Fairmont St. Andrews – GLOBE HOTELS ®

Fairmont ST. Andrews

Scottish Countryside Elegance

There’s something almost cinematic about arriving at Fairmont St Andrews. After an hour and a half’s drive from Edinburgh, the road begins to narrow into rolling green hills and endless open fields. Every turn reveals more of the raw Scottish countryside, until the horizon finally opens onto the sea. It’s here, perched dramatically on the clifftops of St Andrews, a historic university town famous for golf and for being the place where William and Kate first met.

The resort feels both stately and intimate, perfectly balancing modern comfort with the rugged beauty of Scotland’s coastline. Its elegant architecture and soft earthy tones blend into the surrounding landscape, and from the moment you step into the lobby, there’s a calm, coastal stillness that sets the tone for the entire stay

A sanctuary of indulgence

The transfer was impressively high-end, on the newest BMW 7 Series, setting the tone for what would be an indulgent stay. Upon arrival, the Fairmont’s stately architecture and warm welcome immediately create a sense of calm sophistication. After check-in, when headed up to my room, that are beautifully designed paying homage to Scottish heritage, I was instantly captivated by the view. From my window, I could see the golf courses stretching across the landscape, the town of St Andrews in the distance and the sea glimmering on the horizon.

Mornings at the resort are especially memorable. The air feels crisp and pure, even in mid-summer, carrying the scent of sea salt and grass. I took a walk down to the cliffs in the early morning light and found myself immersed in the beauty of Scotland’s coastline. Jagged rocks met endless green hills and the North Sea glimmered in the distance. There was a stillness to the place, a feeling that you were allowed to simply be.

Breakfast lives up to its five-star promise, an abundant buffet filled with fresh local produce, friendly attentive staff and a setting that welcomes you to linger. I found it fully satisfying, though for those who value even more variety, that might be one area to watch.

Dining beyond breakfast becomes an experience in its own right. At La Cucina, the hotel’s fine Italian restaurant, I was intrigued by the greenhouse tomatoes grown on site. A gardener kindly showed me how they were cultivated, detailing water-saving techniques. Elsewhere, the Bay Clubhouse & Grill offered seafood and steak with spectacular cliff-top views, making dinner feel elevated yet relaxed.

Golf is clearly one of the resort’s main focus. With two championship courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, set across 520 acres of stunning lands facing the sea, Fairmont St Andrews is built for those who appreciate the game. The fairways and bunkers, the sea breeze and the dramatic drops, give the courses a character all their own. Yet you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy it as the scenery alone makes it worthwhile.

Beyond golf, I appreciated the resort’s offer of bikes and trails. One afternoon I rented a bike and went several kilometres through the countryside, along coastal paths, an unexpected and delightful way to connect with the land. For relaxation, the spa delivers an indoor pool, sauna, treatments inspired by nature, all set in a calm space where you feel looked after.

If I were to sum up my stay in a sentence, I’d say: Fairmont St Andrews is a place that reminds you why Scotland’s rugged beauty and heritage stay with you long after you’ve left. For golf lovers it’s a dream, yes, but for anyone seeking peace, nature, refined comfort and genuine hospitality, it offers something rare. I left feeling as though I had not just visited a hotel, but had stayed somewhere that changed slightly how I view what a resort can be.

Review based on a 4 nights stay | July 28th – August 2nd 2024. Published: 4th July 2025

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