The Fife Arms
#Hunting + High Art
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- The Fife Arms, Mar Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YN, United Kingdom
- Price guide: $$$$$
- Official website
Tucked into the heart of Braemar, The Fife Arms is part historic hunting lodge, part high-art fever dream. Originally built in 1856, this wild Victorian retreat was reborn under some of the owners behind Hauser & Wirth, one of the world’s most renowned art dealers. The result? A hotel that’s as much an art museum as it is a five-star escape, with a few surprises thrown in. Think original Picassos, wildly curated interiors, and a whisky bar straight out of a Bond film.
With 84 uniquely designed rooms, The Fife Arms offers everything from antique-filled suites fit for royalty to quirky, artist-inspired chambers that defy expectations. The hotel’s two restaurants cater to all moods: The Clunie Dining Room serves open-fire Highland fare, while The Flying Stag pub keeps things lively with craft ales, live music, and local charm. Need to unwind? There’s a cozy library, a boutique spa, and a courtyard bar that comes alive under the stars.
Set 1.5 hours from both Aberdeen and Inverness airports, this isn’t just a stopover, it’s a destination in itself. Whether you’re here for the hiking, history, or just a well-earned dram by the fire, The Fife Arms is one of Scotland’s most unforgettable stays. Just don’t get too distracted by the art… you still have whisky to drink.
