Located on the east coast of Scotland, Dundee is now a go-to place for travelers looking for history, modern innovation, and a stunning coastline. Long seen primarily as an industrial center, Dundee is now a cultural nexus, with world-class museums, Michelin-starred dining, and chic lodgings. Private jet arrivals are welcomed, as is expected in a city designed for those who like their luxury understated and their experiences tailored.
One of Dundee’s crown jewels is the recently opened V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, which occupies an eye-popping contemporary building designed by the starchitect Kengo Kuma. Art lovers can book private viewings or after-hours access to this world-class institution, along with tailor-made tours with curators and art historians. Maritime heritage enthusiasts will want to pay a visit to the Royal Research Ship Discovery, the historic ship that took Captain Scott to Antarctica and is now permanently docked, for private tours and events.
At several of Scotland’s best restaurants, gourmet experiences featuring local produce, game, and seafood await, often in tasting menus paired with aged whiskies or boutique wines. For those looking for an idyllic getaway, visit the outskirts of the city for a country house by day, enjoying all the trimmings, including a private chef, spa treatment, and stunning views over the rolling hills of Scotland, in a painstakingly restored manor or castle. Golf courses nearby, including the storied St. Andrews, are just a short drive or helicopter ride away, with exclusive tee times and private instruction available for guests wanting to take a swing.
Dundee is a gateway to not only the Highlands but also the rest of the picturesque east coast of Scotland, which makes it a perfect base for custom excursions, from whisky distillery tours to coastal yacht charters and Highland safaris. As its reputation as a cultural and culinary destination expands, and with its easy access to both urban and rural sophistication, Dundee is fast becoming a destination city for the global elite in search of a cultured lifestyle retreat turned down a notch.
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Experiences in Dundee
V&A Dundee Museum of Design
Located on the city’s rejuvenated waterfront, the V&A Dundee is an architectural landmark and cultural centerpiece. Visitors can see rotating exhibitions of design from around the globe and Scotland, from fashion to architecture. VIP guests can request private tours and up-close curator-guided insights for a more exclusive experience.
RRS Discovery & Discovery Point
Meet the world-famous RRS Discovery, the vessel that ferried Captain Scott and his crew on their Antarctic expedition. Interactive exhibits at Discovery Point bring this remarkable journey to life. The ship is also available to book for private evening events, providing a unique and historic setting.
Verdant Works Jute Museum
This renovated Victorian mill recounts the fascinating history of Dundee’s industrial past, in particular its preeminence in the global jute trade. The exhibits are immersive, showing the lives of workers and the evolution of the city. Private group tours can be scheduled, offering a more in-depth insight into the city’s rich history.