It’s always a bit shocking to hear someone British say, “I’ve never been to Scotland” – especially if they’ve lived in the UK their entire life. One look at its offerings and there’s simply no excuse.
From a rich seam of historical significance to storybook castles, grand manor houses and a revivified fine dining scene – not to mention ample whisky opportunities – Scotland is one of our favourite places to live it large.
Below, we’ve rounded up the country’s finest luxury hotels, where the finer things in life are finessed with the same care as a perfectly buttery slice of shortbread.
Scotland's best 10 luxury hotels
The Glenturret
Glenturret
There’s nothing quite like capping off an evening with a noggin of whisky distilled only metres away, particularly after a two-Michelin-starred meal. That’s exactly what’s on the menu at The Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest working distillery. Nestled in the sleepy Perthshire town of Crieff, The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant offers innovative tasting menus masterminded by chef Mark Donald, which draw from the local larder to create dishes that celebrate Scotland in grand style. For those wanting a kip afterwards, bed down at Aberturret Estate House, a 19th-century manor packed to the rafters with Harris tweed, Bute fabric and Lalique accents. A gastronomic package includes a multi-course dinner menu for two, an overnight stay and a country-style breakfast the following morning at £790 – not bad, considering the tasting menu itself is £220 per person. Make sure to save space in your suitcase for a bottle or two.
From £790 per night; theglenturretrestaurant.com
Cameron House
Cameron House
Originally built in the mid-1700s on the shores of Loch Lomond, Cameron House is a quintessential Scottish retreat complete with unforgettable lake views, a championship golf course, and a world-class spa. Its potent cocktail of modern luxury and timeless grandeur intoxicates whether you’re visiting to indulge or explore the wilderness nearby. Guests can explore all corners of the loch aboard the hotel’s private yacht or unwind in one of its elegant suites, each designed with signature Caledonian charm. Dining options include the Cameron Grill and La Vista, where hungry guests can demolish bowls of pasta while watching the sun set on the glassy waters of Loch Lomond.
From £229 per night; cameronhouse.co.uk
The Torridon
The Torridon
Matt Buckley
One of Scotland’s most secluded luxury retreats, The Torridon is a former hunting lodge offering five-star comfort amid the dramatic landscapes of the Northwest Highlands. Known for its whisky bar, outdoor adventures, and eco-conscious luxury, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Guests can kayak through mirror-like lochs, hike the rugged Torridon mountains, or take a guided wildlife tour to spot red deer and golden eagles. With locally sourced fine dining and rooms designed for relaxation, The Torridon redefines Highland hospitality.
From £235 per night; thetorridon.com
The Balmoral
Glenapp Castle
Almost as iconic as Arthur’s Seat itself, The Balmoral’s stunning Edwardian clocktower presides over Waverley Station like a watchful grandsire (set three minutes fast, to hurry passengers along to their trains). The hotel is well over a century in age, JK Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Room 552, and its 167 rooms and 20 suites, as well as its Michelin-starred Scottish restaurant Number One, have magnetised a who’s who list of movers and shakers. Operated by Rocco Forte Hotels, you can rest assured that you’ll be staying in one of Scotland’s most celebrated properties, and with its location in the heart of the city, between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, you’re within easy reach of everything good and great in Auld Reekie.
From £350 per night; roccofortehotels.com
Belmond Royal Scotsman
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Not a hotel per se, but certainly in league with the plushest of them, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is Scotland’s most luxurious train, offering an intimate and elegant journey through the Highlands. Think mahogany-clad carriages, plush cabins, and world-class dining – guests enjoy the ultimate in slow travel, complemented by exclusive excursions and onboard whisky tastings. The train’s spa carriage offers bespoke treatments as the hills and dales roll past, massaging indulgence into the adventure. Itineraries wrap in castle visits, private distillery tours and outdoor experiences. Looking for a luxury experience of the Highlands that follows the road less travelled? If you prefer a luxury experience cut from a different cloth, this one tracks.
From £5,300 per person; belmond.com
Glenapp Castle
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Tucked away in the under-explored but magical county of Ayrshire, Glenapp Castle is the stuff of fairytales, set over 110 acres of gardens and woodland with turreted architecture, lavish suites and fine dining that holds punches with capital cities. It’s also excellent for outings with your loved ones, offering personalised experiences such as private boat trips, dinners al fresco underneath the stars, and sea safaris where guests can dine on secluded beaches and wander around uninhabited islands. After that, retreat to suites with four-poster beds and roaring fireplaces, and let Scotland’s version of hygge take hold.
From £400 per night; glenappcastle.com
Gleneagles
Gleneagles
Since it opened at the far end of the railway line in the 1920s, Gleneagles has been a playground for bon vivants. Now one of Scotland’s most iconic luxury resorts, it boasts three championship golf courses, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and a top-tier spa. The American Bar channels 1920s glamour, while outdoor activities like falconry and horse riding add an adventurous touch. It’s a heady mix of indulgence, tradition, and fun – the Highlands at their most haute.
From £361 per night; gleneagles.com
The Witchery by the Castle
The Witchery
For those seeking opulent gothic glamour, The Witchery by the Castle offers a uniquely theatrical experience. Its lavishly decorated suites, candlelit dining, and historic setting make it one of Scotland’s most romantic and atmospheric luxury stays. Each of its nine suites is a masterpiece of gothic indulgence, featuring rich tapestries, oak-panelled walls, and roll-top baths designed for decadence. Dining beneath the gilded ceiling of the candlelit restaurant, with views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is an experience that feels as magical as the city itself.
From £575 per night; thewitchery.com
The Old Course Hotel
The Old Course Hotel
Overlooking the storied greens of the Old Course, this hotel is hallowed ground for golfers and luxury seekers alike. With a top-tier spa, fine dining, and unparalleled views of the St Andrews Links, it’s the ultimate destination for those who want to experience golfing history in style. The Kohler Waters Spa provides hydrotherapy treatments inspired by ancient healing practices, ensuring visitors total relaxation, particularly after a day on the fairways. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the Road Hole Bar, home to one of the world’s finest whisky selections, while soaking in panoramic views of the course.
From £370 per night; oldcoursehotel.co.uk
The Fife Arms
Fife Arms
The Fife Arms is having a moment. Perched on the Cairngorms plateau in the charming town of Braemar, it’s been transformed from a Victorian coaching inn into a world-class art hotel where staid Scottish heritage melds seamlessly with avant-garde design. The hotel’s collection boasts over 16,000 objets d’art, running the spectrum from Picasso to bespoke commissions from contemporary Scottish painters. Sip a dram by the fire or dine on local fare in the Clunie Dining Room, and know that every detail has been artfully considered.
From £307 per night; thefifearms.com
