The Fife Arms

Despite the name The Fife Arms is nowhere near St Andrews or even in the Kingdom of Fife, instead it is located in Braemar in the Scottish Highlands. Braemar is far better known for its Royal links than its golf, this small town became wildly popular in the 1840s after Queen Victoria & Prince Albert acquired the nearby estate at Balmoral. In response to this surge in tourism The Fife Arms was commissioned and opened its doors in 1858 as a grand coaching inn and it proved an instant hit. But like so many institutions, the splendour and glamour evaporated over time and it lost its lustre, becoming a rather neglected staging post and a sad shadow of its former self.

Private dining like you have never done before

Today, however, we are delighted to report you will find The Fife Arms in rude health. The hotel now belongs to Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the noted gallerists behind the art powerhouse, Hauser & Wirth. The new owners and their team have lovingly created a truly unique hotel that can easily be described as one of the finest properties in Scotland and probably the world. With over 16000 pieces of artwork on display throughout the hotel your senses will be almost overwhelmed by this carefully curated collection of paintings, sculptures and installations that are literally everywhere. From ‘flying’ stags to modern masterpieces, the vast catalogue of art adorns every inch of the place and is arranged and displayed with such care and attention that it feels much more like a home than a hotel. In the main rooms there are open fires, complete with club fenders, and supremely comfy sofas on which to gaze into the flames and get totally lost in your thoughts.

But aesthetics alone are not enough to elevate a hotel into the bracket of great, great hotels offer great service and that comes from the staff. Even before you arrive at The Fife Arms the ‘Ghillies’ (concierge) team are in contact to help you plan out your stay and help you get the very best out of your trip. This simple but thoughtful regard to small details is typical there and it extends right the way through all the staff, from front desk to housekeeping to the kitchen brigade and the result is a fantastic hotel experience which more than justifies your journey to this corner of Royal Deeside.

The iconic ‘Stag Bar’

There are many hotels in the world that are in landmark buildings and that have been luxuriously appointed but that does not necessarily make them exceptional places to stay. The Fife Arms has clearly been a labour of love for those responsible for its conception and creation, it is a simply stunning venue. But what sets it apart is the way that passion and care is carried forward by the people who work there, making guests feel valued and that they belong there, that is truly great hospitality.

Things not to miss: The Art Tour, the local honeycomb at breakfast, wood-fired potatoes, a walk up to the 5 cairns on Morrone.