Gleneagles

Overlooking the idyllic glens of Perthshire, the very special thing about the spa and leisure experience at Gleneagles is the way in which it caters not only to every person but every health requirement as well.

The spa’s wet facilities are separate to the leisure ones – so there is a gym but once in the spa it is all about relaxing. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, arctic mist shower, relaxation rooms, a courtyard garden and the cherry on top – a collection of tailored ESPA treatments as well.

Sitting separately form the spa, a short walk across the grounds, Gleneagles also has a dedicated beauty offering for guests in the form of Bob & Cloche. A brand new facility, it was formerly one of the hotel’s gate lodges, which has been transformed into an elegant beauty destination named after two style motifs of the Jazz age – the racy ‘bob’ haircut, and the close-fitting cloche hat. The various beauty rooms showcase bespoke golden framed mirrors, opulent furnishings and a striking colour palette.

Meanwhile, a stylish relaxation area has a roaring fire that makes it reminiscent of a cosy drawing room - perfect for friends to unwind in between treatments. There is also a luxurious dressing room which adds glamour and fun to the ritual of trying on outfits and perfecting a look before dinner.

First conceived as design homage to the French aristocracy’s chateaux tradition, the architecture of Gleneagles is a visual indicator of the five-star service that lies within. Looking out onto an 18-hole golf course designed by 18th century master landscape architect Capability Brown, there are 232 bedrooms at the hotel including 26 suites – all of which enjoy subtly contemporary design with lots of space and soft fabrics.

When it comes to food, Gleneagles guests are spoiled for choice – The Strathearn is the fine dining option with a reputation for excellence. There is also the Birnam Brasserie, which serves French-American dishes using the best local Scottish produce, and which is perfectly complemented by the American Bar, inspired by the roaring 20s, is an elegant bar with exceptional service and cocktails. Additionally, The Spa Café serves lighter nutritious meals in the spa; the Dormy Clubhouse on the golf course, and a jazz inspired bar – The Blue Bar.

If you fancy some posher pursuits, there's falconry, shooting, fishing and archery - or you can bring your dog and take him or her to gundog school. It's easy to get there too - Gleneagles even has its own rail station, and they offer complimentary transfers if you give them a little notice.