Few experiences are as luxurious as a spa trip. The plush white robes, cosy slippers and the delightful sensation of time standing still – it’s truly an indulgence for the senses. It’s even more enjoyable when you don’t have to travel far to soak in a hot tub or enjoy a treatment, and Gleddoch Hotel and Spa Resort provides a hidden sanctuary just 20 minutes from Glasgow, complete with a stunning outdoor sauna.

The hotel has recently announced the launch of its new Imperia Spa, which I had the pleasure of visiting during an overnight stay with my husband. For our much-needed getaway, we drove to the hotel, nestled in the village of Langbank on the south bank of the River Clyde. It was surprisingly straightforward and quick to reach by car, which was particularly handy when arriving after work on a Friday.

The hotel

Even on a dark November evening, the hotel left us impressed. A large stag statue welcomes you outside the graceful exterior, which you approach by driving past the golf course on either side.

We were fortunate enough to stay in the Royal Suite, which boasts a spacious sitting area, kitchenette, and a bathroom with a roll-top bath.

According to the hotel’s website, this is where Her Majesty The Queen would stay whenever she visited Gleddoch House. The room exuded opulence – imagine bold wallpaper, lavish gold curtains and a majestic bed.

This room is the most premium option, starting from £325, while Classic Rooms can be booked from around £125 if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly stay.

Our Relax Overnight Spa package included an overnight stay, a three-course dinner, breakfast, spa access from 9:30am to 4:30pm, a 60-minute treatment, a two-course lunch at the Wildflower restaurant, and use of white robes and flip flops.

The food

After enjoying a bath large enough to swim in, we made our way to the Vista restaurant for dinner. The dining room offers views of the golf course greens and I imagine it would provide stunning sunset views during the summer months.

Despite it being dark in November, the atmosphere remained undiminished.

With a wide selection of cocktails and wines, we were spoilt for choice before finally deciding on a white Rioja and a mocktail. For starters, we chose bread with whipped butter and olives, although the menu offered a range of options from smoked salmon to arancini.

For the main course, we both selected the grilled monkfish served with scampi and lobster bisque – a truly delightful dish. Other choices included pies, steak and pappardelle.

Dessert consisted of a comforting sticky toffee pudding and a warm chocolate brownie.

Breakfast is served in the Vista restaurant and includes a continental selection of pastries, fruit, yoghurt, toast, cereals and muffins. Hot breakfast options such as fry-ups and eggs Benedict can also be ordered from the menu, which was included in our package, though some guests may have to pay an additional £19.95.

The spa

Without a doubt, the spa was the crowning glory of the trip. Gleddoch has recently been treated to a multi-million-pound makeover, and the improvements are palpable.

The facilities boast a hydrotherapy pool, pink Himalayan salt sauna, aroma steam room, ice fountain, cold plunge and heated loungers.

However, the star of the show is the magnificent outdoor sauna, thought to be one of the largest in the UK. It’s truly awe-inspiring – offering panoramic views over the Clyde Estuary and the undulating Renfrewshire hills towards Ben Lomond.

This was my personal favourite; I could have spent hours soaking up the countryside. It also wasn’t overly crowded when we visited around 10am on a Saturday.

Following the outdoor sauna, you can cool down in either the barrel-drench shower or the cold plunge – which, admittedly, I only braved for a few moments. Then it was straight into the enormous outdoor hot tub, which once again offers stunning views of the hills below.

Another highlight was the hydrotherapy pool, which was the perfect temperature and genuinely eased any aches and tension in my body.

Additional spa features include a bar, where you can order anything from smoothies to a glass of wine while unwinding on a lounger. There’s also a private cabana available for hire – perfect for a group spa day.

My spouse and I were also indulged with a 60-minute facial, inclusive of an arm and shoulder massage. These were conducted in private treatment rooms using ELEMIS products.

It was such a deeply soothing experience; I was on the brink of sleep throughout, and it was the first time in weeks where I felt truly relaxed.

Post-treatment, we were escorted to a separate room and served a smoothie whilst we discussed our experiences. You can then proceed to the relaxation room, which boasts water beds – yes, I nearly dozed off there too.

Our package also encompassed a two-course lunch at the Wildflower restaurant, which you can attend in your robe and slippers. The menu presented a variety of fresh options, from pasta and salads to chicken dishes.

For starters, we savoured the beetroot and goat’s cheese and a delightfully creamy burrata, followed by a Moroccan chicken dish for our main course. I also noticed a few tables being served afternoon tea, which appeared scrumptious.

It was my husband’s inaugural spa experience, and he couldn’t stop raving about how fantastic it was – he’s already keen to arrange our next visit.

My only gripe is that hotel guests who aren’t booked onto a spa package are required to pay £25 for a two-hour spa slot, which needs to be reserved well in advance. Compared to other spa hotels I’ve frequented, this isn’t usually the case and feels like a steep add-on if you’re already staying overnight.

I will certainly be making a return visit to the spa, and I’ve already suggested it to friends and family.

To book your stay

Rooms and spa packages can be reserved through the Gleddoch Hotel and Spa website.