Ecopod is a boutique luxury retreat on the west coast of Scotland which boasts stunning views of Loch Linnhe, the mountains of Mull and the Kingairloch coastline.  Founders Jim and Nicola spent years researching the venture to ensure it worked in harmony with its surrounding environment while providing guests with a luxurious getaway. After finding the perfect location for a relaxing retreat Jim and Nicola realised that to make the most of the stunning location, they required accommodation that would be very sympathetic to the surroundings; their quest led them to Berlin-based company Zendome. Zendome’s domes are exciting and unique yet do not detract from the landscape; Jim and Nicola were delighted.

With glamping (glam-camping) becoming increasingly popular Ecopod is the perfect retreat for environmentally conscious couples who love a bit of luxury. The domes sleep two people and are furnished and equipped to stringent environmental and aesthetic standards. The Ecopods come complete with designer furniture, high-end audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi, a wood-paneled bathroom with organic beauty products, and an outside wooden deck with a large hot tub. The domes are heated by wood-pellet stoves, fuel for which is provided upon arrival along with a hamper full of local delicacies; handmade chocolates, beers, malt whisky, fresh seafood and all the essentials.

“What we are trying do is show that there is no point about being hypocritical about green living, lots of people make huge claims about their green credentials, but we just want to show that with a little thought and planning you can live a very low carbon existence without the need to compromise on luxuries. Our energy useage is around 10-20% of typical sized building, and the carbon footprint of the build was less than 2%. As well as that the pod can be removed in 48 hours leaving no footprint,” said Jim Miligan.

Jim and Nicola launched the project after realising their love for the west coast of Scotland when they were in the twenties. “A few wee stints spent independently in various European cities and Australia further cemented a love for home and gave us a few ideas on what people wanted (or didn't want) when on holiday,” said the couple.

The couple’s background is rather diverse with the main focus on electrical engineering, languages and tourism; however in 2004 they left Glasgow and made the bold move to Appin where Nicola set up an award-winning cafe with her sister Laura and Jim set about overhauling a local information centre and shop. “Our heart and soul is put into Ecopod and we will ensure a memorable and feel-good stay for our clients,” they said. Ecopod is launching its second pod in June 2011 and pod number three is in the planning stages and will be 100 percent portable and can be erected anywhere in just 24 hours; basically it will be the world’s first, fully portable, luxury hotel suite.

Ecopod also raises money to conserve the local surroundings, and Jim and Nicola have a plan in place which will ensure the protection of various species including oak and birch trees, birds, bats and squirrels. They also have an educational scheme set up with the local primary school which allows guests to donate 10 pence per unit of electricity they use during their stay to teach children about the human impact upon the environment. So in their own words: “Five star isn't a guilty pleasure. Rest assured that Ecopod doesn't cost the earth.”