Just a short 20-minute drive from the bustling heart of Glasgow, a new sanctuary of wellness has emerged. The Gleddoch Hotel and Spa Resort in Langbank has officially unveiled its multi-million-pound Imperia Spa, promising an unrivalled luxury escape. We were among the first to experience this new haven, which boasts what is believed to be one of the largest outdoor saunas in the UK.
First Impressions: The Hotel and Suite
Arriving on a gloomy November evening, the hotel made an immediate impression. A majestic stag statue stands guard at the elegant entrance, reached via a scenic drive past the resort's golf course. For our stay, we were fortunate to be housed in the opulent Royal Suite, a room historically reserved for Her Majesty The Queen during her visits.
The suite radiated luxury with its bold wallpaper, lavish gold curtains, and a grand bed. It also featured a generous sitting area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom with a roll-top bath. This top-tier accommodation starts from £325 per night, though the hotel offers more budget-friendly Classic Rooms from approximately £125.
Indulgence and Dining
Our visit was part of the Relax Overnight Spa package, a comprehensive offering that includes an overnight stay, a three-course dinner, breakfast, full spa access, a 60-minute treatment, a two-course lunch, and the use of plush robes and flip-flops.
Dinner was served at the Vista restaurant, which overlooks the golf course. Despite the dark November sky, the atmosphere was vibrant. We enjoyed a white Rioja and a mocktail from the extensive drinks menu before delving into a delicious meal. For our main course, we both selected the grilled monkfish served with scampi and lobster bisque, which was absolutely scrumptious. The meal concluded with comforting desserts of sticky toffee pudding and a warm chocolate brownie.
Breakfast, also in the Vista, offered a continental spread and a hot menu featuring full English breakfasts and eggs Benedict. The following day, we enjoyed a two-course lunch at the Wildflower restaurant, savouring dishes like beetroot and goat's cheese and a creamy burrata, all while comfortably dressed in our spa robes.
The Star Attraction: The Imperia Spa
The spa itself is the undeniable centrepiece of the resort's transformation. The new facilities are palpably luxurious and include a hydrotherapy pool, a pink Himalayan salt sauna, an aroma steam room, an ice fountain, a cold plunge, and heated loungers.
However, the true pièce de résistance is the magnificent outdoor sauna. Believed to be one of the largest in the country, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Clyde Estuary and the rolling Renfrewshire hills towards Ben Lomond. It was a personal favourite, a serene spot to soak in the countryside.
After warming up in the sauna, the invigorating barrel-drench shower or the bracing cold plunge provided a perfect cool-down. This was followed by a soak in the massive outdoor hot tub, which again commands stunning hilltop views. The hydrotherapy pool was another standout, its warm waters genuinely easing bodily aches and tension.
Our package included a 60-minute ELEMIS facial, complete with an arm and shoulder massage. The experience was profoundly relaxing, bringing us to the brink of sleep and offering a true sense of unwinding. Post-treatment, we were escorted to a relaxation room with water beds and served a refreshing smoothie.
The spa also features a bar for smoothies and wine, and a private cabana available for hire, making it ideal for group gatherings. It's worth noting that hotel guests not on a spa package must pay £25 for a two-hour spa slot, a policy that feels like a steep add-on compared to other spa hotels.
Despite this minor gripe, the overall experience was exceptional. As a first-time spa-goer, my husband was utterly captivated and is already eager to book a return trip. The Gleddoch Imperia Spa has set a new benchmark for luxury wellness escapes in Scotland.
