A Y E .. L I N E D

What a few weeks it’s been both personally and politically. If you read my previous post you’ll know that I’ve been a bit unwell again. That’s the problem with having chronic health problems; they can lead to even more health problems. It’s great fun, yeah! So anyway when I was asked by Gleddoch Imperia Spa if I wanted to come and check out their Spa I was like HELL YEAH. I love these little serendipitous moments, similarly I had one when I stayed at Citizen M in Glasgow. Blogging definitely has it’s benefits!

It was also my mum’s 60^th birthday a couple of weeks ago and I had in fact been planning on taking her to a spa for the day, see there’s that serendipity again. My husband kindly drove us to Gleddoch Hotel & Spa which is roughly 15-20 minutes outside Glasgow in Langbank. The drive up to the hotel is beautiful, studded with gorgeous old-fashioned houses and fields full of cows and sheep. Even on a dreich day it was gorgeous. When we arrived at the spa the hotel (which is beautiful too) was overrun with golfers. Apparently there was a tournament on at the championship level golf course. I’m inclined to agree that golf is a good walk spoiled and the golf course is certainly very scenic. I also have a bit of an aversion to golf as I’ve previously been hit right on my head with two golf balls, in separate incidents, but that’s a tale for another time.

I’m seriously getting off track again. My mum and I first used the swimming pool facilities after we got changed into our swimsuits and big fluffy bathrobes. (There’s also fully equipped gym if you’re so inclined, we weren’t but it did look good, if you like gyms, that is). There’s a steam room, sauna room and an indoor and outdoor hot tub. Sadly, the outdoor one was covered which was a real shame as it would have been really lovely to use even on a cooler day. The view from the spa is absolutely gorgeous and really helps make this spa a little bit more special. After a very relaxing time swimming, steaming, hot tubbing and generally loving life my mum and I headed along to the treatment rooms (look at the big comfy bed/seats we waited in: 2nd photo below) for our back massages. There’s a range of treatments available,you can check the Gleddoch Imperia Spa treatments out here. My therapist was absolutely lovely, she made me feel completely comfortable and checked what she was going to do was fine with me. The treatment itself was incredible providing a little bit of pain relief and a big bit of much needed relaxation.

After our arduous day of relaxation we then went to the bar where they served us our Afternoon Tea. Before I talk about how delicious the cakes were I really want to mention the staff. The bar manager was really friendly and helpful. He took us up to a private area so we could get a better look at the stunning views. I’m guessing this place is popular with the locals too as the bar manager and other staff knew everyone’s name. It really made a lovely, friendly atmosphere and we never felt out of place. In fact, a couple of the regulars were asking all about the spa.

Oh the Afternoon tea was absolutely delicious, a good mix of fresh sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a mini selection of cakes. This was for two people; three could easily have been fed on it. I was really impressed both with the food and the warm service we received. My mum was also really happy with it.

So if you haven’t read all of that (I wouldn’t blame you, I do go off on a tangent) here’s a little summary. I really recommend giving Gleddoch Imperia Spa a go. The staff was warm and welcoming, and nothing felt too much of a hassle. The facilities are great; I especially liked the pool, it was the perfect temperature for a swim or float about. The views and area surrounding the spa and hotel make this a really special venue. It really is in a beautiful part of the country, and only 20 minutes drive from Glasgow. The therapist who did my back massage was a delight, both friendly and calming and the treatment was just amazing. Both my mum and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

For more info please visit Gleddoch Hotel and Spa website here.

*Spa day was paid for by Gleddoch Spa, thoughts my own.