Romance in the Highlands: A Couple’s Retreat at Mackays Hotel Wick

A Romantic Highland Escape

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the timeless romance of the Scottish Highlands at Mackays Hotel in Wick. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Caithness region, our historic hotel combines traditional Scottish charm with modern comforts, providing an intimate atmosphere where couples can reconnect and unwind in style.

The rugged beauty of the Highlands creates the perfect backdrop for romance, with its misty mountains, ancient castles, and windswept coastlines inspiring countless love stories throughout the centuries. Whether you and your loved one are passing through on your journey around the North Coast 500 route, or simply choosing Caithness as your destination for a romantic escape, Mackays Hotel offers the perfect base to stay, dine, and explore this dramatic region together.

Scenic Walks and Natural Beauty

The surrounding Highlands offer endless opportunities for romantic walks amidst stunning natural beauty. From the cliffs of Dunnet Head Lighthouse, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, to the serene beaches stretching along the coast, couples can enjoy peaceful strolls while taking in breathtaking views together.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the nearby Duncansby Stacks provide a spectacular coastal hike with unforgettable views of these impressive sea formations.

The tranquillity of Loch Watten provides another idyllic spot for couples to enjoy some quiet time together, perhaps with a picnic at sunset as the golden hours fill the surrounding landscape. These memorable experiences among the region’s natural beauty are bound to leave a lasting impact on you and your partner, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Gourmet Dining Experience

At Mackays Hotel, culinary delights await at the award-winning No. 1 Bistro, where locally sourced ingredients are crafted into exquisite dishes that celebrate the rich bounty of the Highlands. From the freshest seafood caught in nearby waters to tender Highland beef and game, each plate tells a story of the region’s exceptional produce.

The warm ambience and attentive service create the perfect setting for a memorable meal, with soft lighting and comfortable surroundings that encourage lingering conversations over dessert or an after-dinner drink. The bistro’s extensive wine and whiskey list features carefully selected vintages that perfectly complement the menu, ensuring a truly special dining experience.

For a unique romantic activity, couples can participate in No. 1 Bistro’s cocktail masterclass, where you’ll learn to craft delicious drinks together—perhaps discovering a new favourite to recreate at home as a reminder of your Highland getaway. The bistro also offers special romantic dinner packages for those celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply the joy of being together.

Whisky Tasting for Two

No visit to the Scottish Highlands would be complete without sampling its most famous export. Mackays Hotel is ideally situated for exploring some of Scotland’s northernmost distilleries, including Old Pulteney in Wick itself—known as the “Maritime Malt” due to its coastal location and distinctive briny character.

Ask our staff about whiskey tasting experiences at the hotel, where you can journey through the flavour profiles of Highland and Island malts, learning about their production and heritage while enjoying each other’s company. It’s a wonderfully intimate way to experience an essential part of Scottish culture, creating the perfect end to a day of Highland exploration.

Cozy Accommodation

After a day of exploration and an evening of fine Highland dining, couples can retreat to the comfort of their well-appointed rooms at Mackays Hotel. Our inviting accommodations provide a peaceful haven to relax and enjoy each other’s company, with plush bedding, elegant décor, and all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

For a truly special experience, our superior rooms offer extra space and luxurious touches to make your romantic getaway even more memorable. Imagine waking up together to views of Wick’s historic streets or the gentle flow of the River Wick, before enjoying a leisurely breakfast in bed or in our charming dining facilities.

At Mackays Hotel, we take pride in attending to every detail, ensuring we provide the best romantic escape for couples to enjoy. Our attentive yet discreet service means you can focus entirely on each other, free from everyday distractions and concerns.

Spring Twilight Magic in Caithness

May in Caithness brings a unique celestial phenomenon,, perfect for romantic evenings; the extended twilight hours of late spring. As the region moves toward the summer solstice, darkness never fully descends, creating instead what locals call the “simmer dim”—a beautiful blue glow that bathes the landscape in stunning natural light throughout the night hours.

These extended twilight conditions create perfect opportunities for evening coastal walks or hilltop views without the need for flashlights. The soft, golden-then-blue light that lingers from sunset to sunrise creates incredibly romantic conditions for late evening strolls along Wick’s harbour or nearby beaches.

For those still wishing to see stars, the Milky Way becomes visible in the brief window of darker sky, with May offering clear conditions without winter’s cloud cover. 

Our staff can recommend perfect viewpoints for experiencing this magical time between day and night, perhaps with a flask of something warm or a special nightcap from our bar to enjoy while you witness this distinctly northern phenomenon together.

May Explorations Beyond Wick

While Mackays Hotel offers plenty to enjoy without venturing far, May presents the ideal time to explore the surrounding area, rich with romantic destinations at their springtime best. Take a day trip to the enchanting Castle of Mey, once the beloved Highland home of the Queen Mother, where the beautiful walled garden bursts into life with spring blooms and newly planted vegetables—May marks the first month when these magnificent gardens open to visitors after winter closure.

The nearby village of John O’Groats marks the northeastern tip of mainland Britain and the starting point of many adventures. May brings the return of popular boat trips to spot local wildlife, with operations typically beginning this month after winter pause. 

The timing is perfect for witnessing spectacular seabird colonies as they establish their breeding grounds—puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes create a cacophony of life along the dramatic cliffs. Dolphins and seals are frequently spotted in May waters, often appearing more curious and active after the quieter winter months.

For history lovers, the mysterious Grey Cairns of Camster offer a glimpse into Neolithic Scotland—these ancient stone structures date back approximately 5,000 years and create a hauntingly beautiful setting for contemplating the passage of time together. The May landscape surrounding these ancient monuments is particularly atmospheric, with fresh green grass and wildflowers creating a striking contrast against the ancient stones.

May: The Perfect Season for Highland Romance

While each season in the Highlands has its unique charm, May stands out as perhaps the most romantic time to visit Caithness. This magical month offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and comfortable conditions that make romantic adventures particularly delightful. 

The notorious Highland midges have yet to make their appearance, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor enjoyment, while the refreshing spring temperatures create ideal conditions for exploration, followed by cosy evenings together.

May in the Highlands offers remarkable advantages for couples, including longer daylight hours, the vibrant blossom of spring, fewer crowds than the summer months, fresh seasonal produce, and comfortable outdoor conditions – perfect for exploration. 

This spring, Mackays Hotel in Wick provides the perfect setting for couples to create lasting memories in one of Scotland’s most dramatic and beautiful regions. Your May Highland romance awaits—we look forward to welcoming you soon.