Press release: An award to Dye for - News

Article published 29/01/2026

VisitScotland congratulates Glen Dye on global travel accolade

Glen Dye in Aberdeenshire has been named as one of the best wellness experiences in the world by travel authority, National Geographic.

The private estate on the edge of Cairngorms is one of only 14 experiences in the world, and the only one in Scotland, to be recognised by National Geographic’s global community of explorers, photographers, and editors, in its Best of the World Wellness Experiences list for 2026.

National Geographic says the wild retreat "offers a new mindfulness experience blending foraging, art, local history, and meditation".

The estate is owned and run by Charlie and Caroline Gladstone.

Each year, National Geographic releases its Best of the World list, celebrating destinations and travel experiences that illuminate our world and the diversity of communities and people within it.

This year, it has also curated a specialised Best of the World Wellness Experiences list.

Read all of the Best of the World Wellness Experiences 2026

I’d like to congratulate Charlie and Caroline on this fantastic accolade.

Glen Dye’s appearance in National Geographic’s Best of the World Wellness Experiences 2026 list is a testament to the years of hard work they have put into creating such a calm and peaceful haven for visitors.

Alongside the beautiful cabins and cottages, Glen Dye has a range of wellness experiences, adventure trail, and activities, including forest bathing and cold water therapy.

It taps into the desire of visitors for a truly authentic experience which will enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing.

That desire is also recognised in our own recent travel trends paper, which identifies wellness as an enduring trend for Scotland, as visitors are increasingly keen to engage with therapeutic outdoor experiences.

For a long time, we have encouraged visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the places they visit.

Glen Dye’s appearance in the Best of the World Wellness Experiences list aligns with those sentiments and highlights the world class experiences that Scotland offers all year round.

David Jackson, Regional Director, VisitScotland