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THE WORLD'S GREATEST GOLF COURSE FOR NON-GOLFERS

Every golfer dreams of playing Gleneagles in Scotland. But it is also a dream destination for non-golfers.

Between spa treatments, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, whiskey tastings, and tea, I also had some memorable meals. In fact, I would rush back to Gleneagles even if they didn't have a golf course.  And maybe next time I will even get around to teeing off.

But the wonderful thing about Gleneagles is it truly has something for everyone. I saw a darling 4- year old English lass proudly wearing the ribbon she had received for riding a pony. I know she will cherish it for life, just as I will always remember certain special moments.

I would go back to Gleneagles just for a Thai massage. And I am not the only one who feels that way. Doctors drive up from Edinburg to get a treatment from Ken Anderson. Ken is a former businessman who was wildly successful. He owned 2 planes, several luxury cars, a recording studio and other businesses. At one point in his life, everything collapsed, his father died, and his wife divorced him. Despondent, he did little more than drink and take depression medications for two years. Then through a quirky coincidence he had an opportunity to experience Thai Massage. It helped him so much he decided to go to Thailand and live in a monastery to learn the art.

I'm sorry for all the suffering Ken had. But his life change sure has benefited a lot of other people. If you want to be one of the lucky ones, be sure to make reservations in advance. (I mean before you even leave for Gleneagles)

The most indulgent way to experience Glen Eagles is on the Carte Blanche program. As the name implies, for a fixed daily rate, they give you the ultimate freedom and choice. You can select from the entire range of sport and leisure experiences that Gleneagles offers. You can partake in as many activities as you like, as often as you like. This is the fixed price passport to everything that Gleneagles has to offer--including all meals and facilities. (You will find me in the spa or tasting Foie gras in the dining room)

If you have the stamina of a decathlete, this is really a bargain. Think of it, get up early for a massage and a dip in the pool, after a glorious breakfast of smoked salmon and typical Scottish dishes (room service is good, but the bountiful buffet is worth trying), take a golf lesson followed by a reflexology treatment. Choose lunch at the Club and be tempted by tasty tapas or eat healthy by choosing the low calorie offerings. Don't linger because you still want to do off-road mountain biking, horseback riding, falconry and maybe another spa treatment before dinner. Or perhaps you want an early evening meal so you can fish the evening rise of trout on nearby Fordoun Loch.

There are also packages that focus on special interests like golf or shooting. And seasonal festivals for holidays such as Easter, Christmas and Hogmanay.

Here are a few of my favorite activities: 

RIDING
There are few pleasures that match riding a well schooled horse through beautiful countryside. At Gleneagles, the surrounding heather clad mountains form the backdrop to the Perthshire landscape and a feeling of total freedom--the space to be yourself and breathe the fresh air deeply. The going can be as relaxing or as demanding as you choose and the hotel provides the perfect counterpoint with all the comforts needed to round off an active day. Of course I would choose a massage..

You can pack light. If you do not have the right gear, Gleneagles will lend you everything you need, such as hard hats, breeches and boots. Or if you want a stylish souvenir, clothes, equipment and accessories are for sale at the Equestrian Center. 

There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of seeing your clay target disappear to dust. It actually happened for me three times in my first lesson. But I got an equal rush peering at the pictures in the clubhouse, realizing that I was shooting in the footsteps (oops, it is probably not safe to say that) of Harrison Ford, Steven Speilberg, Sean Connery, Oprah Winfrey and other international stars.

Even though I had never tried shooting before--I felt very comfortable. My instructor told me that 80% of their visitors are first timers to shooting. And the cozy fire in the Shooting Lodge is a great gathering place to relax, discuss technique, and glory in the great shots. 

Falconry is probably the oldest and most aristocratic of sports and has fired the imagination of poets, princes and warriors. And it might be the only thing I have in common with poets, princes and warriors.

In the majestic setting and wild beauty of the Perthsire hills, it is incredible to watch your hawk swoop towards your gloved fist. There are so many delights for the senses to take in--the tinkle of soft bells, the heather scented air, the grasp of talons as the bird steadies to your hand, the folding of wings, and the brightness of the hawk's beady eye. This is the very stuff that falconry is made of and so few are lucky or privileged to experience it. And to me the glory of it all is you can get the full rush of excitement the very first time you try it…because the very well-trained bird does it all. I mean, the trainer was there to tell me what to do--the bird knew  his job perfectly. My gloved hand was but another tree branch to him.

Unlike horseback riding where you get a sense of bonding and controlling your horse, in falconry, the bird makes almost all the decisions. And that's okay when you are on vacation.

I was really attracted to falconry. Maybe because it is a bit like massage. You put out your arm and someone else does all the work. That is my kind of sport. 

Off-road driving is comparatively weather proof and therefore ideal for times when outdoor activities may be restricted. (I'd vote for staying inside at the spa but I like to do that even in good weather)

If this is your kind of thing, Gleneagles has two purpose built off-road courses close to the hotel. Designed by some of Britain's leading off-road specialists, they incorporate natural and purpose built obstacles to include water splashes, ditches, escalating ridges, gullies and steep gradients. The instructors will teach you techniques such as hill climbs controlled descents, wading and traversing slopes, as well as general vehicle handling over rough or wet terrain. If you combine this activity with a whiskey tasting, make sure you do the drinking part afterwards. You may need it. 

Gleneagles positions itself as a place for people to unwind. For some this means active outdoor pursuits such as golf, riding, shooting, or fishing. For others a more gentle pampering and indulgence. Please sign me up for the second group.

Here are a few of the treatments I would recommend:

THAI MASSAGE: This is the oldest and arguably the most powerful comprehensive form of body massage therapy. During this clothes-on therapy, gentle pressure is applied to specific areas of the body to work on the Sen lines (the body's energy lines) This pressure, combined with gentle stretching, applied yoga, acupressure, muscular massage and some reflexology. releases the body's natural healing energy. The masseuse uses hands, foot, elbows and knees, bending you a bit like a pretzel.  This is a treatment where you leave your clothes on.

Thai massage therapy accelerates the elimination of harmful toxins through the lymphatic system.  This very powerful and truly holistic therapy gently relieves tension and stress and leaves you feeling physically and mentally alert. (as opposed to many massages which relax you so much you feel like napping) Thai massage improves the function of the internal organs and returns the body to its natural and energized state. 59 minutes cost 55 pounds. There is also a mini-Thai massage for 25 minutes at 35 pounds…but you definitely want the whole thing. It took them 6,000 years to develop this technique. Why rush?

E'SPA DETOXIFYING ALGAE TREATMENT: This is a balancing and detoxifying treatment involving skin brushing, exfoliation and algae, rich in minerals and enzymes. This treatment boosts the metabolism and speeds up the elimination of toxins. It includes a full scalp treatment to easy away tensions. No wonder fish always look so relaxed.
75 minutes for 55 pounds.

E'SPA AROMATHERAPY TOTAL BODY CARE: This to a aromatherapy treatment takes a holistic approach by promoting total relaxation.  It is the perfect antidote to a stressful lifestyle (do you know any other kind?) It begins with skin brushing and  exfoliation, followed by an aromatherapy massage of the body and scalp using essential oils to ease tension and relax body and mind. Well worth 65 pounds for 75 minutes.

DEEP CLEANSING BACK TREATMENT: An ideal treatment for problematic skin, but also a lovely treat for the much neglected hard to reach back area. The back is deep cleansed and exfoliated to help stimulate cellular renewal, then calmed and relaxed with a luxurious aromatherapy massage.. To complete this treatment an application of light moisturizing balm ensures the skin is left soft, smooth and revitalized. 45 minutes for 45 pounds.

HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE: A therapeutic multi-jet bath with powerful water jets that concentrate on specific areas of tension. The bath is filled with a soothing blend of essential oils, seaweed and mineral sea salts. Then the underwater massage jets do their thing from the fee up the entire body. Hydrotherapy is a great way to relax the body and unwind while the massage jets relieve tension, stimulate muscle tone, the lymphatic system, circulation, soothe aching muscles and leave you felling totally relaxed yet invigorated. If I had a  bathtub like this, I would never take a shower. Swimwear must be worn for this treatment. 25 minutes for 35 pounds.

THE RX FACIAL: A traditional Eastern treatment that maximizes the body's self recovery powers and helps restore health to mind and body. The unique RX massage, a special hot towel treatment and a shiatsu pressure point scalp massage are combined with the use of special care products to pamper the senses while restoring your skin. This treatment also includes a computerized skin diagnosis. Talk about combining high touch with high tech.  

THERE'S MORE

I know I haven't told you about the croquet lawns, putting greens, pitch and putt, lawn bowling and jogging trails. You'll just have to discover them for yourself

And I haven't said a word about the golf. But that is another story.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

AIRPORTS

Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are both less than 50 miles, or an hour's drive away.

Airport transfers are 70 pounds by taxi or 75 pounds for a chauffeur. Splurge, Go for the chauffeur and ask for Bernard. His father was the chief concierge there for years and he knows all the inside secrets and history.

Arrangements can also be made to land helicopters at the Hotel.

RAIL

Great North Eastern Railway service stop at Gleneagles Station which is on the main London to Inverness line. Let the hotel know which train you will be on and they will be happy to meet you

MONEY

You can use English pounds. But since everything can be charged to your room, you hardly need anything but plastic  

GLENEAGLES HOTEL
FREEPOST, AUCHTERARDER, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND PH3 1BR

800-223-6800 toll free
0800 704 705 freephone in Great Britain

telephone 44(0) 1764 662231
fax 44(0)1764662134

http://www.gleneagles.com
ressales@guinness.com  

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