Easily accessible from either the Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, this wonderful resort on the frontier of the Scottish Highlands has garnered quite the reputation since its initial opening in 1924. Heralded then as ‘the eighth wonder of the world,’ some of the most illustrious and glamorous citizens of the United Kingdom summered here, drawn by the vow that the resort still holds dear today. Indeed, almost 80 years later, the dedication of management to ‘their avowed intention of creating happiness’ is immediately obvious as one pulls up to the entrance. The luxury of golf and hotel vacations has always been the draw at Gleneagles, and today the crux of the experience remains unchanged.

Still, the essence of the resort has always adapted to the times. In the post-war glow of the 1950s, the well-to-do came to Gleneagles for grouse and golf, as an inland diversion from yachting at Cowes and playing polo at Deauville. When the resort decided to become a four-season destination in 1982, $11 million dollars was invested to make Gleneagles a year-round playground, and more than $46 million has been spent in the past twenty years to retain the unparalleled standard of excellence. Critics have taken notice. Since the spending spree began, Gleneagles has garnered a five-star ranking every year, and has won more than 30 awards from the most respected travel and catering industries.

With 54 holes of golf, the crown jewel at the Gleneagles course is clearly the King’s Course, but the Queen’s Course and the Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, which will play host to the 40th Ryder Cup in 2014, are wonderful complements as well. A Golf Academy, established in 1994, ensures that guests of Gleneagles are privy to the most thorough golf experience available anywhere.

A variety of rooms are available to guests of the hotel, ensuring that every group dynamic will be satisfied. Single and Classic rooms are uniquely decorated, and feature adjoining rooms that allow larger groups to get the sense that they are sharing accommodations. Sovereign rooms are a more luxurious and spacious option, offering wonderful views of the surrounding gardens and the Perthshire Hills in the distance, and Estate rooms offer similar vistas and a generous living space. For the indulgent guest, Estate and Whisky Suites offer separate living areas, perfect for the business-minded traveler or those seeking the height of luxury in their accommodations, while the Royal Lochnagar Suite, the finest room that Gleneagles has to offer, is named after a whisky of like distinction, and features fine antique furnishings and beautiful views of the Ochil Hills and Glendevon.

As far as dining goes, the taste of Scotland lingers on the palate at Gleneagles, as world-class chefs fuse traditional ingredients into some of the finest international cuisine available in the United Kingdom. Tay salmon, highland grouse and venison are just some of the entrees available on the four restaurant menus, and a world-class wine cellar, presided over by no less than seven sommeliers, guarantees that the perfect complementary libation can be arranged. The Strathearn Restaurant is the most elegant of the bunch, featuring a stunning dining room with wonderful views of the surrounding estate. Enjoy Gressingham duck with caramelized apples and a bottle of Chateau Talbot from the Bordeaux region, or for a lighter dinner try a dish of world-renowned Dover sole, on the bone, with a glass of the Schrazhof Riesling. The possibilities are limitless.

An evening at the Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles is best enjoyed over the namesake chef’s signature dish of smoked lobster, which involves smoking lobster shells over old whisky barrels for half a day. If a more relaxed and informal atmosphere is desired, then The Dormy Clubhouse is a fine choice, where guests can dine on dishes like haggis and deep-fried cod and chips while looking out over the King’s and Queen’s golf courses. The mandate here is quality and efficiency, and for the golfer with a tee time to make, the aptly titled ‘Golfer’s Buffet’ is the ideal choice. The Club Restaurant is the most casual and friendly dining option at Gleneagles, where designer pizzas, grilled steaks, and unique salads are the order of the day. At the end of a long day and a satisfying dinner, relax in The Bar with a drink from the whisky trolley, featuring 50 rare malts, served in hand-blown Austrian glasses designed to release the full flavour of aged malt whiskies.

For a break from golf, consider a tennis match, or wander over to the Equestrian Center for a quick ride. More ambitious sportsmen might consider a session at the Gleneagles Shooting School, or a crash course at the British School of Falconry at Gleneagles. Fishing and off-road driving trips in the Scottish Highlands can also be arranged, ensuring that your visit to Gleneagles is as authentic as it can be. And when the body begins to reel from all the thrills, relax in the familiar comfort of the Spa, under the expert hands of a Gleneagles masseuse. First and foremost, Gleneagles means golf, but the truth is that there is so much more to be experienced.