Our guide to relaxing at Gleneagles
Relaxation is about switching off, clearing the head, and doing whatever makes you feel good. For some that involves getting closer to nature and enjoying simple pleasures, and for others it’s about spending time with family or friends, or even just having a bit of ‘me time’.
Here are just a few of our favourite ways of soothing the body and mind:
Treat Yourself to Breakfast in Bed
Hit snooze and sink back into the bed sheets – start the day the most decadent way and let us bring breakfast to you!
Our Strathearn breakfast is a great tradition, a luxury indulgence and fuel for adventure, but sometimes it’s nice to stay cosy in your PJs under the covers! We have naughty and nice options, eggs any way you can think of, fluffy pancakes, mountains of mouth-watering pastries, award-winning porridge and fresh smoked salmon. You can also chuck in a couple of tattie scones and a slice of haggis for good Scottish measure!
Enjoy the views from your room and toast the brand new day with fresh juice and coffee or, if you’re looking for something stronger, blow away the cobwebs with a Bloody Mary or a glass of fizz, and raise your glass to a day of countryside adventures.
Soak up the scene
Situated in the heart of some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, our 850-acre estate is a feast for the eyes and senses. Whether our gardens are awash with the colours of autumn, the Ochil Hills are dusted with snow, or the pink rhododendrons have festooned our main drive in late spring, our estate offer glorious views in every season – and there’s no better way to relax than disconnecting, heading out into our estate, breathing in that pure Perthshire air and soaking up the scene.
Explore our gardens and have fun along the way on a traditional Pashley bicycle; pick up a newspaper or a beautiful book from The Corner Shop, head for a bench and read to the soothing soundtrack of local birdsong; or take a saunter through our grounds at sunrise and look out for local wildlife, including red squirrels, birds of prey and roe deer.
If you feel like going further into the hills and glens where phone signal and Wi-Fi become a distant memory, our team would be delighted to pack you off with a luxury hamper of treats and take you into the heart of Perthshire’s wild and untamed landscape. There are few experiences more relaxing or tranquil than enjoying a glass of champagne at the top of a Scottish mountain before being transported back to the Glen by helicopter in time for dinner!
Cast a line
Few pastimes are as soothing for the soul as fly fishing, especially on the iconic banks of the nearby River Tay, or in the tranquil setting of our private lochs, Laich Loch and Balloch Loch, which are well-stocked with both wild and reared brown trout.
Enjoy expert tuition from our Head Ghillie Gerry and his friendly team, who know all the best spots to secure a tug on the line and are skilled in the art of fly tying and casting.
Whether you’re an experienced fisherman looking to develop your skills or a complete novice eager to land your first catch, our ghillies’ wry local humour and knowledge of the water will inspire you to improve.
Looking to make a whole day of it? Just let us know and we can pack a picnic lunch or some fine Cuban Cigars and single malts in the back of the Land Rover before setting off – for the ultimate sundowner adventure.
Walk it off
Here in Perthshire, we often see four seasons in one day, but whether it’s blissfully balmy or “blowin’ a hoolie”, walking is one of the best ways to explore the dramatic local landscape. From romantic rambles and sunrise saunters to mountain meanders and hardcore hikes, there are hundreds of trails on our doorstep that showcase Scotland’s wild natural beauty and offer the chance to blow away the cobwebs, enjoy a family adventure and gain a feeling of pure escape.
Tuck a Gleneagles picnic in your rucksack, get dressed for the elements, and head out with one of our friendly Trail Yard activity leaders who’ll keep you company, take you to the best view points, and get you back to the hotel in time for your Spa appointment to soothe those tired legs or your decadent refuelling dinner in The Strathearn. Check out our Walking & Hiking Guide for inspiration!
Head Over to The Spa
De-stress in the soothing surroundings of the central courtyard, enjoy indulgent heat and thermal experiences before or after their treatment.
Shake off the stresses and strains of daily life in our beautiful spa.
Whether you only have an hour to spare as the children play in Little Glen, or a full day of ‘me time’, soak up the tranquil surroundings, soothe body, mind and soul in our serenity pool, invigorate the senses with our thermal experiences, and relax while our hand-picked team of therapists work their magic to leave you feeling restored and renewed.
Using aromatic botanicals, local honey and essential oils from the local landscape – which have been used for centuries to ease aching muscles, improve circulation, nourish tired skin or promote a good night’s sleep – our Gleneagles signature treatments provide just the tonic to help you escape the daily grind.
Enjoy a delicious afternoon snack at the Spa Café
If all that relaxation makes you peckish, enjoy a wholesome and nutritious lunch in our dedicated Spa Café – where our chefs use the finest Scottish ingredients to prepare tasty dishes that are designed to make you feel good, inside and out.
Make it a double
You’re dressed in your finest garb; your hair’s been blow-dried to perfection; and the babysitter has arrived to give you the night off – and now you can take it easy before dinner. Time to head to our American Bar, where the lights are low and the martinis are strong.
Reminiscent of the iconic cocktail bars of the 1920s and 30s, The American Bar is a fun and decadent place where our Head Bartender Lulu and her team of friendly mixologists are ready to help you unwind. From the caviar and cashmere wallpaper to the soothing sound of the cocktail shaker, this is a glamourous and intimate space for some old school hospitality and a cheeky Whisky Sour (or two)!