I have to agree with the fabulous Mr Wilde. I am definitely a luxuries girl; whether it's staying in an amazing hotel, driving an expensive car or carrying a designer handbag there are no substitutes for the absolute best. I live this champagne lifestyle on a somewhat lemonade budget, however last weekend that budget was blown out of the water by a couple of nights at Gleneagles in Perthshire.
I had stayed in Gleneagles a couple of years ago, at that time hubs and I were upgraded to an absolute baller suite in the newer part of the hotel. Lightning did indeed strike twice as we were again upgraded on this trip, albeit to a nicer room in the more traditional style. Our room not only had a beast of a king size bed, there was a separate living room and double bunk beds! We were actually upgraded because of a mix up with our booking i.e. they lost it!
The trip was a Christmas present for my mum and dad, including dinner at the two Michelin star Andrew Fairlie restaurant. We opted for the Du Marche menu, which consists of seven courses of absolute heaven! My brother, his fiancé, hubs and I all decided to order wine by the bottle. My parents were treated to the extremely pricey alternative which has a different glass of wine for each course. My mum shared her vino (sadly my dad was more stingy with his…) so we could appreciate how it complimented the food. I have absolutely no palate whatsoever when it comes to wine (champagne, my friends, is a different story) however even I could taste the subtle difference the proper wine made to already outstanding dishes.
The restaurant itself was ridiculously beautiful. The water glasses were hand decorated, they should have looked kitsch but were so dainty and elegant amongst the darker tones of the room and heavy place settings and silverware.
The Dormy House at the golf course was the venue for our Sunday lunch at Gleneagles. As the course will host the 2014 Ryder Cup, the restaurant, bar and facilities have recently undergone a refurbishment. I am not a golfer at all but I love golf courses, and in particular golf shops – who knows why?! Those starched collars really do it for me.
My brothers’ girlfriends, my mum and I all spent a couple of hours being pampered in the spa while the boys watched the rugby – I know who got the better part of that deal! I have spent a lot of time in five star establishments, but the spa at Gleneagles must be one of the most beautiful I’ve ever encountered. I felt a bit creepy taking pictures in the spa so here’s a little teaser..!
I couldn’t recommend Gleneagles for a weekend away more. While it’s not my favourite hotel in Scotland (I’m looking at you, Old Course!) it would come a close second, and has no competition in terms of total luxury and relaxation.
Amazing food + gorgeous spa + particularly fabulous people = LUXURY
