The Fife Arms

Europe • Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Located in the charming Aberdeenshire village of Braemar, a two-hour drive from Edinburgh, The Fife Arms is a gloriously reimagined 19th-century Victorian coaching inn with a museum-worthy art collection and interiors that celebrate exquisite local craftsmanship (the house tartan and tweed are by Scottish textile designer Araminta Campbell; beds are carved to reflect the local landscape, and gardens were created by celebrated Chelsea Flower Show medalist Jinny Blom).

The hotel, a passion project by gallery power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth (of Zurich’s acclaimed Hauser & Wirth), has 46 rooms and suites, all individually decorated and with their own stories to tell. A riot of colors, fabrics and patterns abounds, creating an inspired look that mixes maximalist wallpaper with precious antiques and Victorian textiles.

Guests have their pick of immersive activities and events, no matter the season, plus access to an expert Highlands guide (known as “Ghillie”) who can make recommendations and lead visitors on a variety of adventures.

By the Numbers

Opened in 2019; 46 individually designed bedrooms, including 15 suites; 16,000 pieces of extraordinary art; over 500 whiskies at Bertie’s Whiskey Bar; 1 original Picasso, Lucien Freud and painting by Queen Victoria.

Some of our stories

The Fife Arms takes the “art hotel” concept to another level with 16,000 antiques, curios and artworks, including two original pieces by Picasso

Each room is uniquely designed, like the whimsical Artist’s Studio, inspired by Bloomsbury artist Duncan Grant, and artful experiences include sketching and writing classes with local artists

Bertie’s Whisky Bar offers 365 whiskies, one for each day of the year, that are arranged by flavor profile

Guides, known as Ghillies, can orchestrate immersive nature experiences in the Cairngorms, including include fly-fishing and clay-pigeon shooting, as well as thrilling helicopter rides

The online and onsite shop brings together exclusive, artisan-made goods for everyone, including four-legged friends ( also look for Tartan blankets, antler candelabras and whisky-tasting sets)

As part of sustainability initiatives at large, The Fish Shop restaurant offers ethically sourced seafood from Scotland and the British Isles

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