Built in the 1920s, the charming chateau-esque building set in 850 acres of stunning Perthshire countryside is a quintessential Scottish escape. Most famous for its championship golf course, the vast estate also boasts super-luxe suites, a posh shopping arcade, an equestrian and shooting school, a falconry centre, Michelin starred restaurant and of course a state of the art spa. An esteemed retreat for a plethora of famous fans - Sean Connery, Andy Murray and The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge have all graced the grand doors of Gleneagles...
Rooms
A choice of 232 traditional rooms and opulent suites are on offer in the main house with contemporary rooms and suites in the annexe building. We stayed in room 580 - a open plan contemporary suite with a cosy coal effect fire, gigantic bed, freestanding bath and separate monsoon shower, and huge decked balcony overlooking the gardens. All rooms offer complementary fluffy gowns, slippers and a generous supply of products from the luxury British brand Asprey.
The Spa
Often cited as the 'best spa in Scotland' the award winning Gleneagles Spa by ESPA offers a serene escape from bustle of the hotel. Candle-lit corridors and tranquil relaxation areas - complete with day beds, hypnotic water features and a courtyard garden - lead to an impressive hydro and thermal area with ice and tropical showers, a eucalyptus steam room and saunas. Treatment rooms are designed with a nod to the Orient and the therapists and practitioners are some of the best I've encountered. Italian restaurant Deseo doubles as the spa cafe serving delicious detox lunches and juices.
The Treatment
The Gleneagles Signature Experience begins with a calming foot ritual using local river-washed stones to stimulate reflex points on the feet. A full body exfoliation follows, then muslin-wrap of herbal infusions with ingredients sourced from the nearby countryside. The holistic experience continues with a full body massage and a tension relieving pink clay scalp massage.
Other treatments include: ESPA Age Defying Facial, Ayurvedic Body Treatments, Reiki, Reflexology and Volcanic Stone Massages.
To Eat
A choice of four restaurants scatter the hotel including the renowned Michelin star Andrew Farlie at Gleneagles, where you can sample Andrew's signature smoked lobster (created with a twelve hour infusion over Whiskey barrels!) The Strathearn serving French and Scottish dishes or Deseo for laid back Italian pizzas and pastas. The Dormy Clubhouse Bar & Grill serves classic bar food throughout the day.
Don't Miss
Falconry lessons where you'll learn how to fly some of the estate's amazing birds of prey - you'll also get to meet Fattie the Golden Eagle!
Vigin Trains offer a standard return journey from London to Glasgow Central from £60.00 or first class from £110.
Visit www.virgintrains.com to book.
Co-wheels offer car hire from various locations in Glasgow from £4.50 per hour.
Visit www.co-wheels.org.uk for more details.