The Rise of 'Hurkle-Durkling': Embracing the Art of Doing Nothing
Slow Mornings, Cozy Beds, and the Joy of Just Being
Picture this: You wake up in a charming Scottish cottage, the rain tapping gently against the window. The air is crisp, but you’re cocooned in a duvet, a steaming cup of tea warming your hands. There’s no itinerary, no rush—just the quiet pleasure of stretching out the morning, letting time unfold at its own pace. Welcome to the Scottish art of hurkle-durkling.
What is Hurkle-Durkling?
A term native to Scotland, hurkle-durkling refers to the simple yet luxurious act of lingering in bed long after waking up. It’s about embracing slow, unhurried mornings—reading a book, sipping a cup of coffee, listening to the world outside while you revel in the comfort of your sheets. It’s not laziness; it’s an intentional act of self-care, a rejection of the rush culture that defines modern travel.
In a world obsessed with productivity—even during vacations—hurkle-durkling is a quiet rebellion. It invites travelers to savor the act of being present, rather than cramming in every sight, every meal, and every activity just to tick off a checklist.
How to Incorporate Hurkle-Durkling into Your Travels
If you love slow travel, cozy accommodations, and embracing the moment, integrating hurkle-durkling into your journeys is easier than you think. Here’s how:
Choose the Right Accommodation: Not all hotels or rentals are designed for lingering. Look for places with plush bedding, beautiful views, and a warm ambiance. Cozy B&Bs, countryside cottages, and boutique hotels often provide the perfect setting.
Prioritize Mornings Over Itineraries: Instead of planning early morning tours, allow yourself the gift of slow starts. Have breakfast in bed, listen to soft music, or simply daydream while watching the clouds drift by.
Unplug and Unwind: Resist the urge to check your phone first thing in the morning. Instead, savor the quiet moments—stretch, meditate, or just breathe deeply.
Bring Comfort Items: A good book, fluffy socks, herbal tea—whatever makes your mornings feel like a warm embrace.
Seek Out Destinations That Encourage Slowness: Travel to places that naturally invite rest—think tranquil countryside retreats, lakeside cabins, or cozy alpine lodges.
Where to Experience the Best Hurkle-Durkling Stays
If you’re ready to master the art of slow mornings, here are some destinations and accommodations that cater to the hurkle-durkler in you:
The Fife Arms (Scotland)
The Fife Arms (Scotland): This historic hotel in Braemar exudes warmth, with its crackling fireplaces, tartan blankets, and sumptuous beds perfect for lingering.
Kilchurn Cabin (Scottish Highlands): Wake up to misty lochs and rolling hills from this secluded retreat, where mornings are best spent wrapped in a blanket with a cup of coffee in hand.
Eilean Shona (West Coast of Scotland): An off-grid island experience where slow living and cozy mornings are not just encouraged but essential.
Lunga House (Argyll & Bute): A charming castle-like retreat with soft lighting, antique furniture, and an atmosphere that invites you to curl up and stay awhile.
Glenfinnan House Hotel (Scotland): Nestled in the Highlands, this country house offers stunning loch views, a peaceful ambiance, and a cozy escape from the outside world.
Château de la Treyne (France): Overlooking the Dordogne River, this French château offers the perfect mix of luxury and tranquility, ideal for long, restful mornings.
The Cotswolds Countryside Retreats (England): Thatched-roof cottages, rolling hills, and countryside serenity make this an excellent place to embrace a slow morning.
Hurkle-Durkling Travel Experiences Beyond Scotland
While hurkle-durkling is deeply rooted in Scottish culture, the practice of slow mornings can be embraced anywhere. Consider these travel experiences that encourage a similar sense of relaxation and slowness:
Thermal Spas & Hot Springs: Destinations like the Secret Lagoon in Iceland, or the thermal baths of Tuscany provide a perfect way to ease into the day.
Slow River Cruises: Instead of fast-paced tours, opt for a slow barge cruise in France or a houseboat stay on Kerala’s backwaters.
Cabin Retreats in the Nordic Wilderness: Whether in Norway, Sweden, or Finland, spending mornings in a secluded wooden cabin, watching the snow fall or the Northern Lights dance, is the epitome of hurkle-durkling.
Coastal Hideaways: Places like the Amalfi Coast in Italy or the islands of Greece offer scenic balcony breakfasts with sea views, inviting you to linger in the moment.
Forest Retreats & Treehouses: Staying in a treetop cabin, like those in British Columbia or Costa Rica, allows for slow mornings filled with birdsong and fresh forest air.
Treehotel in Sweden
Why Hurkle-Durkling is the Travel Trend We All Need
In an age where travel is often about chasing the next big thing, hurkle-durkling reminds us that some of the most memorable moments come from simply being. It’s about trading FOMO for JOMO (the joy of missing out), embracing the stillness, and finding beauty in life’s unhurried details.
