If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, then it is safe to assume that they are going to have different ideas as to what makes the ideal holiday destination … so we asked Spabreaks.com‘s Bonnie Friend, and YourGolfTravel.com‘s  Rory Anderson what they both thought of Perthshire’s Gleneagles hotel.

What did you like the most about your trip to Gleneagles?

RA: I loved the feeling of it being a home away from home … albeit a very grand home!

BF: It’s an aesthete’s Nirvana … the beauty, not to mention the size of the chateau-style venue (there are 232 rooms), is awe inspiring.

What did you think of the spa?

RA: It’s a welcome way to unwind after a long day on the fairways … be warned though, it is pretty difficult to drag yourself away once you have started the relaxation process!

BF: The spa’s wet facilities are separate from the leisure ones –so there is a pool for exercising in, and a gym, but when you get into the spa it is all about chilling out.  It has its own indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, and Arctic mist shower as well as multiple relaxation rooms, a Courtyard Garden, and the pièce de résistance – a collection of tailored ESPA treatments and specialist practitioners on hand offering osteopathy, physiotherapy, and acupuncture – it’s all-encompassing.

What did you think of the golf courses?

RA: All three courses were spectacular but in my humble opinion the King’s was the best. In fact I think it is the best course I have ever played!  I can’t wait to see how the pros get on on the PGA Centenary course during the 2014 Ryder Cup.

BF: The hotel is set in 850 acres of private land – a large amount of which is occupied by the golf course, but if you are not a golfer there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the great outdoors – just taking a stroll is a pretty perfect way to spend the afternoon (weather dependent obviously).

What was the food like?

RA: I had one of the finest meals of my life at The Strathearn restaurant!  The food is superb, the ambience is relaxing and the service is out of this world … completely attentive without being intrusive … top class!

BF: You are spoiled for choice at Gleneagles – there is the fine dining option that Rory was so fond of, as well as Michelin Star chef Andrew Fairlie’s French/Scottish fusion cooking.  There is Deseo – a Mediterranean restaurant offering lighter meals in the spa; the Dormy Clubhouse on the golf course; a coffee lounge (very important for tea and cake); and when it comes to drinks there is a jazz age inspired bar, and The Blue Bar with its leather sofas and Johnnie Walker Blue Label whiskey – something for everyone!

What else did you get up to at Gleneagles?

RA:  I spent most of my time on the golf courses.

BF:  As I am not a golfer, the running/ walking tracks as well as cycle hire were a great way to explore the grounds.

Is there something you missed out on that you would like to try if you visited Gleneagles again? 

RA: I would love to have a longer stay so that I could try my hand at some of the “country pursuits” on offer.  I would love to try falconry and if the weather was nice a day of fishing on the loch … especially as the chefs will cook whatever you catch!

BF: I am a keen horse rider, so I would like to head to the Equestrian School … I think I will leave the off road driving to the boys though …

Would you recommend Gleneagles to a friend?

RA: I have already raved about Gleneagles to all of my golfing buddies and am determined to organise a trip for us all.

BF:  Gleneagles is known for its golf, but it actually manages to straddle a number of ideals.  It is great for food, incredibly luxurious, has lots of outdoor activities and is also extremely family friendly, so rather unusually I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a very special break.

What is your top tip for visiting Gleneagles?

RA: Soak up as much of Gleneagles as you can when you stay – there is so much to do and see!

BF:  Part of the luxury of this venue is that there are so many things to do, so stay for a few days or a long weekend to make the most of it!

For more information about visiting Gleneagles visit Spabreaks.com or contact the team on: 0800 043 6600.