The Gleneagles Hotel

Scotland
Europe

The Experience

Built in 1924 by the Caledonian Railway Company as a retreat on the edge of the Highlands, this castle-like resort, surrounded by a moat of green, brings both Old World sophistication of Victorian gardens and Michelin-starred dining and age-old pastimes of falconry and clay-target shooting. Of course, you could come to Gleneagles just for the golf--the 850-acre estate has three courses, and the Old Course at St. Andrews is just a car ride away--but then you'd be missing half of the excitement.

The Rooms

Surprisingly understated, despite the grand surroundings, the guest rooms have not a tacky tartan in sight. Instead, they come with crisp white linens and Colonial-style furnishings (crown moldings, heavy drapery, flannel-covered chairs). Entry-level Classic rooms face the interior of the estate, so splurge on an Estate room with a balcony looking toward Glendevon or an Estate suite on the golf course. The Royal Lochnagar Suite, of which there is just one, is rambling, with a sitting room, dressing room, guest bathroom and master bath with under-floor heating. A $7-million renovation in 2007 turned the top floor of the estate into 10 spectacular suites.

The Service

For such a large resort, the staff-to-guest ratio (more than 1:1) is relatively high. And because the hotel puts its team through Scottish vocational training programs, they tend to take on their tasks with pride. Most notable are the child-minders in the kids program, who arrange activities such as junior off-roading and archery lessons, and the kitchen staff, who can help you cook your catch from the River Tay.

The Highlights

Chef Andrew Fairlie's five-year-old restaurant brings its two Michelin stars to the table, creating a very French menu with twists like smoking lobster shells over old whisky barrels for up to 12 hours. (And there are four other options for dining, not including room service.) The spa is run by British favorite E'Spa and is attached to the health club, where an outdoor pool is kept warm year-round. But since you probably came for the golf, grab your clubs and hit the PGA Centenary, King's or Queen's Courses. It's hard not to feel like royalty duffing among the rolling hills under the big Scottish sky.

 

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