This extraordinarily pretty Scottish estate is officially one of the most beautiful hotels in the world

Staying somewhere truly beautiful can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. Thankfully, Time Out has just dropped its ranking of the world’s most beautiful hotels, so you can know exactly where the planet’s biggest stunners, grand castles and inner-city stays are hidden. And the best part? You won’t even need a passport to visit some of the standouts on the list, as Scotland has taken a well-deserved spot on the global leaderboard, right alongside London’s own eco-conscious 1 Hotel Mayfair.

Gleneagles is flying the flag for Scotland, an 850-acre country estate in Perthshire that’s been welcoming guests since 1924. It’s a total slam dunk for golfers (or should we say a hole-in-one?) thanks to its three world-class championship courses. But even if your swing has a sizeable handicap, this self-proclaimed ‘glorious playground’ serves up a near-endless menu of country pursuits. We’re talking everything from falconry and fly-fishing to axe-throwing, zip-wiring, and, yes, you’re hearing this right, ferret training. 

Once you’ve thoroughly exhausted yourself outdoors, the indoor offering is just as good. You can hide away in a massive 20 treatment room spa or book a table at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, the only spot in Scotland to boast two Michelin stars. 

Far more than just a pretty face, this Perthshire icon has the substance to match its style. It was previously awarded the Art of Hospitality Award by World's 50 Best Hotels, meaning you can expect gold-standard service from the moment you roll up the driveway.

Read Time Out’s full review of Gleneagles.

The world’s most beautiful hotels, according to Time Out editors.

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.