Scotland's Top JOMO Destinations For 2025

1.St Andrews

Renowned for being the “home of golf”, the seaside town of St. Andrews comes in first place as the ultimate Scottish JOMO destination. Approximately an hour away from Fife, the coastal town scored an overall 55 out of 100 due to its abundance of JOMO experiences. Whether you plan an entire trip here or visit for a day from Aberdeen or Edinburgh, you’re sure to start relaxing as soon as the fresh sea air hits you.  

A key part of JOMO travel is choosing experiences that resonate with you, and if that’s unwinding in nature, you’re spoilt for choice in St Andrews. For sights, sounds, and wildlife, St Andrews Botanic Garden provides 18 acres to explore, while Tentsumir National Nature Reserve is a haven for coastal walks and wildlife. 

For those seeking a wellness-inspired break, the seaside town is also home to six spa and wellness centres; the most of any other Scottish location in our list. Kohler Water Spa offers the quintessential spa experience for those in need of a spot of TLC. Whether you are looking for deep relaxation in a toasty sauna or you are feeling daring enough to try a cold plunge pool, Kohler has you covered.  

St Andrews is also home to Scotland’s first ever university, with the town supporting a rich student community. If you’re looking to check out the town’s bustling bar crawl scene, Main Bar, Sandy’s Bar, Beacon Bar and The Centurion are popular student pubs to visit for a more lively trip.  

Finally, further locally-loved ‘institutions’ which are popular in the community include The Crystal Shop and Jannettas Gelateria. The Crystal Shop, which has been on the go since 1997, is a magical trove for crystal shopping 🔮. For ice cream lovers, Jannettas offers a whopping 54 flavours of ice cream to choose from, based on a 100-year-old Italian recipe🍦.

2.St Monans

If village life is calling your name, St Monans offers a prime escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Scoring 53 out of 100 in our index, this quaint village ranks highly for average hours of sunshine and outdoor activities, proving the power of nature-based experiences.

St Monans is the ideal place for unwinding and switching off. Here, you can enjoy soothing nature walks along the Fife coastal path and explore quaint streets with charming 17th and 18th-century buildings lining the harbour. St Monans Tidal Pool is a unique hidden gem for an invigorating sea dip to get the endorphins flowing, whilst Wild Scottish Sauna in Kingsbarns provides a rejuvenating experience by the sea. 

It’s an easygoing destination where you’re free to go at your own pace, complete with an excellent foodie scene. The East Pier Bar & Restaurant is a top-rated foodie spot for an authentic local experience. Enjoy salmon kebabs, fresh crab and lobster, and other seafood delicacies before indulging in a variety of sumptuous deserts. Or try out Baern Cafe for tasty baked goods, seasonal menus, and guest chef spots - you never know who might be cooking for you! 

3.St Abbs

Natural beauty and wildlife go hand in hand in St Abbs, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Scotland. Coming in at third place with a 52 out of 100 ranking score, it’s the ideal place for a JOMO trip, offering a rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and clear waters to explore.   
St Abbs is home to two stunning nature parks; the highest number per capita in our study. For JOMO travellers seeking a digital detox where unwinding amongst nature is the aim, it is the perfect destination.  

For scenic walks and the opportunity to spot coastal wildlife, a hike through St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve is a must 🐦. Known as ‘Seabird City’, this is the ideal spot for embracing your inner earth child. If you're visiting St Abbs in the Autumn months, you can check out the nearby pumpkin patch for a wholesome Halloween activity - Instagram pics not required, unless you want to. 

If a little culture is of interest, the St Abbs Harbour is home to a lifeboat station and memorial where you can learn about the history of lifesaving. St Abbs Harbour is also a great spot for refreshments as you watch the world go by. Ebbcarrs Cafe is a small cafe on the harbour front offering fresh local seafood, home bakes and local ales for an afternoon tipple.  

JOMO travel is all about finding your balance, and local experiences can be a key part of this. St Abbs Market is a popular local activity to explore while you’re here. This hub offers local arts, crafts, gifts, and local produce - perfect for souvenir shopping before you head home.  

 4.Ayr

With a rich literary history and links to famous poet, Robert Burns, the seaside town of Ayr offers a peaceful escape for JOMO travellers. Scoring 51 out of 100 within our index, Ayr still ranks highly for JOMO travel amongst Scottish towns and villages despite its larger size. 

Located on the southwest coast of Scotland, Ayr is a hub of natural beauty. From coastal paths and large green spaces to the stunning, sandy Ayr Beach, it’s the definition of JOMO travel.  

If getting outdoors is a vital part of your trip, enjoy a one-mile scenic walk along The Lang Scots Mile. Offering breathtaking views over the sea, these trails are wheelchair friendly and deliver a true sense of relaxation ⛰️.   

The coastal town also receives high reviews for many of its attractions, including its wellness centres, spas, and parks. Speaking of, Si! Spa at The Gailes is the perfect way to while away an afternoon with relaxing treatments and rejuvenating massage therapies.  

While many visitors explore the historic castles and scenic views on foot, why not embrace cowboy core and enjoy the views atop a Scottish horse at Blackstone Clydesdale Experience.  

With plenty of outdoor activities, you’ll probably get a little hungry. Narture is an excellent place to start. An award-winning Sourdough Bakery & Creative Art Studio, Narture specialises in handmade, sustainable sourdough that funds local arts projects.  

5.Arbroath

If you’re looking for a JOMO trip where pure relaxation is the goal, Arbroath is the perfect destination. In our analysis, this town on the North Sea coast scored the highest average reviews for spas, wellness centres, and spa hotels, with an overall score of 50 out of 100. 

Keeping in theme with tranquillity, visitors to Arbroath can enjoy walks along Lunan Bay, a soft sand beach with shallow waters and vast forest scenery. Arbroath also boasts a rich maritime heritage, major historical landmarks including Arbroath Abbey, and famous culinary delicacies like the Arbroath Smokies.   

Arbroath was once a major fishing port, with the first harbour dating back to the 14th century. Nowadays, the harbour is mainly used as a marina, and you can walk along the quay watching locals angling their catch of the day🎣. 

If you’re a keen foodie, Arbroath is home to a number of hidden gems. Check out Marcos on the Shore by the harbour - you can’t miss it, just look for the pink building. This family-run business has been serving fish and chips since 1997 and is a firm favourite among locals. For speedy street food, the Weecook Kitchen infuses tradition with a modern take on pies and quick bites.   

A JOMO visit to Scotland isn’t complete without a beverage or two. Whether it’s whisky, coffee, or gin, Arbroath is a melting pot for great drink selections. Sacred Grounds Coffee is the ideal place for specialty roasted coffees, while Smithies Deli & Gin Emporium blends a unique mixture of artisan foods and a brilliant gin selection.