A Weekend Guide to the Glorious Playground at Gleneagles in Scotland

Stay

The accommodations at Gleneagles offer a luxurious 5-star hotel experience for any traveler passing through its glorious grounds. Each room is uniquely designed to capture the essence of the surrounding Perthshire countryside. The estate's decor and style can be characterized as a modern take on countryside cottage aesthetics, with a touch of glimmer and a nod to art deco styles of the past. The hotel has two main wings. The first is the Main House, which offers more traditional rooms in the main part of the hotel featuring original details from 1924. The second is its newest wing, the Braid House, boasting a more modern touch on Scottish countryside chic. No matter which option you choose, you can't go wrong with selecting one of the 205 guest rooms or treating yourself to one of the 28 unique suites. For families, Gleneagles provides a variety of family rooms to accommodate those traveling with children. My personal favorite is a Manor Room in the main building facing the front porte cochere - the sunrises and sunset views are stunning!

The highlight of any stay at Gleneagles is the breakfast. It is truly epic and included with every stay! Just trust me on this, it can’t be missed.

Eat & Drink

The grounds of Gleneagles offer a wide variety of delicious cuisine. Every hotel guest can enjoy a top-notch breakfast experience included in the room rate - it's a breakfast experience that can’t be missed. With offerings ranging from an omelet station to pastries and a wide assortment of hot breakfast options, no one will be left hungry. And if you're craving a mimosa, fresh squeezed juice, or a bloody Mary - don't worry, they're all included too. After breakfast, there are ten different eateries, lounges and bars to choose from. Favorites include:

- The Birnam: Featuring American-Italian cuisine, The Birnam has an inviting ambiance featuring an abundance of greenery and plush velvet seating, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. The Crab Spaghetti and Fire-baked Scottish Salmon are must-try dishes.

- The Strathearn: Begin your day with a visit to The Strathearn for breakfast experience included with your stay. Then, watch it transform in the evening into a Modern-Scottish fine dining restaurant that exudes a sense of romance. Classic dishes include the Smoked Salmon Royale to start and Roast of the Day served table side from the trolley.

- The Century Bar: Just off the lobby, The Century Bar’s ambiance shifts with the sun - by day, it’s the perfect hideaway for a casual coffee or a bite to eat with family and friends. And by night, it becomes a sophisticated lounge for those seeking a glass of bubbles or whisky.

- The American Bar: Sparkling with elegance and sophistication, in this cozy, luxurious lounge at Gleneagles, The American Bar is a chic setting to raise a glass to good times and good company, with a stylish dress code strictly enforced.

- Afternoon Tea: With seasonal themes, the Afternoon Tea is sure to delight guests of all ages. The menu showcases a delectable array of French pastries, exquisite cakes, buttery scones, and tea sandwiches.

- Andrew Fairlie: A two Michelin star restaurant experience where guests should expect an indulgent evening in a high-style, relaxed but refined space. The service is some of the best in the world, and no visit is complete without trying Andrew Fairlie’s signature dish of home smoked Scottish lobster with herb butter.

Pursuits

If you're looking for a Scottish adventure, Gleneagles is the perfect match! With three 18-hole award-winning golf courses, fishing, off-road driving, tennis, cycling, nature walks, archery, a 50-acre Scottish equestrian center, zip-lining and more. There's excitement at every turn when you visit Gleneagles. One of the most enjoyable experiences that has created lasting memories in our family is falconry. It offers the opportunity to get up close to hawks, eagles and owls to appreciate their true beauty. You can fly them and hold them throughout a fully immersive demonstration. It's an experience you didn’t even know you were missing out on!

Spa & Wellness

If you're looking for a place to unwind, the Spa & Wellness options at Gleneagles are truly top-notch. They offer a luxurious spa with signature treatments and services from well-known practitioners such as Dr. Barbara Sturm and Tata Harper. With 20 treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, vitality pool and a spa cafe, the Gleneagles Spa is an oasis to rejuvenate your mind and body. On-property, Gleneagles also offers an indoor pool, outdoor pool, full-service beauty bar, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Without a doubt, Gleneagles is truly one of the premier hotel experiences globally - which is why I've visited four times! Over the years, it has become one of my favorite spots.

Visiting this magical estate is a must for anyone interested in immersing themselves in the Scottish countryside and experiencing the wonders of Scotland. Whether you seek adventure as a couple, with your family, or planning a multi-generational trip, Gleneagles caters to everyone!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Scotland. In need of further inspiration? Check out Annie Decker’s guide, Experiencing the Magic of Scotland in 7 Days.