The Fife Arms, Braemar

Somewhere, in the shadow of the Grampian Mountains, amid the swirling mists of the Cairngorms National Park, lies a place quite unlike any other. The Fife Arms is that most unique of hotels, positively brimming with personality yet never failing to deliver a luxury experience. A past host of Queen Victoria, the centuries-old former coaching inn draws on its history to tell a story of the Scottish highlands through the mediums of art, design, cuisine and adventure. From the convivial atmosphere of the Flying Stag pub to the sultry sophistication of Elsa Schiaparelli inspired Elsa’s, each corner of the Fife Arms has its own tale to tell.

Location

Historic Braemar lies right at the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park and enjoys centuries of proud tradition. It is here that you will find The Royal Highland Games each September, one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the world in the River Dee and the ancient strongholds of Braemar and Kindrochit Castles. Just nine miles further and you’ll find Balmoral, the Royal Family’s Scottish residence. Arriving at the Fife Arms is nothing short of jaw-droppingly scenic. Whether you choose to drive the two-hours north from Edinburgh or the 90-minutes west of Aberdeen, each bend of the road is sure to take your breath away.

Your Room

An authentically Scottish breed of luxury, the 46 rooms and suites of the Fife Arms are each their own story. So much so, that you’ll find the key presented in its own ‘book’ bearing the name of your room. Crossing the threshold, each room boasts its own unique design, told through bespoke tartans, period wallpapers and antique furnishings to reflect themes of culture, nature & poetry, Victoriana and more. We loved the individual cosiness of the croft rooms just as much as the grandeur of the Royal Suites with each stay at the Fife Arms its own entirely unique experience.

Why we like it

Somewhere between a testament to contemporary art and a love letter to Scotland, a luxury hotel has emerged from an old Victorian coaching inn. Art takes center stage here with works ranging from a watercolor by Queen Victoria herself and a Muskateers inspired Picasso self-portrait to a fireplace carved with the words of Burns and the eponymous installation in the Flying Stag. To give you the low down on it all, the Fife Arms employs two full-time art historians set to engage you in the worlds of Scottish history, Victoriana and contemporary art.

All images courtesy of Sim Canetty-Clarke