What it is

An 850-acre estate with 205 storybook rooms and 28 suites, 10 restaurants and pubs on-site, a tranquil spa, and three golf courses that have hosted The Ryder Cup.

What it isn't

Boring. Activities here range from falconry and dressage lessons to wild Atlantic salmon fishing on the River Tay with an old school double-handed rod.

What we think

We know the British royal family doesn’t often bunk in Scottish hotels—why would they, when they can head to Balmoral Castle and its 50,000 acres? But if they did, we are 100% positive they would stay at this 1924 estate. Even the most “basic” Country Room bedroom here is anything but, with their 323-square-foot floor plans, Scottish-made textiles cozying up the king beds, plush traditional details (including gleaming antique-lined wood furniture, thick tufted upholstery, and bath with pristine marble finishes.) The suites are nothing less than exquisite and exactly the type of place Queen Elizabeth II would have selected for a vacay: the 1,646-square-foot Royal Lochnagar Suite has prime views over the rolling Ochil Hills from its canopied four poster bed. Stop in at the spa for Tata Harper facials and exfoliation with salts from the Scottish sea.

You're here because

Their Andrew Fairlie restaurant has earned two Michelin stars and it shows: produce is plucked from their own Victorian walled garden, and dishes include home smoked Scottish lobster with lime and herb butter.

The Moment

You’ve had your share of unforgettable afternoon teas, but this one—inspired by Beatrix Potter, who summered here as a child—is as delightful as they come, with its earl gray tarts with gooseberry jam, local red onion marmalade and goat cheese tartlets, and almond financiers with elderflower.

Restaurants & Bars

The Strathearn - Enjoy fine Franco-Scottish cuisine in a glamorous setting

Andrew Fairlie - The 2 Michelin Star restaurant in Scotland serving delectable French and Scottish cuisine

The Birnam Brasserie - Classic French-American style brasserie

The Dormy - Tandoor specialities to grill classics and comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere

Garden Café - Coffee, fresh pastries, home baking as well as healthy lunch options

The Century Bar - Enjoy 120 single malt whiskeys, vintage champagne, cocktails, wines and spectacular international beers

The American Bar - An intimate setting reminiscent of the iconic bars of the 1920s and 30s

Auchterarder 70 - Oak-paneled newcomer to the Gleneagles stable, and a popular craft beer destination in Perthshire

The Glendevon - Scotland’s finest afternoon tea

Location

A lush and leafy private retreat less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow, and a 19 minute drive from Huntingtower Castle—built circa 1400 and a storied destination for history obsessives.