Perle Hotels offers an experience like no other. With its hotels located in the most iconic of Scottish destinations, guests can enjoy the beauty of Scottish nature while being spoilt in contemporary interiors offering luxury combined with local character.
Beth Rehman, Managing Director of Perle Hotels Limited, explains that the journey of Perle Hotels began with the acquisition of three properties in administration. Recognizing the potential of these locations, she and her husband set out to reinvent them as thriving hotels.
“We were looking for hotels whose location had an enduring quality. What we were looking for was a combination of the sea, the mountains, beautiful scenery – places where guests would be able to relax, away from daily life,” she says.
She explains that the name “Perle” derives from the French and German spelling of “pearl,” symbolizing uniqueness and quality – aspects that define the brand. Today, Perle boasts five hotels operating across Scotland. Each is unique, akin to a string of pearls—connected by a consistent standard of excellence but distinct in character. From 17th-century charm to modern luxury, the properties embody timeless appeal, set against the stunning backdrops of Scotland’s landscapes.
Blending Natural Beauty with Luxury
Perle Hotels’ business model has always been rooted in attracting international visitors. With most of their clientele coming from overseas, the brand has tapped into Scotland’s growing popularity as a tourist destination. “We don’t target any specific group of visitors,” says Rehman. “A lot of our guests tend to be outdoor-type people who might want a touch of luxury. The idea is that you can really enjoy the location, but then come back and spoil yourself.”
As such, Perle’s offerings include saunas, exceptional service, and opportunities for outdoor adventures followed by relaxation in serene, high-end accommodation. To this end, the company has continuously invested in property renovations and service enhancements, aimed at providing unmatched experiences.
Rehman affirms that even though Perle is a group of hotels, each hotel is treated as its own entity with its own history. “For example, Glencoe House, our jewel overlooking Scotland’s most famous highland scenery, is based on an all-suite concept; you live as you were the owner of the house.”
“On the other hand, Bracken Hide on the Isle of Skye offers individual units nestled in the hillside, designed for privacy and seclusion, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene surroundings.”
She reveals that in 2025, the company plans to introduce a “String of Perles” package, an offering designed to create a bespoke travel experience across Scotland. Guests can book an itinerary spanning multiple Perle properties, enjoying a tailored journey that combines urban exploration in Edinburgh with tranquil retreats in the Highlands.
The package will not only streamline the booking process for guests but also enhance their overall experience by connecting Scotland’s diverse landscapes and cultures into one cohesive trip, designed by local expertise.
Fostering a People-Centric Culture
Rehman affirms that the company is well aware that exceptional service begins with happy and motivated staff. This philosophy drives Perle’s significant investment in employee well-being, including the building and renovating of staff accommodation, offering high-quality meals, and providing comprehensive training programmes.
“Looking after the staff well will make the business better. We have always recognized that if you do not treat your staff as if are important, then they won’t treat our guests like they’re important. Therefore, every year we reassess the benefits that we offer,” she says, admitting that – being located in remote locations – recruiting has been the biggest obstacle.
“The hardest challenge is staff accommodation. It’s the reason why we’ve completely renovated all of our staff accommodation on Skye, and we’re building three new staff properties this year. In the Highlands, there is a real shortage of properties for people to rent, so we can’t expect people to come and rent their own property.”
Staff development is also a priority and Perle offers management training masterclasses and bespoke courses for all staff levels from spa training to whisky training. The staff have the full support of the company’s central support team in Edinburgh, available as and when needed, working as one cohesive team.
Part of Local Communities
Sustainability is integral to Perle Hotels’ ethos. The brand has implemented eco-friendly practices, such as eliminating single-use plastics and introducing energy-efficient systems.
Their “Plant a Tree” programme, to be introduced in 2025, will allow guests to contribute by opting out of daily room servicing – for each day of no room service, a tree will be planted through a local charity.
Local sourcing is another pillar of Perle’s operations. From toiletries supplied by the Highland Soap Company to locally sourced seafood and produce, Perle Hotels actively supports the communities they operate in.
“Working with local suppliers, we can get our guests something that really is Perle specific,” says Rehman. “Each of our restaurants offers Scottish food sourced as locally as possible. We use a local fishmonger in Fort William. We use a forager in Glencoe.”
“It’s part of our ethos – one of the things that we decided when we started the company was that we would really focus on being a part of the communities we’re in. From building up sponsorships for local sports teams, or building up support for the schools, we try to do what is needed for the local community.”
The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The past decade has been marked by significant milestones for Perle Hotels. In 2019, the company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, to be followed by winning the King’s Award, in the same category of international trade in 2024, a testament to the brand’s continued excellence.
“Over the past three years, Perle Hotels has welcomed visitors to Scotland from all over the world. We see the award as a huge pat on the back for the whole team; we simply couldn’t have achieved it without our outstanding colleagues as well as our excellent partners and suppliers,” says Rehman.
As Perle Hotels enters its second decade, it continues to evolve. The Bracken Hide is increasing its accommodation by 18 new hides to be opened in 2025, and a sixth hotel is now being renovated.
The plan is also to operate hotels on behalf of other owners, Rehman further reveals. This dual business model—ownership and operator—will position Perle Hotels for further growth while leveraging its proven expertise and established systems. By blending tradition and modernity, community engagement and global appeal, Perle Hotels remains a shining example of a business done sustainably.
