The Lovat Loch Ness has taken home the Environment Award at the Hotel Magazine Awards, beating a shortlist of ten industry peers at a ceremony held at the InterContinental London Park Lane on Monday 20 April.
The boutique Highland hotel was lauded for its creativity and unique approach to sustainability and community efforts, seamlessly integrating a lifestyle concept called ‘Coftie’ into the guest experience to create a feeling that enhances every stay rather than simply adding another feature.
The Hotel Magazine Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry, spotlighting the very best in the hotel space.
Caroline Gregory, The Lovat’s Director and Owner, said: “This one means a lot! We have been doing this since 2006, before sustainability was even a thing. Sustainability isn’t a project we dust off for award season – it’s woven into how we run our place, every single day. From our wood chip biomass boiler to our kitchen garden, and the ‘forage, grow, gather’ philosophy that shapes every plate Sean and the team put out, this is just how we do things in Fort Augustus.”
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Loch Ness, The Lovat has coined its own word to capture the unique feeling guests experience when they arrive: Coftie. A lifestyle movement — a Highland way of living that balances rugged wilderness with restorative comfort — it’s a slower, softer approach to travel where the curious guest can breathe deeply, eat thoughtfully, and feel so at home in their surroundings that they’re able to fully switch off and relax.
The hotel team lives this philosophy, embedding it into every part of the guest journey. At Station Road, the hotel’s three AA rosette restaurant, Head Chef Sean Kelly and his team craft plates grounded in history, heritage and sustainability. Far from being ‘fancy’ food, it is rooted and thoughtful dining that connects diners to the Highlands with every bite.
This deeply personal approach and way of life were key factors recognised by the judges in The Lovat. They noted that this ethos sits at the very heart of the business, shaped and driven by a genuine and personal commitment.
For more information about The Lovat Loch Ness and their Coftie lifestyle, please visit www.thelovat.com
