“Isn’t that a golf hotel?” was my initial question upon being invited to serve on the board of Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel. I was with a friend visiting from London and the look of sheer horror was evident. He calmly explained that golf was a “small part” of Gleneagles as it is really known for the amazing facilities and outdoor activities.
“Small part of it!” I exclaimed after Google revealed Gleneagles has three historically significant golf courses, which have hosted the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Scottish Open and the Women’s British Open, and will host the Senior Open Championship in 2022. “How is that a ‘small part of it?’”
So, this is how my journey began. It was interesting to note that Europeans are well aware of this “glorious playground”… but as Americans, we have all sorts of misconceptions about it, such as the remote setting being difficult to get to or it only has golf. Located less than an hour from the capital city of Edinburgh or Glasgow, and both less than an hour flight from London, it can be said it is easier to get to Gleneagles than many places in the United States. (Tip: Delta Air Lines will even offer non-stops to Edinburgh from New York and Boston in 2022).
I decided last minute to take my nine-year-old daughter with me. She would stay with her grandfather in London the first week while I visited Gleneagles with the board and then join me. We flew directly into London Heathrow and were whisked through security and on to the newly renovated Carlton Tower Jumeirah. That it has undergone an almost $140 million renovation piqued my interest, and the fact that Aaron Kaupp had recently taken over as general manager is what made it a “must go.” The location is fantastic (a five-minute walk from Hyde Park and Harrods) but given the comp set in London, it was never on my list. My curiosity paid off.
Read the full article on Luxury Travel Advisor – By: Tania Swasbrook
