Gleneagles, Scotland
Last week I shared my experience at The Connaught in London whose bar had recently been named the Best Cocktail Bar in the World. In the vein of 'best in the world' experiences you can have in the United Kingdom, this week I am sharing with you a spectacular estate in Scotland that truly has a little something for everyone. Recently named by both The Times and the Sunday Times as the best hotel in the world, Gleneagles has been given the apt nickname of 'the glorious playground.' Their top notch golf courses have hosted both the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup and in 2022 will host The Senior Open presented by Rolex. On top of that, Golf World named Gleneagles as the best golf destination in all of the United Kingdom - besting even the fabled Old Course at St. Andrews where the sport was invented.
An iconic country estate, Gleneagles has been a luxury destination for nearly a century. Located in Perthshire, just an hour’s drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, it offers the perfect five-star retreat for those looking for relaxation and adventure in every season. The 850-acre estate epitomizes Scotland’s rugged natural beauty with an endless list of pursuits to choose from. Whether you visit to play three championship golf courses, try falconry with a Harris hawk, go horseback riding, play tennis, go off-roading with rugged Land Rovers, train gundogs, enjoy Michelin-starred dining, or relax in an award-winning spa, Gleneagles offers a world of unforgettable experiences. Established in 1924, the hotel was soon known as 'the palace in the glens' and continues to attract those in search of rest, relaxation and exhilaration.
There are plenty of options for dining at Gleneagles including Restaurant Andrew Fairlie (with two Michelin Stars); The Strathearn Restaurant, Deseo Restaurant, The Dormy Clubhouse Bar and Grill, and The Bar for lunch and traditional afternoon tea.
That being said, what you come to Gleneagles for is the world class selection of sports and leisure facilities including three 18 hole championship golf courses, the PGA National Golf Academy, the PGA Academy 9-hole course, three swimming pools, gymnasium and dance studio, the spa (with 20 treatment rooms and heat experiences), a celebrated equestrian school, the shooting and fishing school, the British School of Falconry and off-road driving, archery, tennis, and so much more. I personally love that at Gleneagles, children as young as five are not relegated to playrooms and babysitters (though they are available) as children can do nearly anything an adult can do. Children love the Shetland ponies for horseback riding with mom and dad, and they even have their own mini Land Rovers for off-roading. They can participate in falconry with smaller falcons and there are Junior golf lessons too.
Just last year Forbes said that Gleneagles might be the most magical place on earth, and who am I to argue with an endorsement like that?
COVID-19 Update from Gleneagles:
Gleneagles has been creating outstanding hospitality experiences for nearly 100 years, and ensuring the safety, wellbeing and happiness of their team and guests lies at the very heart of everything they do.
NO STONE UNTURNED
They’ve reviewed every single area of the operation with a fine-tooth comb – from checking in, moving around the hotel and servicing bedrooms, to the way they prepare food, the seating plans in bars and even the centuries-old traditions of teeing a golf ball or casting a fishing line – to develop a rigorous response to the global public health crisis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As a result, a slightly different guest journey, updated team protocols, and an enhanced set of hygiene and safety measures that meet or exceed government guidelines, have been implemented across the estate to provide even greater peace of mind during your time in the Glorious Playground. They will, of course, continue to work with public health authorities to enable them to adjust and update those measures in line with the very latest guidance.
SAFE ADVENTURES
Their priority is your safety, whilst also providing an environment where you can have a wonderful time. Thier forte has always been in arranging bespoke experiences that meet their individual guests’ needs and exceed expectations, so – whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner in your own private space, a beautiful family picnic by the side of Laich Loch, or a secluded countryside walk where your only company is the local wildlife – the fun and adventure at Gleneagles must and will go on!
All information is updated and correct at time of writing. However, for the most up to date information on health and safety guidelines at Gleneagles please contact me directly.