Nestled in the majestic Scottish Highlands, the Fife Arms was recently named best hotel in the U.K. by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. With over 16,000 pieces of art and antiques, this 19th-century hunting lodge turned hotel in the historical village of Braemar serves as both an international art gallery as well as an eclectic, cozy, and welcoming countryside home. Though a newer hotel (it opened only in 2019), the Fife Arms quickly earned legend status and consistently wows travelers with its drama, eccentricity and charm.

Ewan Venters, the CEO of the hospitality and development company Artfarm, joins Melissa on today’s episode to dive into how he helped transform this landmark hotel into a ‘living contemporary art museum.’ For Ewan, “hospitality is all about the generosity of spirit” and he explains how the connection to art and community creates a unique guest experience at the hotel. He reveals the journey of opening the Fife Arms and designing an authentic space for the culturally curious traveler; he talks about the famous whiskey library Bertie’s Bar (named after Queen Victoria's rebellious son) and shares the secret to the hotel’s success (including feedback from the famous actress and prior hotel guest Judi Dench).

Indagare Productions Director Kathryn Nathanson also jumps on to share travel tips for making the most of a trip to the Fife Arms after staying there this past April. She’ll dive into how to get there, what to wear, see, eat and do.

If you want more information about the Fife Arms and the Scottish Highlands sites that are mentioned in today’s episode, click the links below:

Fife Arms - 19th century hunting lodge turned into a historic, boutique hotel located in the village of Braemar

• Drawing Room

Artfarm - the company run by Ewan that oversees unique hospitality projects like Fife Arms by focusing on the power of hospitality, art, and community.

• The Audley

• Mount St.

If you want to dive more into the history of the Highlands and the relationship between Queen Victoria and her gillie, John Brown, check out the movie: Mrs. Brown.

For travelers visiting the Scottish Highlands, see tips below from Indagare Productions Director Kathryn Nathanson:

Arriving to Fife Arms

• Visitors have the option to travel by car, plane, or train to Fife Arms, however Kathryn recommends taking a car. You can hire a driver or if comfortable, rent a car yourself; note, you will be driving on the opposite side of the road compared to America.

o If you’re arriving internationally, you’ll most likely connect through Edinburgh, which is about 2hr drive to the hotel.

o You can also take a connecting flight to the Aberdeen Airport (about 1hr away), the Dundee Airport (about 1.5hrs away), and the Inverness Airport (about 2hrs away if you’re coming from Northern Scotland).

What to pack

• Depending on the time of year, the Highlands can get very cold in the winter and it’s best to always dress for the changing weather. This includes packing layers, barbers, and wellies (rain boots). Some guests choose to dress nicer for cocktails and dinners, however feel free to dress casual as the overall environment is relaxed. The hotel also offers guests the option to borrow outdoor gear if needed.

How long to stay

• About 3 to 4 days should give you enough time to explore the area around the Fife Arms.

Sites to visit in the Highlands

• Balmoral Castle

• Church of Crathie Kirk

• Braemar Gathering

• Inverness and the Culloden Battlefield

• Campbell's of Beauly

• Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Outdoor Activities

• Visit the gillie team at the Fife Arms to arrange activities in the area, some of which include hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, shooting, biking, falconry, off-road jeep adventures, picnics in the mountains, forging classes, farm tours, and more. For a complete list of options, check out www.thefifearms.com/experience.

Restaurants in and around the Fife Arms

• Clunie Dining Room

• The Flying Stag

• Bertie’s Bar

• Elsa's

• The Fish Shop

• Tarmachan Cafe

• Hazelnut Patisserie

• Braemar Chocolate Shop