a fire pit with logs, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
For groups, Loch Nestle is a starting point rather than a fixed itinerary. Working with local partners, the hotel team can add boat trips, hiking and cycling and, for the braver dookers, a mobile sauna on request to ensure each group can shape the experience around its interests.
Caroline Gregory, Director of The Lovat, said:
“A knitting group is going to want something very different from a historical society, and that’s exactly the point. We’d much rather build a stay around who’s coming and what they love than hand everyone the same itinerary. Coftie is about people properly switching off and feeling part of the place, and opening Loch Nestle up to groups felt like the obvious next step.”
Take over The Lovat
Groups wanting to go all in can book the Coftie Exclusive Use Takeover: three days and two nights with sole use of the 29-bedroom hotel for up to 50 guests (with shared rooms).
Prices start from £14,500 for up to 29 guests November 2026 – March 2027, with options for groups of up to 50. Prices are based on the two-night Loch Nestle package, with additional experiences available on request.
With the whole hotel to themselves, groups can make it entirely their own, whether that’s a creative retreat, a celebration or a special-interest trip.
To enquire about group Loch Nestle packages or the Coftie Exclusive Use Takeover, visit www.thelovat.com, email groups@thelovat.com or call 01456 459250.
