A Year at the Fife Arms

The colder months are magical in Scotland, when snow-capped mountains and cosy firesides make the Fife Arms the perfect destination for a luxury winter break or Christmas retreat in the Highlands. During the festivities the hotel transforms with traditional decorations, including charmingly embellished Nordmann Fir trees which fill the hallways with the smell of fresh pine, roaring fires, and an impressive lights display. Beyond Christmas and Hogmanay, Braemar is a brilliant location for those wanting to explore the outdoors on ski trips or guided stargazing walks, with the Northern Lights often visible in the night sky.

Spring is an excellent time to explore Scotland’s scenic countryside, and with longer days and milder weather beginning to appear it’s a rejuvenating season for a Scottish boutique hotel stay. There is plenty to explore at the Fife Arms, from fly fishing on the River Dee to guided walks around local estates. Spring brings ample opportunities to reconnect with nature, and the Fife Arms’ Wild Wellness experiences are dedicated to the restorative power of the wilderness, enjoyed through wild swimming excursions, wild sketching classes, guided hikes and more.

With nearly 18 hours of daylight, summer is a fantastic time for luxury travel in Scotland. Lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the purple heather-covered hills, play on the world-famous Scottish golf courses, or create lasting family memories with hotel-organised Pony Picnics or off-road tours led by our Ghillie team – a truly unique and fun way to explore the landscape. Balmoral Castle is also open during the summer months for tours of selected rooms and the beautiful gardens.

Spectacular golden landscapes and fewer crowds make autumn a fantastic time for a luxury Scotland holiday. The Braemar Gathering welcomes thousands of visitors and takes place on the first Saturday in September each year. A glorious celebration of Scottish heritage, the games have been taking place in its present form since 1832. Autumn is also the time for festivals at the Fife Arms, including Braemar Literary Festival in September and the Fife Arms Festival of Fashion in November, both key cultural celebrations in the heart of the Highlands.