The Best Luxury Hotels in Scotland

With the UK summers hotter than ever, a staycation has never been so appealing. And with its wild countryside, viridian lochs and smoky whiskies, what better place to visit than Scotland? Whether you’re cruising round the NC500 or hiking through the Highlands, these are the best places to stay along the way. 

Gleneagles, Perthshire

Golfers will already be all too aware of Gleneagles, but it is so much more than its perfectly raked bunkers and manicured greens. A proper countryside retreat straight out of Ab-Fab, guests have a plethora of pursuits to indulge in – think shooting, fishing and outdoor sauna-ing. 

The rooms are as decadent as you’d expect, in particular the Royal Lochnagar Suite, which is fully kitted out with plush velvet coral sofas, mahogany accents, and a grand four-poster bed beneath a twinkling chandelier. Of course, Gleneagles is also home to one of only two 2-Michelin-starred restaurants in Scotland. Andrew Fairlie’s French-leaning cooking is a destination in its own right, so between his Scottish lobster and game-forward approach, you’ll want to book a multiple-night stay so that you can feast your way through the menu more than once. 

The Fife Arms, Braemar 

Nestled right in the heart of the Highlands’ Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms is a truly special stay that has stood the test of time. First opening in 1856, its self-anointed blend of “Celtic tradition, aristocratic eccentricity and contemporary art” has attracted many a Royal visitor, including Queen Victoria and King Charles III. 

The 47-room hotel is quirky maximalism at its finest, pairing bright patterned wallpaper with tartan bedspreads. Owned by Swiss art connoisseurs  Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the hotel gallery boasts over 16,000 pieces from the likes of Picasso and Lucien Freud, all of which can be enjoyed during the daily art tour. For those seeking a different kind of enrichment, the hotel’s wild wellness programmes boast guided tours for bracing wild swims or mindful wanders through the magical Caledonian pinewoods. 

The Torridon, Annat

The grandeur of The Torridon is only marginally eclipsed by the natural beauty of its surroundings. Perched on the banks of Loch Torridon, the boutique Scottish resort houses 18 individually designed rooms, each of which pays homage to the property’s Highland heritage. Instead of staying in the main hotel, we recommend booking The Boathouse – a waterside bolthole with sweeping vistas of the rolling hills and endless skies. Here you can enjoy the full isolation of the countryside away from the crowds, curled up fireside in the quiet.

Just last year, 1887, the hotel’s restaurant, named for the year it opened, was awarded its inaugural Michelin star for its tasting menu that tells a tale of the land and lochs. Focusing primarily on local, seasonal produce like succulent shellfish and game from the neighbouring estates, it’s a celebration of refined dining with a deep respect for provenance. 

Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness. 

Available only for exclusive hire, Aldourie Castle is the crown jewel in Wildland’s rural empire. The Baronial beauty with its turreted terracotta exterior sits where the foothills of the rugged slopes of The Great Glen meet the shores of the fabled Loch Ness. Home to twelve stylishly designed rooms inspired by a blend of Danish and Scottish aesthetics, each complete with medallion rugs, brass bed frames and mid-century lamps, it’s ideal for a luxurious group stay. 

The property offers private chef experiences best savoured alongside rare Highland whiskies as well as guided yoga sessions in the boathouse. Just a short walk from the Loch, a sauna yurt sits hidden in the trees, primed for a post-wild-swim sweat. With a full team of staff, concierge services and workshops on offer, it’s even more exclusive than staying at a hotel. 

Cromlix, Kinbuck

In a post-professional tennis venture, Andy Murray and his wife Kim reopened Cromlix in 2023 following an extensive refurbishment. The Victorian Mansion has certainly had an injection of modernity, seen in the brightly coloured four-poster beds and original artwork. 

There’s a palpable sense of calm at the hotel, inviting guests to bask in the simple art of doing nothing but enjoying the stay. Wellness is a key offering and an appointment at The Woodland Retreat is essential. Here you can partake in an 80-minute treatment inspired by the restorative rhythms of nature and using products crafted by the Edinburgh-based beauty brand MODM. 

Foyers Lodge, Loch Ness

Building on a simple philosophy of comfort, authenticity, and connection, Foyers Lodge honours its farming roots without sacrificing an ounce of luxury. The pared-back Victorian lodge routinely ranks in the upper echelons of the UK’s best boutique stays and for good reason. There are only six en-suite rooms and one luxury apartment room, each as thoughtfully designed as the next.

The relaxed approach extends to the food offering, which spans hearty full Scottish breakfasts in the morning to comforting classics in the evening – think seared scallops, warming risottos and juicy Ribeye steaks.  

Lundies House, Tongue 

Formerly a clergy house named for the Reverend Lundie, Lundies House in the tiny Tongue village is as quaint as it is charming. Sleeping just 16 guests, the Scandinavian influence is clear in the décor – a muted palette, sheepskin rugs and abstract art from artists such as Trine Søndergaard and Peter Blonde. 

The communal spaces are warm and inviting, with log fires often burning and soft furnishings encouraging guests to sink into a bouclé chair after a long day in the great outdoors. From a food perspective, there is no set menu. Instead, guests are asked in advance for their preferences and presented with a tailored culinary showcase in a dimly lit dining room with stunningly scenic hand-painted murals.  

Newhall Mains, Balblair 

Transformed from the derelict buildings of a former principal part of an estate, Newhall Mains demonstrates the best of Highland hospitality. The beautifully designed property has a true boutique feel, combining historic character with airy, modern luxury. Its name may downplay its charm, but we recommend checking into the Cosy Suite. The gorgeous duck-egg blue walls, upholstered headboards and rusty-red panelled bathtub make for a wonderfully elegant sanctuary. 

One of the property’s most distinctive features is its airfield, meaning guests can arrive in style on a small private plane, bypassing the crowds at the nearby Inverness airport. Stewarding the dining experience is former Newt chef Matt Healey, whose culinary stylings, from the pre-prepared picnic hampers to signature dishes like the hand-rolled lobster linguine, have guests from near and far planning a visit.