Think of a luxurious Scottish countryside escape, and you’ll likely think of Gleneagles – the iconic retreat famed for its renowned hospitality, cosy interiors, heritage and outdoor pursuits. Nestled in the Perthshire countryside, just an hour outside of Edinburgh, Gleneagles is popular with travellers from across the world, who come year-round to enjoy the 850 acres of hills, fields, streams and green, be it in sunshine or snow. Now, the luxury country resort has upped its year-round appeal by opening a brand-new indoor sporting centre, the Gleneagles Sporting Club.

Formerly known as The Gleneagles Arena, the Gleneagles Sporting Club has been transformed into a year-round space where guests can enjoy sports and leisure activities – particularly handy in the muggy Scottish summers and snowy winters. The new space has state-of-the-art championship padel courts, two indoor tennis courts, a challenging climbing and bouldering wall, and top-class equestrian facilities, immersing guests in Scottish country life and heritage.

Opened in 1924 with a grand opening ball, Gleneagles has quickly become one of the UK’s go-to destinations for countryside charm. Set beneath the charming Ochil Hills in the heart of Perthshire, the estate showcases the breathtaking natural beauty Scotland is known for. The property has 232 sumptuous, old-world bedrooms and suites, 11 restaurants and bars – including an afternoon tea lounge and the only two Michelin star restaurant in Scotland – a children’s adventure space, beauty lodge, wellness centre and spa. Guests can enjoy typical country activities, from falconry and clay pigeon shooting to fly fishing and horseriding, and the estate’s gold course if highly regarded – playing host to the Ryder Cup in 2014.

In 2023, Gleneagles also became the winner of The World’s 50 Best Hotel’s inaugural Art of Hospitality Award, one of the global accreditation’s handful of noteworthy awards outside of its coveted list, voted for by 580 voters in The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy. Voters were asked to name the property where they have received the single-best hospitality experience within the two-year voting period, with the award celebrating a hotel’s outstanding service and attention to detail, rewarding a property and its entire staff for unparalleled professional standards. This includes how the entire team interacts with guests, from reception and housekeeping to food and beverage teams. Gleneagles was also placed at number 32 on the list itself, making it, ‘officially’, the Best Hotel in Scotland.

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