The Gailes Hotel and Spa near Irvine was named Scotland's Best Spa Hotel at the ninth annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards in Glasgow on May 14, as reported by the Daily Record. The North Ayrshire destination offers over 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages, and overnight breaks. Scotland Now's Alexander Smail spent a night there to see if it deserved the crown.
First Impressions and Dining Experience
Smail arrived by train and taxi, noting the hotel's remote location. The receptionist was friendly and booked his spa treatments and dinner at Coast Restaurant and Bar. His bedroom featured a nautical theme and a sleek bathroom, but Smail admitted nothing about the room blew him away. However, the dinner at Coast Restaurant was exceptional. He started with crispy fried pork belly bites with white miso and chilli glaze, dressed leaves, mint yoghurt, fresh chillies, and coriander, describing them as tender and juicy with a perfect sweet-spicy glaze. His main course was a smashed beef burger with fries and onion rings, which was delicious but too large to finish. Dessert was a classic sticky toffee pudding with Blackthorn salted caramel sauce, banana, and vanilla ice cream, which he found yummy but also huge.
Breakfast and Spa Facilities
Breakfast the next morning offered a wide selection, including watermelon, pineapple, blueberry muffins, croissants, and toast, but Smail was less impressed with the cooked breakfast, noting the scrambled eggs had a rubbery texture. After breakfast, he moved to the dedicated leisure centre for his spa session. The Thermal Suite featured a sauna, steam room, rainforest shower with colour-changing lights, and a large bespoke vitality pool, which Smail called the largest hot tub he had ever seen. He also enjoyed the outdoor spa deck with a hydro pool, fire pit, and relaxation area.
Spa Treatments and Relaxation
Smail received a back, neck, and shoulder massage with firm pressure, which he found invigorating and rejuvenating, as the therapist noted significant tension in his shoulders. This was followed by a facial that left his skin with a healthy glow lasting into the next day. He was given a booklet of products used, which he found useful for continuing his skincare routine. After treatments, he relaxed in a dark, peaceful room with lemon and ginger tea and orange-infused water. His trip concluded with a light lunch of a veggie-packed poke bowl and a smoothie at the spa's restaurant.
Verdict
Despite small nitpicks with the room and breakfast, Smail had an absolutely stellar time and can see why the Gailes Hotel and Spa was named the Best Spa Hotel in Scotland. He felt rejuvenated and invigorated by the experience.
