Luxury Scots hotel 'brimming with folklore' named among world's best for Christmas break
The five-star resort has been a symbol of Scottish luxury for over a century, offering fine dining, elegance and outdoor adventures across its vast estate.
A stunning Scottish hotel has been recognised among the world’s best festive destinations this winter. Lonely Planet has named Gleneagles in Perthshire as one of just 12 hotels across the globe that “go all out for the holidays”.
The travel experts praised its three-day Christmas celebration “brimming with Scottish folklore, crackling fires and a special visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer.”
While Gleneagles is renowned for its championship golf courses, the travel guide notes that the festive season transforms the estate into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer.
“There is a packed schedule of holiday fun, with ice skating, arts and crafts, a Christmas Day feast and cheese and wine tastings,” Lonely Planet writes.
“There’s even a festive panto performance, adding a bit of comedy and music to the celebration. Best of all, it’s all included – no extra charges for any meals or activities – making it easy to enjoy the holiday magic without a second thought.”
The five-star hotel, located in Auchterarder, has long been considered one of Scotland’s most iconic luxury destinations.
For over a century, Gleneagles has offered visitors a blend of glamour, fine dining and country pursuits across its 850-acre estate.
Guests can explore lochs, glens and golf courses or unwind indoors with spa treatments, candlelit cocktails, live piano performances in The Strathearn and Michelin-starred dining that lasts into the early hours.
The hotel’s website reveals the scale of its festive preparations, saying: “Over Christmas and Hogmanay, we’ll crack open nearly 5,000 bottles of Champagne, prepare over 3,500 mince pies, and our pastry chefs will whip their way through 1.5 tonnes of sugar and 2 tonnes of chocolate to fill the hotel with seasonal cheer and help create memories to last a lifetime.
Scottish getaways
“We’re ready to welcome you for Christmas and Hogmanay as you take your pick of luxurious packages that include ice skating adventures and outdoor pursuits through to world-class cocktails and indulgent dining.
"Whatever the activity (or lack of!) you choose, you’ll be treated to the ultimate in Scottish hospitality where you can fully relax knowing you’ve found your cosy countryside home from home.”
Earlier this year, Gleneagles earned international acclaim after being named among the best hotels in the world, placing 78th on the extended list released by The World’s 50 Best Hotels .
Beyond its lavish interiors, the estate is famed for its outdoor pursuits. Golf remains the main attraction, with three championship courses drawing players from around the world.
Guests can also enjoy salmon fishing on the River Tee, off-road driving, falconry, shooting, ferreting and horse riding, offering a true taste of Scottish adventure.
Gleneagles features on Lonely Planet’s festive list alongside some of the world’s most celebrated luxury properties, including The Plaza in New York, which is a key location in legendary Christmas film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
The full list is as follows:
- The Plaza, New York City, USA
- Gleneagles, Perthshire, Scotland
- Paws Up Montana, Greenough, Montana, USA
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll, Maldives
- La Mamounia, Marrakesh, Morocco
- Alma Resort Cam Ranh, Cam Ranh, Vietnam
- Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
- Union Øye, Norangsdal, Norway
- Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- The Capra, Saas Fee, Switzerland
- Claridge’s, London, England
- Beaches Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos