In the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, The Gleneagles Hotel is the perfect place to escape a busy life and experience a truly unique stay in the most magnificent of settings.
Amidst the rolling Scottish Ochil Hills of Perthshire lies the renowned Gleneagles Hotel. Since its doors opened in 1924 it has remained a prominent destination for people to experience not only the opulent hotel itself but the outstanding surroundings of its 850-acre estate. The magnificent setting of Gleneagles makes it the perfect place to come to escape a busy life and experience a truly unique stay in the heart of Perthshire. At only an hour’s drive from Scotland’s capital city, it is easy to see why this hotel has continued to attract people from around the world. What makes Gleneagles even more appealing is that it has its very own train station, allowing you to travel with ease and be met by staff who will whisk you away to this breath-taking hotel.
Arriving at the hotel through its turnstile doors you are immediately transported to an era of historic opulence. Undergoing a recent transformation, the hotel enlisted numerous highly skilled designers who painstakingly brought new life to this exceptional building yet remained sensitive to its illustrious heritage. Its large wooden clad reception area emits the sophistication of time gone by yet manages to blend effortlessly into today’s modern world. The attached lounge area is embellished with an array of green hues inspired by the outdoor surroundings of which the colours are meticulously captured in its design.
With 232 bedrooms there is something to suit everyone’s individual taste. Each room provides a unique style yet still harnessing that authentic Gleneagles experience. For those seeking a more lavish stay, the hotels 27 suites provide just that, specifically The Royal Lochnagar Suite. Walking into the suite you are immediately bathed in light from the sash windows that adorn this magnificent space, each one providing uninterrupted views of the Perthshire countryside. The suite is stunningly decorated with handpicked antique furniture that accentuates the rooms original features. This spacious suite exudes such decadence and charm that it is simply unfathomable that you would ever want to leave.
If you do manage to peel yourself away, Gleneagles is renowned for its alluring bars and impressive culinary experiences, from fine dining to the more relaxed affair. The Century Bar off the main lobby is the perfect place to unwind, its soothing design referencing the subtle tones of the Scottish seasons. The bar contains some of Scotland’s rarest whiskies and a fantastic selection of cocktails, including their signature cocktail, The Smoking Gun.
For a more intimate experience, the sophisticated American Bar is an exclusive space projecting the glamour reminiscent of bars in the 1920s. It boasts a selection of sumptuous cocktails inspired by this era and a tempting array of champagne complemented by a delicate caviar collection. In true Gleneagles fashion, The American Bar houses an exclusive collection of Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Ultras Whiskies, the only bar in the world to have the complete set.
The Birnam Brasserie offers all-day French-American dining in a stunningly designed grand Parisian style interior. It’s adjoining winter garden provides an al fresco ambience housed under a glass patio with trailing plants and an intricate mosaic floor. With an extensive all-day menu, The Birnam Brasserie is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the excellent seasonal produce on offer. Selected from the lunch menu, Guild highly recommends the culinary triumph of the succulent Daube de Boeuf a la Bourguignon with melt in the mouth beef, combined with pearl onions and mushrooms in a rich sauce.
The Glendevon, which was originally the hotels drawing room, has been completely transformed into a space where you can enjoy the delightful tradition of Afternoon Tea. Designed to emulate the natural hues of Scotland’s flora and fauna, this calming room is the perfect place to enjoy a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and pastries while sipping on tea and observing the expansive countryside views before you.
Gleneagles also houses Scotland’s only two Michelin starred restaurant – Andrew Fairlie. In 2017, Andrew Fairlie joined the prestigious Les Grand Table du Monde, one of just seven such establishments in the UK. This French-Scottish restaurant provides exquisite delicacies in a refined and luxurious environment and is particularly famed for their signature dish of smoked lobster, renowned due to its five-hour infusion of whisky barrel chips creating a unique and unforgettable smokiness.
Due to the hotel’s prime location surrounded by an area of outstanding Scottish natural beauty, Gleneagles offers an array of adventurous outdoor activities. The in-house dedicated team caters to your every need, providing a choice of over twenty activities for you to enjoy during your stay. From Shooting, Falconry, Archery, Fishing, off-road driving and horse riding to name but a few, each one will provide you with the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Scottish traditions.
However, let’s not forget one of the most important reasons why Gleneagles is renowned on a global scale; Golf. Golf at Gleneagles is available all year round and open to residents and non-residents alike. Often named as the home of golf, they offer a selection of three exceptional championship golf courses to choose from; The King’s, The Queen’s and the PGA Centenary Course which hosted numerous significant golf tournaments – the most notable being the 2014 Ryder Cup. In 2019 the hotel will celebrate its golfing centenary since the iconic King’s and Queen’s courses were first opened in 1919.
What is immediately evident and sets this hotel apart is the true warmth that emulates from the staff, somehow managing to encapsulate Scottish hospitality at its very best. Gleneagles has truly mastered the art of providing an exceptional level of luxury without compromising the true essence of Scottish hospitality. After all these years, it has succeeded in retaining its prestigious reputation that originally attracted its guests back in 1924 and still flourishes in today’s world. To enjoy Scotland and to experience what this beautiful country has to offer, Gleneagles truly showcases this in every possible way. A historic building, a natural playground, a hotel with a heart. – GM
