driving and horse riding. While I climbed aboard a four-legged friend called Dillon fora riding lesson. my companion headed for the target ranges to blast some clay pigeons to smithereens. [t was the perfect antidote to all that sitting around. This was followed by a quick pummelling in the spa to soothe our aching muscles. before we departed. tired and happy. into the driech Scottish afternoon. feeling content but a great deal poorer. It had been a wonderful break. but 1 couldn‘t help wondering whether some of the staggering prices were designed to keep the experience exclusive rather than reflecting the true value. While the majority of the facilities were first class. certain aspects seemed a little priced beyond their merit.
So the question remains: why would anyone chose to spend in excess of £300 on a night at Gleneagles'? It‘s an extravagance that few can afford and many could not justify. But if you've got the resources. or just want to treat yourself to a bit of mid-winter pampering. then it‘s certainly a great place to do it. The hotel inspires a sense of abandonment that is hard to replicate. From the moment you arrive. every need and whim is handed over to the proficient staff. and if something isn‘t already as it should be then they can sort it out. But be warned: this kind of atmosphere positively demands further indulgence. While you may not have intended to throw all budgetary concerns to the wind. you may well find yourself doing so with alarming ease.
FACTFILE
Information and bookings Whet yOur appetite at wwwgleneaglescom or call 0800 704 705 to make a reservation. Season ownership is also available in the Glenmor complex. Prices The cost of a room starts at £296 per night, including breakfast. A
100 THE LIST 3— l 7 Nov 200:3
TRAVEL
three-cOurse dinner at the Strathearn restaurant will set yOu back $247 ($25 per child). Riding lessons start at £38. while other activities vary between 825—53185. Spa treatments are available from €35.
VITAL STATISTICS
Age 81 (born 7 June 1924)
Size of resort 850 acres
Current owner Diageo plc Number of rooms 269 (including 16 Suites)
Maximum length of one-night stay 22 hOurs l2pm—12 noon)
Price per hour for a night in the Royal Lochnagar Suite 5275.18 Room number that Tony Blair may or may not have stayed in during the G8 summit 220 Average size of a double bed 2m x 2m (2.6m square for a super king size)
Average number of bath towels used by guests per year t 10. ()00 Pairs of guest slippers used each year 38.000
Average number of pieces of complimentary shortbread available per person during a one night stay (based on a sample of two) 8
Most expensive bottle of wine
at the Strathearn restaurant 1989 Pomerol. Le Pin: C1900
Price of a bowl of chips from the room service menu £4.75
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If downhill skiing or snowboarding in Scotland isn’t your thing, check out the other snow sports on offer around the world.
I Sleddogging in Aviemore If you fancy something different without leaving Scotland. join Alan Stewart and his team of gorgeous huskies (pictured) for a trip through the fantastic Cairngorm scenery. Whether there's snow or not. you can sit back and let doggy power take over. One hour trip with w. sled-dogs.co.uk: £45 + train from Edinburgh with www.gner.co.uk: £45.
Total: £85
I Cross country skiing near Whistler Develop thighs of steel as you stride through the snow to admire the stunning scenery of Lost Lake Park. One hour intro lesson with www.crosscountry connectionbcca: £20 + flight from Glasgow to Vancouver with www.flyzoom.com: 2396.
Total: £416
I Snowjoerlng in Tignes Imagine water skiing on snow. but rather than being pulled along by a speedboat, you're propelled by a horse! Definitely not for the faint hearted. Thirty minute session with www.evolution2.com: £22 + flight to Geneva from Edinburgh with www.flyglobespan.com (from late December): 2190.
Total: £212
I Snowmobiling in l-lemsedal This gorgeous Norwegian resort is always hooching with attractive Nordic types. so show off your prowess with a bit of petrol action. Fifteen minute session through www. hemsedalcom: £17 + flights from Prestwick to Oslo Torp with www.ryanair.com: 234.
Total: £51
I Snow tubing by Lake Tahoe OK, so it may not be all that cool but what could be more fun than sliding through the snow in a big rubber ring? Two hours at the Sierra resort wwwsierratahoe. com: £9 + flight to San Francisco from London with www.virgin- atlanticcom: 93462.
Total: £471