In August 2024, we spent ten unforgettable days at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland, a property steeped in over a century of history and renowned for its luxury, golf, and outdoor pursuits. Known affectionately as “The Glorious Playground,” Gleneagles lives up to its name with expansive grounds, stunning architecture, and a wealth of activities including hiking, horseback riding, falconry, and, of course, world-class golf. Over the years, the hotel has hosted celebrities, famous golfers, and even royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Gleneagles also has a storied connection to fashion history, having hosted Dior’s iconic 1955 runway show, a legacy reflected today in the plush, fashion-forward interiors.

We were joined on this adventure by our friends from Carrollton, making it the perfect getaway for couples, families, or a few couples seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. From the moment we arrived, every aspect of Gleneagles felt thoughtfully curated and effortlessly luxurious.

The hotel is independently operated but partners with Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), a consortium of the world’s most luxurious properties, and the distinction is clear in every detail. 

Dining at Gleneagles is an experience in itself. Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only 2-Michelin-star restaurant, offered a multi-course culinary masterpiece with expertly paired wines. For a more casual but equally memorable meal, the Garden Cafe’s Cream of Leek and Potato soup left such an impression that I even reached out to the chef after returning home, who kindly shared the recipe with me personally. The tea room served a classic High Tea, with delicate sandwiches and confections that were almost too pretty to eat, and the bars crafted cocktails so delicious we purchased the hotel’s cocktail recipe book to recreate them at home.

Gleneagles’ staff elevate the experience even further. Each team member was warm, personable, and remarkably remembered our names, a feat that seemed almost impossible given the hotel’s size. Among the many highlights, a private falconry lesson left us in awe of these magnificent birds of prey and their intelligence. The spa, arguably the best we’ve ever visited, offered a range of indulgent treatments, with the signature An Taigh-Smuide Mud & Steam Ritual standing out as a particular favorite.

Even for non-golfers like myself, the property’s legendary courses impressed. My husband described his round as the most memorable golf experience of his life. And while the scenery was breathtakingly peaceful, there was a bit of star-struck excitement during his game, Tom Holland and Zendaya happened to tee off just ahead of us, taking a break from London’s stage production of Romeo & Juliet. We quietly snapped a group photo with Tom tiny in the background, soaking in the surreal moment without disturbing them.

Despite its remote feel, Gleneagles is surprisingly accessible. A direct train from London’s Kings Cross Station to Gleneagles Station in Auchterarder made travel effortless, with the hotel providing a complimentary three-minute shuttle from the station to the property.

Whether wandering the rolling trails, sipping a perfectly mixed cocktail, or learning the art of falconry, every moment at Gleneagles felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a destination that caters equally to thrill-seekers, relaxation enthusiasts, and food lovers, leaving every guest with memories they’ll cherish forever.