Finding a decent hotel in Scotland is easy, with breathtaking views throughout. However, finding a memorable stay that will leave you feeling not only rejuvenated, but also pleasantly surprised, is not as common. A truly pleasant surprise can be found at Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort, with its impressive spa facilities offering an opulent appeal.
Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort is conveniently located in Langbank, overlooking the Clyde Estuary, just 30 minutes from Glasgow. Comprising of the original Gleddoch House and a refurbished modern wing, the hotel is much bigger than it looks from its exterior. The brand new wing is also home to the modern Imperia Spa, as well as two restaurants and a lounge.
Imperia Spa
The Imperia Spa at the Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort is a true standout, boasting an impressive array of amenities, such as an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, the glass-fronted herbal sauna with panoramic views, Pink Himalayan salt sauna, an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness suite and wellness studio, as well as plenty of treatment rooms. And, there is a bar in the spa! I repeat – there is a bar at the spa!
Plus, guests can have a go at true hot and cold therapy with the outdoor ice bath, perfectly chilled to receive those health benefits. Spoiler alert – I did not last longer than a minute! The outdoor area is what creates the unforgettable allure of the space, as the amenities overlook the Clyde Estuary and the rolling hills of the enigmatic Scottish countryside.
Guests can treat themselves to a range of treatments, such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. We got the Elemis 60-Minute Full Body Massage, in the words of my friend: “This is the best massage I have ever had”. Do we need to say more?
What is more, the changing rooms are equipped with Dyson hair dryers (yes, with the attachments), skincare products and Arran Aromatics shower products to complete the regal experience.
Guests can opt for spa days with a two-course lunch without staying at the hotel, as well as spa breaks including an overnight stay and a three-course dinner. Additionally, the spa facilities can be accessed from just £25 per person.
To book the Imperia spa, head to the Gleddoch website here.
The food
Secret Glasgow not only got the chance to experience the spa, but also the food at the Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort. The hotel has an impressive array of bars and restaurants, including the Vista restaurant, The Nineteenth Bar and the Dram Whisky & Gin Bar.
The Vista restaurant is where the culinary magic happens, with stunning panoramic views serving as an effortless backdrop. Here, guests can delight in carefully curated dishes from locally-sourced ingredients, with homegrown vegetables from the kitchen garden.
We were enamoured with each dish during dinner, especially the Supreme Chicken with black pudding, smoked bacon, fondant potato, pea puree, red wine jus and fricassee of seasonal greens, as well as the Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket, which melts in one’s mouth.
What is more, we tried the two-course lunch the next day, with plenty of healthy options available. The Spa Lunch is located in the colourful Wildflower restaurant across from the Vista restaurant, boasting further vistas of the Clyde Estuary. We went for the Chicken Liver Pate with plum and apple chutney and the Burrata with citrus and olive cured vegetables, toasted pine nuts, rocket with sunblush tomato and Basil dressing to start, and were, once again, in food heaven.
For the main event, the Pan Fried Scottish Salmon with crushed new season potatoes, seasonal asparagus, samphire lemon emulsion with sauce verger was just perfect, as well as the Superfood Salad with house cured salmon.
The rooms
Staying at the Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort offers opulent splendour, with eight room types available, including suites. Guests can expect modern luxury, as well as a historic touch, equipped with creature comforts like big fluffy robes and Temple Spa bath products.
Designed by local interior designer Lesley Wallace, the rooms promise a home away from home, with generously spaced bedrooms and cosy, Scottish-inspired decor. Plus, the bedrooms come with those spectacular views, too!
We stayed at the Four Poster room, which felt regal and historic, yet modern and homey, including a massive 6ft 6” Four Poster bed and over 32.5sqm of space.
Overall, the Gelddoch Golf & Spa Resort is a place where comfort meets state-of-the-art facilities in the Scottish countryside – a place for solace, where tired souls can come back to life.
The Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort is located at Old Greenock Rd, Langbank, Port Glasgow PA14 6YE, and you can book your stay or spa experiences here.