The Inchmarlo development, a £100m luxury hotel complex and around 50 homes, is awaiting approval this week from Aberdeenshire Council.
The five-star hotel, restaurant and spa complex - The Royal Whisky Lodge - on Royal Deeside is expected to create 80 new jobs and work could start as early as March.
McCulloch Unique Hotels, the firm behind the project, is aiming to create the world’s first Royal Whisky Lodge brand.
Ken McCulloch is behind the plans and is one of the leading hoteliers in the UK who has created brands such as Malmaison, Columbus Monaco and, most recently, Dakota Hotels with former Formula 1 racing driver, David Coulthard.
If the plans are approved, 82 bedrooms would be developed, giving guests the option of staying in the main hotel, or in a variety of lodges. The Royal Whisky Lodge would contain 38 suites.