Hurkle-Durkle: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing

Once a gentle self-mocking Scottish term for staying in bed beyond reason, Hurkle-durkle has taken on renewed relevance. In an era of over-scheduled itineraries and constant stimulation, it now captures a growing travel mindset, where luxury is defined by time, privacy and the freedom to do nothing at all. These rooms and suites are designed around slow mornings, inward-facing days, and spaces that reward you for staying exactly where you are and making the most of your intimate surroundings. 

Luxury Scotland: where hurkle-durkle began

It's fitting that hurkle-durkle finds it most natural expression in Scotland.

On board the Royal Scotsman, mornings unfold within the privacy of a suite as misted glens and lochs slide past the window. The train moves slowly through some of the world’s most striking landscapes and breakfast stretches unhurriedly as the Highlands reveal themselves mile by mile, moments becoming quietly absorbing rather than fleeting. 

Along the west coast, Glenapp Castle sits above sea and sky, the penthouse – the largest suite in Scotland – offers long coastal views, with enough space to allow the day to fold inward, shaped by silence rather than schedule.

Further inland, Monachyle Mhor Hotel moves away from traditional Scottish hotel stays, offering a looser, more immersive relationship with the landscape. Accommodation ranges from a treehouse to a converted wagon and eco cabins, among several low-environmental-impact options, each designed to sit lightly within its surroundings. Firelight, shifting weather and open hills play a central role, shaping days that unfold outdoors as much as in, from first light through ‘till dusk.  

For more information visit https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/  

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland 

At Bürgenstock Resort, hurkle-durkle unfolds above the clouds. Suites sit 500 metres above Lake Lucerne, every space conceived to prioritise the view. Sunken jacuzzi bathtubs face the sweeping vistas, fireplaces divide generous living spaces, and deep window alcoves encourage long stretches of stillness while you gaze across the lake as the light shifts across water and mountain. The marble-clad bathrooms extend the ritual, turning the morning routine into an unhurried pause, while Europe’s largest spa lies only moments away within the hotel. 

Visit www.burgenstockresort.com to reserve. Bürgenstock Resort’s Contemporary Hotel Deluxe Lake View Rooms starts at £1,1521 per night. 

Palazzo Ripetta, Rome 

Palazzo Ripetta offers a rare opportunity to slow down while remaining entirely central to one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities, being located right by the Spanish Steps. The private Wellness Suite spans two levels, featuring an in-room Turkish steam bath, media space and terrace overlooking Rome’s rooftops. Set within a restored 17th-century palazzo, the experience balances architectural depth with modern ease and is the perfect place to enjoy some time to yourself.  

Visit www.palazzoripetta.com to reserve. The Wellness Suite starts from £735 per night 

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Within Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, hurkle-durkle follows the natural rhythm of the bush. Outside of game drives, guests return to expansive suites where the landscape continues to unfold at close range. Wildlife moves freely through the reserve, with animals often wandering past terraces or pausing at private plunge pools to drink, drawing nature directly into the quiet hours of the day. Decks, shaded daybeds and open interiors allow time to be spent reading, resting or simply observing, fully immersed in your surroundings even while still. The experience feels continuous rather than segmented, with the bush present at every moment. 

Prices start from R44,000 (£2004.18) per person for stays at Earth Lodge. For more information visit https://www.sabisabi.com/  

Porto Zante, Zakynthos 

At Porto Zante Villas & Spa hurkle-durkle takes a coastal form. Each beachfront villa functions as a private residence, designed for extended periods of seclusion and ease. In-villa dining, heated pools and indoor–outdoor living spaces support a rhythm shaped entirely by the guest. The two-to-one guest-to-staff ratio allows service to remain constant and familiar, with the Porto Zante team quickly attuned to personal routines, reinforcing a true home-from-home experience. Time moves between terrace, pool and bedroom, guided by the Ionian Sea rather than the clock. 

Rates start from £1,985.70 per night. To reserve visit www.portozante.com