Now that we are on the cusp of winter and the days are getting darker, it is no coincidence we are all starting to crave hot chocolate, woolly hats and cuddling on the sofa.
The Danes have put a name to this feeling: hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), which, although they say we shouldn’t translate it, roughly means creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with the people you love.
To help you embrace this season’s hottest lifestyle trend, we share five perfect places to get your hygge on.
Forest Holidays, Strathyre
Photo credit: Forest Holidays
Wellbeing and spending time with your loved ones is at the very heart of hygge so meaningful conversations and creating memories together is what it’s all about.
“Just viewing a forest scene has been documented to h ave a very positive effect on psychological healing and recovering from stress, most particularly for individuals, who are from busy cities or urbanised environments”, says Psychologist Dr Saima Latif.
With ‘forest therapy’ on the rise, what better location to gather your friends together, book a luxury cabin in the forest and sip some hot chocolate by a cosy log fire.
For more informaion, visit Forest Holidays
Ardanaiseig Hotel
Photo credit: acumenimages.com / Alamy Stock Photo
Scotland is renowned for its stunning scenery which is arguably more breathtaking in the winter months. Research has shown that getting outdoors, no matter what the weather, will help us to become more relaxed and feel upbeat. Many say hygge is a feeling that comes from taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, everyday things more meaningful, beautiful or special, so pack some soft, woolly jumpers and embrace the crisp air with a long walk, making memories that will last a lifetime.
The Curler’s Rest, Glasgow
Eating and drinking plays an important role in hygge and Scotland is packed with cosy pubs offering delicious food to share an evening with friends.
To overcome the winter blues, Dr Latif suggests: “Enjoy the feeling of being indoors with family and friends, enjoying their company, eating nice food and drinking warm drinks”.
The Curler’s Rest in Glasgow boasts a vibrant yet laidback atmosphere with big oak tables by an open fire, ideal for catching up with friends.
Loudons, Edinburgh
The Danes love their coffee and Scotland is bursting with cosy cafés with great coffee, not to mention delicious pastries. Hygge is about enjoying the good things in life and Danes believe that being kinder to themselves makes them happier.
Ardfern Tipis
The Danes stress that hygge is not meant to be translated but is something that is meant to be felt, accepting the most boring of chores and regarding them as a moment in time. Make extra special memories by enjoying quality time with family and friends around a campfire toasting marshmallows, and discussing the big and small things in life – very hygge.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here