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Gleneagles

Auchterarder

The full hospitality package in a picture-perfect Scottish fiefdom

Up in the hills: Gleneagles is set in Scotland’s Southern Highlands, roughly 45 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. The location was selected for its sprawling natural beauty, with the central hotel positioned so that all guest rooms and communal spaces can best appreciate the landscape. Its 232 bedrooms have recently undergone a five-year renovation project, since the purchase of current owners, Ennismore. What has emerged are some of the most luxurious spaces in the UK, replete with all the trappings expected from an ultra-luxe country house hotel.

Activities galore: Gleneagles makes the most of its magnificent location and no trip here is complete without partaking in some of its diverse activities. Golf is first and foremost with three championship courses, one of which hosted the legendary Europe vs USA competition, The Ryder Cup, in 2014. Salmon fishing in the River Tee is superlative, off-road 4x4 driving, falconry, ferreting, shooting and horse-riding are just a selection of other options available.

A taste of Scotland: The hotel plays host to Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s first-ever two Michelin restaurant, which serves one of the UK’s best tasting menus. Also available is The Strathearn, a bright-and-airy glass-fringed space with stunning views that hosts breakfast and a la carte dinners to fine-dining standards. The Birnam is a casual grill option for lunch, with The Dormy perfect for families and golfers fresh off the course, serving stone-baked pizza, curries and an outstanding burger. Don’t forget to swing by The American Bar for its portfolio of inventive and delicious serves that earned it the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.

Where to unwind: The spa at Gleneagles regularly wins awards for being the best in the UK. It specialises in treatments using oil blends that feature natural botanicals from the Perthshire countryside. The gym is a cut above usual five-star standard; a high-end sauna and large indoor and outdoor pools complete the package. With these amenities combined with its extensive range of activities and restaurants, it's little surprise that the hotel was named the winner of the inaugural Art of Hospitality Award in 2023.

Key Information

• Rooms: 232
• Starting Rate: $700
• Dining: Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and The Strathearn, among others
• Drinking: The American Bar at Gleneagles
• At the Hotel: Outdoor pursuits, swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, pet friendly, family friendly
• Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder PH3 1NF, United Kingdom
• +44 01764 449041
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