Hygge (pronounced: hoog-ah) is a trending lifestyle concept brought to us by the Danes (rated the happiest people on earth), and essentially perfects the art of being cozy. When I see a reference to hygge, I always picture a raging fire in the fireplace, candles burning on tables, blankets wrapped around people drinking hot chocolate, and a blizzard blowing outside the window. It’s not just about the warm drinks and snuggling under blankets, however, it’s a mindset about relaxing and about being good to yourself, embracing what your body craves, and surrounding yourself with loved ones.
The Scots have their own word for this: Coorie, and the Highlands is the perfect place to practice the simplicity of getting cozy with friends and family after spending time out in nature. The Art of Coorie, by Gabriella Bennett, explains how the Scottish version of coziness adds a twist: embrace nature, the rugged landscape, and Scottish traditions before getting comfortable in Merino-wool socks and cozying up to a fire. Imagine setting out for some wild swimming in one of the nearby lochs, hiking one of the 282 900+meter mountains in the country, or simply stargazing on a clear night. Afterwards, imagine lighting that fire, setting out a pot of hot tea, and sitting around a board game with your dearest friends. Imagine the cold rain coming down outside the window, candles flickering on shelves and tables, and warm scones being passed around with butter and jam. Maybe in the corner, a grandmother is knitting socks and on the sheepskin rug in front of the fire, children are quietly playing with their toys. It’s the practically the definition of contentment.
Highland Hideouts provides gorgeous Scottish country homes that are the perfect vessel for this scene, and the villages that surround these beautiful homes provides even more options for getting cozy.
Cairngorm Mountain Sports is an outdoor gear shop in the center of Aviemore on Grampian Road with an adventure book collection, a comfortable couch, and a large wood-burning stove pumping out maximum heat. I curled up with three of their books on that couch for about an hour before I realized I should probably purchase one. In all honesty, I could have stayed in that snug living room set-up all afternoon as the rain came down. Instead, I purchased my ‘Scottish Bothy Bible’ and took a detour up the spiral staircase to the Mountain Cafe, a Kiwi-owned cafe and lunch spot that cannot be missed. Exceptional desserts and coffee are served to go, or tables are provided for those who wish to sit and enjoy a full ‘healthy and wholesome’ meal or simply a flat white. From the second story of the cafe, you can see the Strathspey Railroad steam train pulling in, the ScotRail flying by, and the mountains surrounded by clouds in the distance- all while you’re nice and warm inside.
With either of these Highland scenes, it doesn’t get more Coorie/Hygge than this.