From the start, The Gleneagles Hotel was built with exploration and adventure in mind.
That sentiment of curiosity has remained much the same since Gleneagles was first founded in 1924 as a world-class golf course. King George V started the trend with his love of fly fishing in Balmoral, influencing other members of royalty to follow suit and get back to nature.
Come rain or shine, the hotel’s ethereal, mist-cloaked landscape comes alive with playful pastimes across its 850-acres. Wake up to a morning of play at the slick multi-activity sporting centre, try clay pigeon shooting in a freshly waxed Barbour jacket and be sure to sauna, swim and repeat at Frandy Water – the hotel’s new water sports destination. Whatever you decide, you’ll most likely come away feeling rejuvenated – possibly even facing some fears in the process.
The Vibe
From the outset, Gleneagles gives off a stately first impression. The palatial exterior stands tall and erect against the misty grey skies, nodding to its regal origins. That stoic first impression instantly melts away as soon as the dapper doormen – dressed in thick tartan kilts – greet you on arrival with big cheery smiles. Through the swinging doors, a high-ceilinged lobby with a flower-festooned fireplace (even in July) sets the tone and switches up the soundscape. Despite the buzzy thoroughfare of guests waltzing by, a sense of pervading calm instantly takes over.
The Rooms
After a seamless and private check-in process, I’m guided through a labyrinthine corridor adorned with mirrors and portraits of flowers inspired by Perthshire’s natural flora and fauna. My room, number 286, overlooks the Land Rover-lined entrance and pristine courtyard, where well-dressed, promenading guests can be seen on midday strolls with their pooches. Double doors separate the main bedroom area from the wardrobe space and desk area, where you’ll find an in-room steamer (a rarity) and reading materials to peruse at leisure.
You can tell the rooms have been designed with female travellers in mind: the light fixtures aren’t too harsh and there’s a good variation of mirrors for skincare rituals and full outfit checks. Bathrooms are kitted out with heated towel racks, and roomy bathtubs opposite a set of marbled twin sinks, where flashes of gold contrast the teal-painted walls. Squishy slippers and robes are provided for slinking around in and getting cosy on the sofa. Some family rooms come with fireplaces for use year-round. The tea station is stocked with the holy grail of in-room amenities: small bottles of milk for making teas and coffees. For a sweet treat, buttery shortbread fingers by Shortbread House of Edinburgh – a small family bakery based in Edinburgh – are topped up daily.
The Food + Drink
Part of The Leading Hotels of the World, Gleneagles is home to a constellation of restaurants that can be as luxurious and laidback as you’d like – whether you’re seeking a relaxed cocktail or a reason to get dressed up. In the spirit of trying new things, a dinner at the shooting lodge felt like a fitting way to start the trip. A fleet of Land Rovers will pick you up in style and drive you to the lodge for an atmospheric buffet, which completely transforms by night into a sophisticated dining space adorned with bundles of fresh flowers and candles. Feast on multicoloured salads to start and a smorgasbord of Scottish cheeses for dessert, followed by s’mores and remedial hot toddies under starry skies.
The Birnam is conveniently located by the spa area for a light lunch, where you’ll dine on dinky plates of gnudi in the plant-filled atrium. For a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, The American Bar should be top of the list, a svelte space bedecked in velvet textures and a deep-hued colour palette that gets more alluring and mysterious as the night goes on. The menu has a generous variety of tantalising concoctions on offer; those who appreciate a frothy sour should opt for the honey and pear cocktail, which is served with a silky layer foam on top.
Save The Cellar tour and dining experience for your last night, an extravagant, multi-course tasting menu that starts with an informal lesson in caviar and Champagne pairing. The subterranean space was recently refurbished, complete with a dedicated tasting area surrounded by rare wines. After a few ‘caviar bumps’ – and a delectable caviar-topped bao bun – the culinary journey begins, paired with Dom Pérignon champagne and a careful selection of wines by Master Sommelier Matteo Montone. The plates arrive in succession at a relaxed pace, ranging from Scottish langoustine to a Japanese seaweed custard for the amuse bouche.
Breakfast takes place in the salon-style The Strathearn, which offers a sophisticated twist on the regular breakfast buffet. On the way in, a cheerful fruit trolley that reads “Fuel for the day” leads to a medley of separate stations – eggs, granola, pastries, every possible bread – depending on whether you’re more sweet or savoury. Come evening, the dining space completely transforms, transporting guests to a glamorous era of white-tie dinners soundtracked by a live pianist.
The Little Extras
Given Gleneagles’ focus on exploration and adventure, it’s fitting that it’s included in a new coffee table book, EXPLORE: The Leading Hotels of the World by Spencer Bailey. Focussing on immersive experiences, this is a collection of more than 80 LHW properties across the globe; Gleneagles is the only UK hotel to feature in it and the book is available to browse throughout the hotel. In the Gleneagles boutique, pick up the brand’s trademark Highland green cap to take home.
Just like everything at Gleneagles, the spa facilities are sprawling and plentiful. The treatment area is a separate entity to the main spa and gym, where you’ll find a pastel-hued entryway and restaurant area. Facials use Evidens products, a French and Japanese brand, where you’ll be slathered in lightweight creams and syrupy serums to achieve a glassy and well-hydrated finish.
The To-Do List
There’s no shortage of country pursuits to uncover at Gleneagles, and no opportunity to be bored; in fact, you’ll likely encounter the opposite predicament, leaving with a long list of activities to tick off on your next visit.
Make sure Frandy Water is top of the list – the hotel’s new water sports destination and off-grid sauna that slots seamlessly into Perthshire’s wild and rugged landscape. The sauna can host up to six guests, with scenic lake views and a sauna master to lead the alternating hot and cold cycles. After a few rounds of deep breathing, the guide uses natural gorse and birch leaves on skin to whip and whisk any residual stress away. Brace for an invigorating cold-water dip in the loch at the end, which is arguably the best bit. Expect to come away feeling energised and ready to try Frandy Water’s range of water sports, from Canadian canoeing to kayaking or a meditative paddle on the water.
For sports enthusiasts, the astounding 850-acres are ripe for countryside strolls and morning runs along the perimeter of the Jack Nicklause-designed golf course. Stop at Halfway House for a coffee on the loop back to The Gleneagles Sporting Club, which is just a stone’s throw away from the main building. The indoor fitness hub is home to eight tennis courts and three padel courts alone, plus a climbing wall and comfy spectator chairs.
Clay pigeon shooting sounds a lot more intimidating than it is. Sure, you’re holding a weighty shotgun and aiming it at flying objects that whizz through the air at lightning speed, but there’s something oddly therapeutic about aiming and firing on target. The discs fly from different vantage points as you work your way up each level. It’s a game that will get you feeling giddy and competitive by the end. Even if it’s not your thing, there’s a sense of fulfilment from at least giving it a go – a mantra that seems to play out throughout our stay.
Lead image: Jay Golian
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‘Explore: The Leading Hotels of the World’ by Spencer Bailey is published by Monacelli, 31st July, £54.95 (Phaidon.com)
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