Located in the North-eastern part of Scotland, Speyside truly is the heart of Scotch whisky, hosting over half the distilleries in the country and therefore known as the “golden triangle” of malt !

Speyside happens to be a mandatory step in any self-respecting whisky aficionado’s spirited journey, offering a wide array of attractions, food & drink experiences but also accommodation options. Following my selection on Skye, I received quite a few messages asking me if I had any place to recommend in Speyside and other regions, so here’s the second part of a new series of articles !

Whether you don’t want to break the bank (as most of your money will be spent in liquid gold) or fancy a traditional Scottish luxury experience, here’s my selection of 3 stylish places to stay for a Speyside whisky retreat (Beware though, there may be no availability for May as Whisky Month celebrations are taking place and the region is holding its famous Spirit Of Speyside festival !)

1. The Craigellachie Hotel – Prices on request

“Situated in the beautiful village of Craigellachie, The Craigellachie Hotel of Speyside dates from 1893. This luxury hotel offers scenic views of the rivers Spey and Fiddoch, the Thomas Telford Bridge and surrounding mountains.

The hotel also offers over 700 whiskies in the Quaich Bar, with tasting sessions available. The Copper Dog Grill offers home-cooked dishes, prepared using local produce

Following an extensive refurbishment The Craigellachie hotel reopened in May 2014. The building has been lovingly restored throughout bringing it back to its former glory.”

Tel: +44 (0) 1340 881 204

2. Cardhu Country House – from £40 – £60 per night per person

“An exclusive rural retreat in Speyside Whisky Country offering luxury bed and breakfast accommodation. Cardhu Country House is at the very heart of the Whisky Trail where more than half of Scotlands malt whisky distilleries are to be found. The house is situated only a mile from the River Spey, famous for its fine salmon fishing, and from the Speyside Way, a long distance walking and cycling route which links the Cairngorms to the Moray Coast.

Cardhu House is a former manse, which has been lovingly restored to offer luxurious accommodation over three floors. Contemporary en-suite bathrooms have been added to the six spacious bedrooms.”

Cardhu Country House
Knockando
Aberlour
Moray
AB38 7RY

Tel: +44 (0) 1340 810895

3. Strathallan House – from £35 per person per night

“Strathallan bed and breakfast is a lovely Scottish Victorian villa offering beautiful guest house accommodation in Grantown-on-Spey. Strathallan has retained a lot of its Victorian features. From the original cornices, hand crafted staircase and servants bells still on the walls.  From your rooms to the food, Strathallan bed and breakfast offers you luxury with a personal service. Enjoy a home cooked breakfast offering local produce including eggs from their own chickens, they also bake all of their own shortbread to a family recipe dating from 1908 !”

Strathallan House
Grant Road, Grantown on Spey
Highlands PH26 3LD

tel: +44 (0) 1479 873930