Scottish Highlands
Fife Arms
A grand country escape
This lovingly restored and refurbished hotel within the Cairngorms National Park in Braemar has been designed to feel like a welcoming country house, while retaining the property’s sense of grandeur and history. Each of the 46 rooms and suites has been individually decorated and furnished. There are six room types to choose from, with each fitting a meticulously researched theme or dedicated to a local person, place or event.
The Royal Suites, with views out over the surrounding landscape, have been inspired by some of the noble visitors who visited Braemar in the past. Furnishings are rich, with carefully-chosen antiques, artworks and even some items that once belonged to some of the historic figures themselves. Reflecting the hotel’s history as a 19th-century coaching inn, the Victoriana Suites boast period wallpaper and have views over Braemar. In turn, the Scottish Culture Rooms have been inspired by some of Scotland’s leading figures in literature, astronomy, engineering and exploration. In the Nature and Poetry Rooms, natural materials like heather, wood and tweed feature in the decor along with beautiful headboards engraved with the words of poet Alec Finlay.
When it comes to dining, expect menus which make full use of the finest Scottish seasonal produce. From fresh seafood and game to local whiskies and spirits, many of the ingredients used in the kitchens and bars will be sourced from local suppliers, gamekeepers and farmers. Enjoy a selection of ales and whiskies at The Flying Stag, take a table in The Clunie Dining Room and allow executive chef Robert Cameron to impress with Scottish cuisine, and enjoy a nightcap at the beautiful art deco cocktail bar Elsa’s.
Highlights
Hiking in Cairngorms National Park
Nearby golf course
Close to historic castles and whisky distilleries
46 rooms and suites
Restaurant
Two bars
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Scottish Highlands
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Places to combine Fife Arms with
Scottish Highlands
Alladale Wilderness Reserve sits right in the heart of the Highlands, an hour north of Inverness and with views of the sea to the east and west from its highest point.
The reserve covers some 100 square kilometres of forking glen, rugged mountains, woodland, rivers and hill lochs. And there is a vision behind the beauty. Alladale is a pioneering place that leads the way in the rewilding movement, restoring a once overgrazed stalking estate to a diverse landscape with over 850,000 saplings planted, and protecting native wildlife such as pine marten, black grouse and golden eagles alongside free roaming Highland cattle and deer.
You can learn all about this pioneering effort on guided walks and drives with expert guides, perhaps visiting the Scottish wildcat project to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest felines. It’s also a place to immerse yourself in wilderness, whether cycling trails on mountain bikes, wild swimming in the cool river or hiking up to the mountain lochs to fish. Outside the reserve, the north of Scotland offers a host of incredible day trips with the west coast’s incredible beaches, a collection of historic castles, world famous whiskey distilleries and fine golf courses all within reach.
There are three homely accommodation options here. Down in the valley are two private cottages, Ghillie’s Rest and Eagle’s Crag. The former can sleep up to four people in its two bedrooms, but it is also well suited to couples. Eagle’s Crag is ideal for friends and families, with two double bedrooms and an attic room meaning up to eight people can sleep here. Each cottage has its own kitchen and catering options are entirely flexible.
For larger groups of up to 14, there is the exclusive use Main Lodge, an old Victorian manor with incredible views down the glen. Available fully catered and with huge fire-warmed living areas, a gym, billiard room and dining room, this is the place to experience life as a laird.
