For malt whisky trails and majestic mountain golf, head to the far northern lands of Scotland, home to picturesque lochs, legendary battlefields and golf created by greats.

Why The Highlands?
We all have a picture-perfect vision of wild, untamed Scotland – a sweeping tapestry of emerald hills and wild mountains, forests abundant in wildlife from wildcats to red deer to golden eagles and shaggy-haired highland cows – and it’s in the Highlands where that vision comes to life.

A land steeped in history and legend, where the stories of the proud clans that once roamed here are etched into every stone and stream, it is also the cradle of Scotland’s two greatest exports: whisky and golf.

In Speyside, nestled among rolling hills and glistening lochs, the air is tinged with the sweet, smoky aroma of world-class single malts. From the rich, full-bodied depths of Macallan to the elegant, floral notes of Glenlivet, this region claims more distilleries than any other — a testament to its enduring craft.

And of course, golf is woven into the Highlands’ fabric. Here, courses fold seamlessly into the landscape, tracing the contours of wild coastlines, serene lochs, and heather-clad hills. Legends like Old Tom Morris and Donald Ross have left their imprint, while contemporary visionaries continue to shape these fairways with reverence and artistry. The Highlands doesn’t just have the perfect ingredients for golf, it has been touched by those that know the right recipes too.

What to do?
Visiting Scotland wouldn’t be complete without a food and whisky pairing, exploring Scotland’s most distinctive flavours with the aid of an expert host. Then, get an insight into the history of the Royal Family on a private guided tour of Balmoral Castle, wandering the immaculate gardens and getting up close to treasured heirlooms.

An exploration of wild Scotland is also a must. At Black Isle you can explore historic villages and come face to face with bottlenose dolphins, and on a luxury private boat tour of Loch Ness, monsters, myths and legends meet vast, wild and beautiful landscapes beneath the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

An afternoon at Brora Distillery will scratch your whisky itch, a tour through this Highland legend ending with an evocative warehouse tasting of limited‑edition whiskies, and if that’s not enough Scotland for you, then you can go even further and design your own kilt, or even experience the art of glassblowing first hand.

Where to stay?
The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa is Aberdeen’s premier five-star retreat, offering understated luxury in a secluded woodland setting. Renowned for its impeccable service and timeless charm, this family-owned hotel offers spacious suites, fine Scottish dining, and an extensive wine and whisky collection, just minutes from Royal Aberdeen.

In Dornoch, Links House is an award-winning luxury accommodation that offers fine dining with the charm, grace and elegance of the world’s finest boutique hotels. Adjacent to the first tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Links House is the perfect base for a trip to the Highlands, offering spectacular views of both the nearby golf course and striking Dornoch Firth.

Where to play?
Cruden Bay, one of the best links in Scotland, is the ultimate way to begin your Scottish golf adventure, with subtly contoured greens and magnificent panoramic views giving you a glimpse of what’s in store. Then, there’s Royal Aberdeen’s Balgownie Course, one of the truest linksland layouts in golf, and the Old Course at Trump International, where you can embrace hole after hole of spectacular Aberdeenshire coastline.

Royal Dornoch, the work of Old Tom Morris, was also the home course of Donald Ross, making it the ultimate golfing pilgrimage in the heart of the Highlands, it’s gorse-lined corridors and unpredictable winds making it one of the most challenging yet stunning tracks you’ll ever play. James Braid’s Brora keeps that feeling going, and then there’s Cabot Highlands, set around the 400-year-old Castle Stuart, a modern classic created by Gil Hanse.

While you want to avoid the snow and the harshest of winter months, even when the bracing weather takes hold in these northerly parts of Britain, it feels more authentic – who wants to play a links on a calm day, anyway? – especially when the challenge of tackling a Highlands course is always followed by a fine single malt.

Let us curate the Highlands for you
However you’d like to discover the Highlands, we can tailor an experience to meet your exacting needs.