The Kingsmills Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Inverness, in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The hotel’s history actually dates to the 18th century, but today serves as a luxurious holiday retreat with a variety of rooms that mix classic and contemporary features, an indulgent spa, two great eateries – the Inglis and the Conservatory, plus the best stocked whisky bar in town. It’s good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality at its finest.

The Nairn Golf Club is definitely the hidden gem of the Scottish Highlands. The beach sits ominously along the right side of the first seven holes, and then it’s the gorse that becomes the real hazard. With greens that are some of the best in Scotland and views of the Moray Firth from every hole, it’s simply a joy to play.

Heading east from Inverness towards Nairn sits Cawdor Castle, a historic 14th century castle known for it’s beautiful gardens and connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Nearby, you’ll find plenty more that showcases the beauty and rich military history of the area, including the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Fort George, and so much more.

Moray Golf Club was founded in 1889 and Old Tom Morris himself laid out the venerable old track. Deep revetted bunkers and undulating gorse lined fairways protect par on the natural-feeling layout, which starts and finishes in the heart of Lossiemouth and sits adjacent to the town’s Royal Air Force base. It’s unpretentious and welcoming and quintessential Scottish golf at its finest.

Just down the road from the venerable Moray Golf Club, the aptly named Covesea is a true hidden gem along Scotland’s northern Moray Coast. 9 holes bop and weave amongst spectacular rock formations in a setting that is truly hard to beat.

If you have looked into course rankings, you know the critically acclaimed Championship Course at Royal Dornoch has a lot of fans. Somewhat secluded in the Scottish highlands, the setting feels timeless but despite being one of the Scotland’s oldest golf clubs, the out-and-back course design feels a bit more complex that many of its contemporaries. The trademark raised greens actually match the shape of the entire property, so both your touch and endurance will be tested.

The Glenmorangie Distillery is located just south of Dornoch in Tain, alongside the Moray Firth. Swirling with aroma and flavour, the facility is the beating heart of whisky making that dates to 1843. Immersive distillery tours pull the curtain on Scotland’s tallest stills, with expert guides willing to share knowledge built across generations.

Unlike most traditional Scottish clubs, which had to be built in or near local town centers for logistical reasons, the site on which Castle Stuart sits was selected solely for its aesthetics. The property sits overlooking the Moray Firth and Black Isle beyond, and it’s evident that both the course and the clubhouse were designed to feature the views. Its not all looks though, as the genius of Gil Hanse crafted a championship test that has now hosted four Scottish Opens, and counting.

The legitimacy of monster sightings might be debated, but there is no doubting the stunning beauty of the British Isles’ largest lake. Cruises depart from various loch harbors and feature tales of history, scenic views of Urquhart Castle and, of course, possible Nessie sightings.

Undoubtedly Scotland’s greatest whisky-producing region, the small Highlands region of Speyside is home to over half of all Scotch distilleries and produces many of the world’s best single-malts. The area along the River Spey is beautiful and important, as Scotch production has played a huge role in shaping the local economy for centuries. Its a must-visit for the attentive visitor.

The Marcliffe Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the leafy suburbs 15 minutes west of Aberdeen. The property is a passion project of dedicated owner Stewart Spence and he leaves no stone unturned to ensure a luxurious experience for visiting guests: stylish rooms and common areas full of character, fine-dining at the Conservatory Restaurant, an extensive wine and whisky list, a relaxing spa, and outstanding, friendly service that keeps guests coming back year after year.

The club’s championship Balgownie Course shares a lot of the same attributes as Scotland’s more famous Open hosts and itself hosted both the Senior Open and Scottish Open. It’s a historic members club, one of the oldest in Scotland, and the history is palpable in the venerable old clubhouse. The demanding course itself is obviously the main attraction though, and many have suggested the front nine, which plays closest to the North Sea through imposing dunes, is the best in Scotland.

Aberdeenshire, Scotland’s Castle Country, has more castles per square mile than any other part of the country. A day along “Castle Trail” surely starts with the cliff-top Dunnottar Castle but any number of popular castles are also nearby (Drum, Crathes, Fraser and Fyvie, Slains). Adventurous castle goers could also head west past the fairytale Craigievar Castle to the mighty Balmoral Castle, home of the Royal Family.

Cruden Bay is our pick for the most underrated course in Scotland. The club itself is authentic and welcoming. The scenery is stunning with views of the North Sea from elevated coastal terrain. And most memorable is the layout itself, which is quirky and tons of fun.

The links of Fraserburgh are home to the world’s 7th oldest golf club (which dates to 1777!) and are beautifully and naturally set near Scotland’s northeast coast at the windy convergence of the Moray Firth and the North Sea. The great James Braid helped with the design, which tumbles across undulating fairways amongst substantial coastal dune and truly epitomized the classic Scottish links experience.

The 7-time Open host showcases all that is wonderful and challenging about links golf: undulating terrain, riveted pot bunkers, firm and fast fairways, and of course the Barry Burn which famously swallowed Jean an de Velde whole during his infamous collapse at the 99 Open. You will struggle to shoot your handicap and you will love every minute of it.

The DoubleTree by Hilton at the Edinburgh Airport is just a half-mile from the Edinburgh Airport and features updated rooms, a pool and spa, The Space bar and lounge with seasonal dining options, plus a complimentary airport shuttle. It’s ideal for a stress-free final night in Scotland.

Transportation will be via a large luxury motor coach, configured for groups of golfers with tables, reclining leather seats, a large fridge, and on-board wifi, along with a full-time* driver who would act as your group’s assistant. Cloud 9’s drivers offer welcoming hospitality along with local knowledge and can be invaluable components of a successful trip. The vehicle and driver will be available for your group’s sole use for the first 9 days in Scotland.

*pricing based on 12 participants traveling in May, 2024