Six luxurious Scottish golf hotels
This year the acclaimed Ryder Cup golf competition is coming home to Gleneagles Hotel, host of the first ever international golf match between Great Britain and the USA in 1921. In honour of the occasion, hotel search website trivago.co.uk has selected six of the most luxurious golf hotels in Scotland.
From the birthplace of golf itself to coastal retreats in the heart of the Scottish countryside, these courses promise some of the best golfing experiences around. Golf aside, each hotel also boasts an impressive facade, elegant bedrooms, extensive spas and restaurants with hearty Scottish cuisine. Look no further for your next autumn getaway.
1. Gleneagles, Auchterarder
The 2014 Ryder Cup will be played on Gleneagles‘ Centenary Course, re-designed by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus especially for the competition. After the 28th September, guests and visitors are welcome to play the course, or choose between Gleneagles’ two other acclaimed courses: The King’s Course and The Queen’s Course. Elsewhere, the five-star hotel boasts a multi-award winning ESPA Spa, 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, an array of outdoor activities and 258 individually decorated suites and bedrooms. Since Gleneagles opened in 1924 it has prided itself for its dining options, which today include two fine dining restaurants – one with two Michelin stars.
Rooms available from £325
2. Old Course Golf Resort and Spa, St. Andrews
St. Andrews is renowned worldwide as the home of golf, boasting the highest concentration of premium golf courses in Europe and the oldest course in the world. Old Course Golf Resort and Spa is named after this iconic course, due to its location bordering on the renowned 17th ‘Road Hole’. The hotel also features its own custom-created 18-hole golf course, The Duke’s, allowing guests guaranteed tee time and views over the West Sands Beach and the dramatic Scottish coastline. The hotel consists of 144 spacious rooms, a choice of traditionally Scottish bars and restaurants and the exclusive Kohler Waters Spa.
Rooms available from £330
3. Turnberry Resort, Turnberry
While Old Course boasts the oldest golf course in the world, Trump Turnberry Resort holds the title of the world’s original golf resort. With an unbeatable location on the Ayrshire coastline, an impressive white façade and onsite lighthouse, this hotel is a destination in itself. A range of rooms are available, including family rooms and private lodges, decorated in both classic and contemporary styles. Turnberry Resort is home to The Ailsa, a four times Open Championship course and previously ranked as Britain’s number one golf course. Guests can choose between six dining venues throughout the day, from a complimentary full Scottish breakfast in acclaimed restaurant 1906 to afternoon tea served in the Grand Tea Lounge.
Rooms available from £190
4. Fairmont St Andrews, St Andrews
Boasting a 520-acre estate, unique coastal setting, lavish rooms, luxurious spa, world class golf and exquisite dining, the five star Fairmont St Andrews resort has it all. Guests can enjoy views over medieval St Andrews and the North Sea from the two championship golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks. Each of the 209 guest rooms are spacious and feature traditional Scottish furnishings, while the Signature Spa offers a range of treatments, a 16-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Dining options range from traditional afternoon tea to fine Italian cuisine at La Cucina.
Rooms available from £110
5. Da Vere Cameron House, Alexandria
Cameron House is located on the banks of Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands, boasting fine views of the Scottish countryside. The Carrick golf course is located nearby: an acclaimed and varied 18-hole golf course with 9 holes in the Loch Lomond Lowlands and 9 in the nearby Scottish Highlands. The Carrick Spa is an extensive facility including a heated outdoor infinity rooftop pool, hydrotherapy pool and a waterslide for those young at heart. Guests can choose between four restaurants, from a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment to an in-restaurant butchery and a grill specialising in Scottish salmon and local whisky.
Rooms available from £189
6. Mar Hall, Bishopton
Mar Hall is set in 240 acres of tranquil woodland estate while being conveniently located just ten minutes from Glasgow International Airport, making it perfect for a weekend retreat. The traditional Scottish mansion dates back to the Edwardian era, containing 53 individually designed guest rooms with luxurious touches such as king-sized beds and Egyptian cotton. The 18-hole Earl of Mar championship golf course was designed by respected golf course architect Dave Thomas and boasts views over the River Clyde and Kilpatrick Hills. Guests can unwind at the elegant Decléor Spa and enjoy five-star hotel dining at the traditionally Scottish Cristal restaurant or the Italian-themed Il Posto.
Rooms available from £255
