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Gleneagles

Auchterarder

• Art of Hospitality Award 2023

Scotland’s majestic countryside as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts

Give me the lowdown: 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 guestrooms 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.

Outdoor pursuits: Gleneagles makes the most of its magnificent location and a trip here is not complete without partaking in some of its huge list of activities. Golf is first and foremost with three championship courses, one of which hosted 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.

Eating and drinking: The hotel plays host to Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only Michelin two-star 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 standard. 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.

Relaxation options: 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.

Exemplary service: Gleneagles is the winner of the Art of Hospitality Award 2023. For this award, all 560 voters in the 50 Best Academy are asked to name the one hotel where they received the single-best service experience in the two-year judging window. The property’s managing director Conor O’Leary promotes a style of hospitality that allows staff members’ personality to shine through and encourages genuine, informal interaction with guests.

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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