Hideaway in the Scottish Highlands

Luxury with peace, tranquillity and untouched nature

The small, rather sleepy village of Braemar, with just 450 inhabitants and 93 kilometers west of Aberdeen, comes to life every year on the first Saturday in September. This is when the famous Highland Games take place - and they are always attended by the royal family. No wonder, as Balmoral Castle is only a 20-minute drive away. But if you want to feel like Scottish royalty yourself, you can do so all year round. The Fife Arms is an exceptional luxury hotel in the village.


Historic elegance

The history of this property dates back to 1856, when it was built by renowned architect Alexander Marshall for the Duke of Fife. In 2013, gallery owner Iwan Wirth is said to have drunk his worst coffee here and subsequently bought the entire hotel together with his wife. It took four years to renovate and rebuild. When it reopened in 2019, it was inaugurated by none other than the Duke of Rothesay and his wife, the Duchess of Rothesay. The pub remains an integral part of the Fife Arms. It has been carefully restored and is as popular a meeting place for locals as ever. The bad coffee is, of course, a thing of the past. The cuisine, which guests can enjoy either in the pub or in the Clunie Dining Room, is mainly Scottish-inspired, with most of the ingredients sourced locally.

Afterwards, you should treat yourself to a Shocking Pink in the hotel's own cocktail bar, Elsa's. It is a tribute to fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, a close friend of Salvador Dalí. In general, it is art that runs like a red thread through the house. Behind the imposing granite façade with its many gables and wood carvings is an exciting mix of modern art installations, antique pieces and neo-Victorian elements. In addition to a picture once painted by Queen Victoria, the Fife Arms is home to 16,000 original works of art by internationally renowned artists.


Particularly different

Those who come to Braemar will find many opportunities to escape the stresses of everyday life in the breathtakingly beautiful Highlands. The town lies in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and is surrounded by mountains, moorland, fir and birch forests. The luxury of peace, tranquillity and unspoiled nature is omnipresent here. 46 individually designed rooms, each with a story that pays homage to a personality, place or event associated with Braemar and the Highlands, await guests.

Of course, Christmas is also celebrated in style at The Fife Arms. Swiss chocolate is paired with regional whisky in the library in front of the crackling fireplace, festive afternoon tea with traditional Christmas baking is served in the Drawing Room and Clunie Dining Room, fondue is served in the Fog House and the entire estate is decked out in lavish Christmas decorations.

Further information: www.thefifearms.com