The Spa at Loch Lomond Golf Club

February 3, 2010February 8, 2010 Mhairi

It is no longer a member’s-only treat to use the Spa at Loch Lomond Golf Club as Day Spa guests are now welcome. The building itself is a relaxing and luxurious spa placed in a magnificent and breathtaking setting.

Loch Lomong Golf Club Spa — Loch Lomond Golf Club Spa

Having booked in for an Energizer Massage, the staff at the spa recommend that you arrive at least 1 hour prior to your treatment in order to fully experience the heat experiences and the vitality pool (not to mention the sauna and the crystal steam room).

After the initial welcoming into the spa, I was shown to the changing rooms which were well-equipped – dental kits, brushes, hairspray, etc all available – and put on my swimwear, fluffy white robe and waterproof footwear in preparation for my afternoon of bliss.

First of all I decided to spend some time at the hydro pool which has different points providing various water pressure jets for underwater massage. From here I flitted between the steam room, the sauna and the ice fountain (this provides a much-needed cool down amid the heat experiences). By now my circulation was certainly working and I had a quick shower before moving onto the relaxation room to await the call for my treatment. The relaxation room itself which was very placid and offered a set of headphones for each lounger to allow you to listen to relaxing songs while admiring the lovely view out onto the small garden.

The treatment was fantastic, providing me with a (desperately) sought after boost…that must have been the Eucalyptus oil! The purpose of the Energizer Massage is to leave you with a clear head and a feeling of wellbeing; and I believe it did just that.

I should note that the spa is set within the walled garden at Loch Lomond Golf Club which also contains a large palm house and vast lawns and is really rather an extraordinary setting that I truly hope to attend again soon.

Gun Dog School – Gleneagles

February 1, 2010January 4, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

As the lucky owner of a black Labrador myself, I couldn’t wait to visit the Gundog School at the hotel. There was already a group of children at the kennels and they were playing with the latest puppy recruits – absolutely adorable! That was all I needed to sign up for a basic training session the next day and I had a great time with my doggie partner, Skye; she knew exactly what to do but waited for my commands so I could ‘pretend’ I was in charge!

Gleneagles - Gundog school, dog in training

The trainer also went through the various breeds used in Scotland for shooting parties and it was very informative as well as good fun. Would love to bring my own girl to stay in the guest’s kennels next time and maybe tackle one of the field courses.

The Gundog School is one of the many activities available at Gleneagles. To read about the Equestrian School, Falconry, Fishing and Shooting (to name a few), click here to check out the website.

By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has now been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.

Accomodation in Southport

January 30, 2010December 31, 2009 PerryGolf Staff

The North West of England is one of the best kept secret golfing destinations in Europe and has often been described as the ‘Finest Stretch of Championship Golf in the World’. This is no idle boast for an area that can offer three Open Championship venues and no fewer than seven of the top rated courses in the UK and Ireland.

Why therefore, I hear you ask, has this area been overlooked for so long?

The main reason is that the local accommodation has not been up to the same standard as the magnificent golf available. I am pleased to tell you, however, this is no longer the case and that this area is now officially open for business!

On a recent trip to the area I sampled many of the newly built and refurbished properties on offer. I would like to tell you about the following as some recommended examples you should consider if playing and staying in the area:

The Vincent Hotel, Southport – www.thevincenthotel.com

The Vincent opened its doors in June 2008 – a unique and chic hotel for the North West of England. Situated on Lord Street, the Vincent takes comfort and service to a new level – all within a fresh and modern environment.

Ramada Plaza Southport – www.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk

The Ramada Plaza Hotel offers luxury city centre style hotel accommodation in the hub of Southport.

With fantastic panoramic views of the coast and ease-of-access to some of the most acclaimed Championship golf courses in the country, it’s worth considering. Also only two minutes from Lord Street, it’s only a short walk to the famous shops and boutiques.

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa – www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa offers the ultimate golf resort, spa and luxury hotel experience. The resort underwent a £15million refurbishment in 2008 and provides a golf course that is well-known on the European Challenge Tour, an notable golf instruction school facility and the 1^st PGA National Residential Academy in the UK.

By Jonny Ferguson. Jonny has worked with PerryGolf for over 2 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

An Overnight Stay in the City of Edinburgh

January 27, 2010December 31, 2009 PerryGolf Staff

Edinburgh is a city that should be on your list of places to visit while in Scotland; a great place full of charm and fascinating history. On a recent visit there, I stayed at the Sheraton Grand Hotel – the hotel is in an excellent location, only a short walk from the restaurants, bars, shops and the sights.

The highlight of my stay was a visit to the Thermal Suite located in One Spa at the hotel; you are able to enjoy the different spa experiences in the thermal suite that include a gently heated Laconium, the blissfully scented Aroma Grotto, the warming Tepidarium and the Rock & Bio saunas. You also have access to the Hammams, the rain forest showers and the rooftop Hydropool. There is an extra cost for use of the Thermal Suite – for a resident to utilize the Suite, it will cost an additional £25.00. I would say it was definitely worth the additional amount, it is a great relaxing experience and I would recommend this to anyone.

After an afternoon spent rejuvinating in the spa, I visited Edinburgh Castle which offers an interesting history and is always a ‘must-visit’ while in Edinburgh. I enjoyed drinks and dinner at The Living Room located in George Street, a short walk from the hotel. Excellent food; classic dishes that I would call home comfort food.

The evening was finished with a night at The Stand Comedy Club – never a disappointment and great end to an excellent night in Edinburgh.

By Denise McKee. Denise has worked for PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of the members of staff responsible for our British Isles programs.

Re-opening of the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch

January 27, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

On the 1^st April 2010, the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch will again open its doors and welcome visitors from all parts of the world. This iconic hotel has been closed since 2006, but now with the backing of Grant Sword and other investors from Castle Stuart Golf Links, the newly refurbished hotel will be back in business.

The hotel overlooks the 1^st tee at Royal Dornoch and is in an ideal location for a stay in the Highlands. Other great courses within an hour’s drive are Tain, Brora, Castle Stuart, and Nairn. Dornoch is a great little town which also offers non-golfing activities for those who do not want to play; Dornoch Cathedral is where Madonna’s baby was christened, part of Dornoch Jail is now a lovely little gift shop, and the Glenmorangie Distillery is only a 15 minute drive. Dornoch was also the birthplace of Donald Ross and this is where he took a lot of inspiration for many of his designs in America. He used to work at Royal Dornoch as a green keeper before moving to the US in 1899 and you will find a plaque in his memory outside the house where he grew up in the town centre, just off of the High Street.

The scenery in the area is stunning and many visitors can enjoy long walks or drives to pass the time during the day. You can then retire to ‘the golfer’s bar’ at the hotel for a wee dram before dinner. Highly recommended!

For more information on touring the Glenmorangie Distillery, click here.

By Gary Sheppard. Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 3 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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