Overview
Scottish Victoriana with a twist
A landmark in Braemar, the Fife Arms' grand 19th century neo-Gothic style has been given a playful contemporary edge thanks to contemporary artists creating specially commissioned artworks for the hotel that range from canvasses to ceilings, chandeliers and sculptures.
Its handsome communal areas and 46 rooms have all been individually designed to celebrate proud Scottish heritage in a contemporary way. It also showcases the best seasonal produce that the country has become known for. Expect fresh seafood, game and locally sourced ingredients. For a real treat, head to Bertie's Bar, a sumptuously elegant and glamorous whisky library with 365 bottles to sample.
The careful design extends beyond the interiors and into the grounds where the garden was designed by Chelsea Flower Show medalist Jinny Blom, who has also created gardens for the Prince of Wales and Laurent Perrier. Beyond these, the beautiful Cairngorm mountains await.
Facts
At a glance
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46 guest rooms and suites
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Three dining rooms
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Bar and whisky library
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Spa treatments
Experiences
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![Eastern Cairngorms The Fife Arms Scotland 12]()
Art collection
There are over 16,000 antiques and artworks to discover at The Fife Arms, including a collection of contemporary site-specific works by popular artists. You can take an art tour which will introduce you to some of the works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud, Gerhard Richter and Bruegel. There are even water colours by Queen Victoria and Prince Charles.
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![Fife Arms Highlands 2]()
Walking
With 40 munros easily accessible from Braemar, there are many walking trails to choose from. The paths and tracks are suitable for all abilities, from Ben MacDui to Beinn Bhareac. Take a relaxing walk and discover the native flora and fauna of Upper Deeside, keeping an eye out for red squirrels, ptarmigans, ospreys and red deer.
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![The Highlands The Fife Arms Scotland]()
Fishing
One of the most famous salmon rivers in the world, the River Dee, runs past the hotel. Salmon season runs from early February to the end of September. Take the opportunity to spend some time fishing in this spectacular location. Sea trout is available during the summer, and rainbow trout all year.
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![The Fife Arms History]()
History tours
Despite being considered a small village with just 400 residents, Braemar has witnessed a few pivotal moments in Scottish history. The village is home to Braemar Castle and the ruins of Kindrochit Castle. You’ll find the Royal Family’s Scottish residence Balmoral just a short drive away as well. You can go on history tours of the area, or take a walking tour through Braemar itself, learning all about days gone by. See the house where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island, learn about the Games Park and admire the local architecture.
Community & Culture
All Artfarm businesses are committed to trying to source as many of their ingredients from nearby ethical suppliers as possible. The Fife Arms invests in the communities in which their projects are based, by creating learning initiatives and helping to provide infrastructure like a community swimming pool or playground.
Conservation
The Fife Arms’ Wild Resources department helps to conceptualise sustainable and sensitive ways to manage the hotel’s impact on the landscape. In addition to their own conservation projects, they have partnered with the River Dee Trust, the Somerset Wildlife Trust and the British Trust for Ornithology to expand their reach.
As part of their Pearls in Peril project, they have planted 140,000 trees along the banks of the River Dee to help repopulate the freshwater muscles that were washed away in a storm a few years back. Peat-covering efforts have also helped to prevent some 150 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere annually.
Footprint
There is a strong focus on sustainability policies at The Fife Arms. Recycling is a priority, food waste is composted and any large plastic containers are re-used where possible. There are no plastic bottles in rooms and bathroom products are supplied in refillable glass bottles.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
