7 minute read
Creating Coorie Retreats: From a 25k Plot to a Highland Haven
Coorie Retreats is a glamping venture in rural Scotland, built by business partners Tomas Robertson and Eamon Heggarty. Our Editor Annie Hilton spoke with Heggarty about the project's beginnings, its off-grid philosophy, and the magic of making sure guests remember their stay forever.
Coorie Retreats offers a unique luxury glamping experience in the Scottish countryside. What inspired you to establish this retreat?
A mix of things really. Before Covid, I travelled a lot and stayed in everything from huts in Fiji to cabins in Indonesia and boutique hotels in Zanzibar. I’ve always loved unique stays—the kind that actually shape the memory of the trip. So, when the opportunity came up to buy a piece of land for £25k, and with my background in construction as a Quantity Surveyor, it felt like the right time to create something I'd always wanted to build myself.
The term "Coorie" embodies the Scottish concept of nestling or snuggling. How does this philosophy influence the design and guest experience at Coorie Retreats?
When guests arrive at Coorie, everything is hands-off and intentionally personal. The idea is to fully switch off and spend quality time with the people you’re with. Each unit is extremely private and designed to be cosy, from outdoor loungers by the firepit, to a 100-inch projector screen for Netflix and chill while sitting in your own wood-fired hot tub. We’ve built the experience so that guests don’t want to leave their unit. The outdoor space is a big focus – someone once told me you can make any indoor space look like a five-star hotel, but what most places lack is a proper, private outdoor area. So that’s exactly what we prioritised: comfort, privacy, and that warm, “coorie-in” feeling.
What was the strategy behind offering such diverse lodging options, and how do they cater to different guest demographics?
Every cabin has a totally different interior and vibe. We wanted to create spaces that make guests want to come back and try something new each time. Some of our domes have four-poster beds and lounging areas, while others have chesterfield sofas and king-sized beds. We cater to both couples and families, but no matter who it’s for, the design and furnishings are always high quality and thoughtfully put together. There’s a little something for every taste.
Marketing and branding play a huge role in attracting guests. What strategies have been most effective in promoting Coorie Retreats and building a strong brand presence?
Social media has been massive for us. Around 95–97% of our bookings come direct through our website – we don’t rely on OTAs. We market Coorie as more than just a place to stay; it’s a solution to everyday stress, a chance to switch off and have a genuinely memorable experience. We highlight that in everything we share. On top of that, we’ve got two Highland cows (Angus and Winston!) who’ve become part of the brand, and we’re currently building a wellness spa area to add another unique layer to the experience.
What measures have you implemented at Coorie Retreats to promote eco- friendly practices and minimise environmental impact?
From the start, sustainability’s been at the core of what we do. All our units are fitted with LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances, and we use water-saving features like low-flow taps and showers. We’ve gone fully eco with our cleaning products, ditched single-use plastics where possible, and switched to refillable, locally sourced toiletries.
We source most things locally, from the firewood to the furniture, to reduce our footprint and support small businesses. We’ve got proper waste separation in place, with clear signage to encourage guests to recycle, and we’ve already planted native trees on site to support biodiversity. Long-term, we’re looking at solar too. For us, it’s not a checklist – it’s about making sure we run the site in a way that actually benefits the land and the community.
Given the seasonal nature of tourism in Scotland, what strategies have you employed to attract guests year-round and maintain consistent occupancy rates?
We’ve leaned into the seasonality and made it part of the draw. Our geo domes are built for all-year comfort; underfloor heating, wood burners, and wood-fired hot tubs make them just as appealing in the winter as they are in summer. In fact, winter stays have become a big hit – there’s something magical about stargazing in a hot tub with snow on the ground.
Marketing-wise, we shift the messaging with the seasons – autumn colours, winter escapes, spring resets. It’s about positioning Coorie as a year-round experience where guests can reconnect with nature in any weather.
Did you seek external funding to launch Coorie Retreats, or was it a self- funded project? Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs on securing investment for similar projects?
It was a mix. We bought the land, went through planning, and started the build with cash. Then we applied for funding, secured asset finance for the units, wrote business plans, and found ways to plug the gaps. Labour was the hardest bit to fund. Overall, it was around 40% cash, 60% funding, and it was seriously tight at the finish line.
If I had to do it again, I’d phase the build – maybe launch with two units first and get cash flow going. We tried to build all six at once. Logistically, it made sense. Financially, it was rough.
Collaborations and partnerships can enhance the guest experience. Have you formed any local partnerships to offer unique experiences or products to your guests?
Definitely. We work with a local bakery that delivers homemade scones for every guest’s welcome hamper. Our hot tub wood chips come from just 20 miles away, our Scottish tablet is handmade nearby, and we furnished most of the units from a local store less than a mile from the site. These partnerships not only support small businesses but give our guests a real sense of place.
Reflecting on your journey, what have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced, and how have they shaped your business approach?
One of the hardest things has been staying true to our brand: keeping standards high while also maintaining occupancy and rates. It would be easy to drop prices and hit 100% occupancy year-round, but Coorie is a premium, experience-based brand. We offer something truly unique, and we’ve had to be disciplined about pricing and messaging to reflect that. Sticking to our values has definitely shaped how we market, how we deliver, and how we grow.
Looking ahead, are there any plans for expansion or new offerings at Coorie Retreats that you'd like to share?
Yes! We’re currently building a wellness spa area exclusively for guests. It’ll include a cold plunge, salt bath, infrared room, hot and cold showers, a copper hot tub, and a sauna with views of Angus and Winston (our Highland cows) right outside the window. It’s going to be a really special addition to the experience.
We also plan to add one more unit before the end of 2025 and we think it’ll be our best yet.
For those aspiring to enter the glamping market, what advice would you offer based on your experience?
Think outside the box. Ask yourself, is this something people will remember forever? If not, go back to the drawing board. Focus on creating something that gives people real, magical moments – something they’ll talk about long after they leave. Go above and beyond, and you’ll not only stand out but build something that people genuinely love.
