Braemar, Cairngorms

Art, Whisky and Highland Magic

Where the Scottish wilderness meets a living, breathing masterpiece.

Deep in the Cairngorms, where pine forests meet heather-clad glens, The Fife Arms rises from the village of Braemar like a fever dream of Highland grandeur. This is no ordinary country house retreat. Conceived as a living artwork, the hotel's 46 plush rooms are steeped in carefully curated pieces that blur the line between gallery and guestroom, turning every corridor into an adventure of discovery. It is the kind of place where you linger over a dram in the whisky bar long after you intended to retire, drawn into conversation by the extraordinary objects that crowd every corner of this gloriously eccentric Aladdin's cave.

At table, The Fife Arms earns its Two Michelin Keys with quiet confidence. The kitchens celebrate Scottish, local and seasonal ingredients across a dining room of real distinction, while a fondue hut adds a note of playful Alpine whimsy to proceedings. Beyond the walls, the Cairngorms beckon with outdoor adventures worthy of the landscape's raw, elemental drama — before you retreat, gratefully, to the warmth and theatre within.

For art lovers, whisky enthusiasts and couples seeking a truly singular escape, The Fife Arms is nothing short of a bucket-list destination. This is the Scottish Highlands distilled into 46 rooms of pure, intoxicating magic — bold enough to astonish, intimate enough to feel like the greatest secret you have ever been let in on. Book immediately, and book before someone else does.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

46 plush rooms
Art-filled
Whisky bar
Two Michelin Keys
Fine dining

Gallery

Inside & Out

The Fife Arms — interior and exterior view 1

The Fife Arms — interior and exterior view 2

The Fife Arms — interior and exterior view 3

The Fife Arms — interior and exterior view 4

The Fife Arms — interior and exterior view 5

The Fife Arms — interior and exterior view 6

Guest Voices

What They Say

“Our stay at the Fife Arms was exceptional! The attention to detail from the entire team is top notch! We worked with the Ghillie team to schedule a day tour to some castles and it was fantastic! Each meal we had was wonderful! We did a whiskey tasting at Bertie’s and loved every second of it! The hotel was beautifully decorated for the festive season and the art tour was a lot of fun to learn about several of the different pieces. We felt right at home here, and we will surely find ourselves here again!”

Emily Malone5/5

“Amazing world-class design, worth staying in the suites. Incredible but very inaccessible location. Average dinner at a high price, with much too bright lighting, perhaps this is just Scotland. Mostly good service — some very eccentric. Great activities.”

M Kawasaki5/5

“What a gem of a hotel. The love and attention to detail in constructing this hotel is obvious to anyone who has experience of starting a new business or construction. It was an impeccable hotel come art gallery. Having afternoon tea by two Picasso masterpieces is not a forgettable experience. The breakfast and dinner were made with fresh and high quality ingredients. Very delicious. The owner has created magic in this remote area of highlands. Already looking to book our next trip with the dogs and extended family.”

Kaveh Shakib5/5

“An amazing experience, pure opulence. We just stayed one night dinner, bed and breakfast but were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. All the staff we interacted with were incredible. The art tour highlighted just how special the hotel is - 16,000 works of art within these walls! We stayed in the Lord Byron room which was perfect. The food in the dining room was excellent and the ambience spot on. If you’re looking for a special occasion stay in a beautiful part of the country, then I fully recommend this wonderful hotel.”

Mick Mathieson5/5

“What a surprise... the food, the furnishings, the size and variety of decor... as you wander through, discover incredible lavish themed rooms each the size of a quaint resto... beyond expectations. The gift shop of treasures, player piano, fireplace and decor are all worth the visit. The staff are great and service is prompt... the food @The Flying Stag is fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and Lush”

HappyCanadianTourist5/5