Christmas is all about indulgence and treating yourself so why not escape to Scotland’s finest hotels this festive season? Janice Hopper offers a selection of the best venues for that truly unforgettable experience

THE ARTISTIC ONE 

Fife Arms, Braemar
Experience a luxurious Christmas with traditional Victorian treats. This winter the Fife Arms is festooned in foraged festive plants and decorations, and it’s full of artistic treasures and festive cheer. Look out for pieces by Picasso, Lucien Freud and Queen Victoria. Conjure up Christmas magic on Christmas Eve with afternoon tea, followed by the Cairngorm Reindeer Parade. Alternatively stay cosy at the fire pit, roasting chestnuts, or turn your hand to Christmas crafts. On the big day savour a four-course Christmas lunch, the King’s Speech, and musical performances. Boxing Day invites guests to get active with a range of picnics, scavenger hunts and outdoor games.
From £5,922.50 for a three night break.
thefifearms.com

THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ONE

Fingal, Leith
All is shipshape aboard Edinburgh’s luxury floating hotel Fingal. Arrive to a festive five-course afternoon tea then cosy up in your cabin or head into town to experience the capital’s Christmas lights and market. The next day a £50 St James Quarter voucher sets shoppers on their way before returning to a three-course meal with wine pairing in the Lighthouse Restaurant. Don’t forget to visit Fingal’s famous neighbour, the Royal Yacht Britannia (complimentary access) plus receive a small Christmas gift to welcome guests back to dry land. 
From £930 for a two night break
fingal.co.uk

(Image: Links House Dornoch)

THE NC500 ONE

Links House, Dornoch
Raise a glass to the NC500 in the quality environs of Links House. After being welcomed with champagne and a festive supper, join Midnight Mass at Dornoch Cathedral. On Christmas Day gifts await guests under the tree. Daytime activities include chilling with Christmas movies or hitting the local beach before tucking into dinner with all the trimmings, accompanied with an all-inclusive beverage package that includes Joseph Perrier Champagne and Talisker Port Ruighe whisky. On Boxing Day brunch is followed by whisky and cheese tasting by day, and a super Surf and Turf supper by night. 
From £2,025 per stay for a three-night break. 
linkshousedornoch.com

THE HOME OF GOLF ONE

Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews
Make a beeline for the coastal town of St Andrews, where Hotel du Vin’s contemporary rooms have recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and facelift, leaving them sparkling for Christmas. Arrive to a warming glass of mulled wine before dining from the festive à la carte menu. On Christmas Day indulge in a cooked breakfast and Christmas Dinner with champagne, in the knowledge that a brisk walk on West Sands beach will blow away the cobwebs.
From £568 for a two night break. Three and four-night packages available too.
hotelduvin.com

(Image: Trump MacLeod)

THE HOTEL TAKEOVER ONE

Trump Macleod House, Balmedie
Trump Macleod is inviting guests to book its nine- bedroom manor house on an exclusive use basis for a two-night Christmas break of sheer luxury. We’re talking a traditional piper welcoming guests, a personal butler service, private use of the Clavis Whisky Bar, an outdoor hot tub, a six-course Christmas dinner, plus lunch and breakfasts prepared and served in a lavish private dining room. This is hotel indulgence surrounded by the people you care for.
From £10,500 per night, nine bedrooms (sleeps 18) 
trumphotels.com/macleod-house

THE ONE ON THE MOVE 

Great Rail Journeys Christmas in the Glens
Why stay in one place this Christmas when you can visit several key Scottish destinations? For something different hop aboard a great Scottish rail journey, exploring Edinburgh, Falkirk’s Kelpies and the Highlands, with an adventure that includes six breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners, including meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Rest up at the Isles of Glencoe hotel in Ballachulish and the Radisson Collection Hotel in Edinburgh.
From £2,195pp for seven days. 
greatrail.com/tours/christmas-glens–festive-scottish-adventure

(Image: Gleneagles)

THE 100TH BIRTHDAY ONE 

Gleneagles, Auchterarder
The grand dame of Scottish hospitality celebrated her centenary this year providing one hundred reasons to celebrate Christmas at Gleneagles. Highlights include children meeting Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve, an indulgent Christmas Day Lunch and a visit from Father Christmas himself. Other magical experiences include a fireworks display, ice-skating, a panto, and activities ranging from fortune telling and wood whittling to festive crafts and wreath making.
From £7,035 for a three-night break. 
gleneagles.com

THE AFTERNOON TEA ONE

The Balmoral, Edinburgh
The Balmoral is renowned for its afternoon teas, dished up in the elegant surroundings of the Palm Court. Festive flavours enhance the experience, such as sage, salmon, turkey, hazelnut, figs, citrus and stollen. Christmas Day afternoon tea is £90pp, Christmas champagne afternoon tea from £105pp.
Doubles start at £795 on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Includes breakfast. 
roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel

(Image: W Edinburgh)

THE ONE WITH THE VIEW

W Edinburgh, Edinburgh
The W Lounge and its rooftop deck with 360 degree views over the capital is a core attraction at the trendy W Hotel in Edinburgh’s St James Place: a great spot to gaze out over the city’s Christmas lights. The Sushisamba restaurant dishes up a combo of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours, and Joao’s Place is the destination for curated cocktails. W Edinburgh’s Christmas package includes dinner, bed and breakfast on stays between 24-27 December 2024.
From £639 for a one-night stay. 
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ediwh-w-edinburgh/overview

THE COASTAL ONE

Golf View, Nairn
Not only is the Golf View in Nairn right on the beach, it’s notably dog friendly and its Coastal Spa features a pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub. Christmas guests can look forward to mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, a festive quiz, plus a three-course meal on Christmas Eve. On the big day tuck into Christmas lunch with an accompanying cocktail followed by an evening buffet. Enjoy a light lunch on Boxing Day, then dinner and musical entertainment.
From £649pp for three nights. 
crerarhotels.com/golf-view-hotel-spa