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| Executive Travel |
Scottish Retreat, American Style
James Y. Bartlett
12/01/2003
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Despite its modern amenities, the resort, which opened for business in 2001, was designed to occupy its historic
Scottish setting faithfully. The U-shaped
property sits atop 520 rugged acres overlooking the North Sea and long stretches of its golden beaches. To the southeast are views of St. Andrews’ ancient, spired skyline. Despite the newness of the resort, the two golf courses look as if they have been there for 100 years—as they were designed to look.
The resort’s meeting facilities—among the best in Scotland—are equally suited to a large assembly or a small cadre of associates. The 10,000-square-foot conference center includes a ballroom and banquet hall, a presentation theater, 10 break-out rooms, and a full array of A/V equipment.
Those of us who wish to be isolated from the bustle of the hotel can book one of the manor homes located near the fourth fairway of the Torrance course. The modern, open floor plans are well suited to group activities, and each house contains a fully equipped office with data and fax connections. With four bedrooms, five baths, a country kitchen, and a large living room, each manor can easily host intimate gatherings.
| The Scots, who have been playing the game for more than 600 years, say one can learn a great deal about a man’s character over the course of 18 holes. |
While golf is the area’s trademark activity, St. Andrews Bay and its surrounds offer myriad recreational options, top among them walking on the blustery beach and exploring the ghostly medieval ruins of nearby St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Boating and fishing also beckon. And having made the trip across the pond, one might want to venture into Edinburgh, 50 miles to the south, or Glasgow, 90 miles southeast.
If maintaining a daily fitness regimen is called for, guests need not leave the grounds. A complete, free-standing fitness center offers the latest exercise equipment, as well as a 59-foot heated indoor pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi tubs. And like all of Panoz’s properties, St. Andrews Bay features a full-service Chateau Elan spa.
Dining opportunities abound. The Clubhouse sits on the dramatic headlands, overlooking the crashing surf of the North Sea, the 36 holes of golf, and even the gray spires and turrets of St. Andrews, some three miles away. Kinnock’s Den, in the hotel, offers fresh seafood specials and the excellent Loch Fyne smoked salmon, as well as fine Angus beef and fresh produce from the surrounding farms. The bar in Kinnock’s Den provides the requisite fine Scottish single malts and is kept open "as long as the last man is standing."
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