Inside luxury Scottish hotel's epic new spa, which includes the country's largest outdoor sauna

As wellness travel demand continues to grow, the four-star Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort - situated on a 350 acre estate near Glasgow - has just unveiled its vast new Imperia Spa.
The glamorous multi-million-pound addition has been inspired by the hotel's history, as it was the former home, built in 1926, of shipbuilding magnate Baron Lithgow.
This has translated into bling interiors that are inspired by the golden age of travel, with luxury materials including black marble and crystal.
They even have a swimming pool that's finished in shades of antique gold and obsidian black. It's flanked by sun loungers, with golden tables that look like they've been designed for the deck of a cruise ship.
The pool may be impressive, but the piece de resistance at this new attraction, which is open to hotel residents or guests, must be their Scandinavian dream of an outdoor sauna. It's the biggest in Scotland and, they say, probably the largest in the UK. It sits 18 people, so you could probably get a rugby team in there, without it turning into a game of sweaty sardines.
While you toast in here, you can take in the soothing green views down to Ben Lomond. And, whenever you're ready to cool down, there's a cold plunge pool nearby, as well as an al-fresco Jacuzzi.
In addition, guests can benefit from other immersive thermal experiences inside the spa. Highlights include the aroma steam room and sinus-clearing salt steam room alongside a pink Himalayan salt sauna. On the terrace, the heated loungers, on a checkered tile floor, offer views across the estate to the estuary.
Their other new attractions include a plush and flatteringly low-lit changing rooms, an ice fountain, sensory showers and a boutique-y wellbeing studio, which offers various classes including Pilates and yoga, plus a gym with Peloton bike and free weights, among other things.
In the seven treatment rooms, you can experience therapies from beauty brands Natura Bissé, Elemis, Temple Spa, and Ayurvedic specialists, Tri-Dosha. These range from a Natura Bissé Quiro Golf Massage (£120) to the Samvahana Synchronised Four-Hand Ayurvedic Massage (£185), which involves a pair of therapists working their magic.
Gleddoch Spa's current entry level packages include a Twilight Spa Experience, from 7-9pm daily. It incorporates use of their new facilities, plus a one-course dinner, for £75. Or the top-of-the-range Signature Spa Day is £299 and includes two 60 minute treatments, a two-course lunch and use of the facilities all day from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
You can also experience the new Palm Room orangery, which is filled with the eponymous plant, and The Veranda lounge, where Chopin plays and the air is scented with Persian jasmine.
Both are inspired by the destinations that were visited by Lithgow's ships.
As spa resort general manager, James Anderson, says
'Every detail of Imperia has been designed to surprise and delight, creating an escape unlike anything else in Scotland. This is not just a spa; it's an experience where indulgence, heritage, and contemporary wellness meet'.

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The city is known as 'the gateway to the fjords' for its location between the two largest fjords in the country — the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. Norway is renowned for these deep, water-filled valleys, carved by glaciers. The Scandinavian nation has over 1,000 of these scenic bad boys, more than any other country in the world. I travelled to the Sognefjord via the Flåm Railway. Widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful train journeys, it passes snow-covered rock faces, cascading waterfalls and tiny mountain farms before winding its way down to the fjord's shore. Before setting off, I checked the forecast only for my heart to sink when I saw highs of 8°C in Flåm, where I would be boarding a boat across two of the Sognefjord's branches. But once on deck, insulated by a turtleneck, a fleece, a sweater and a puffer coat, I soon forgot about the wind biting at my nose and fingers. 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Scotsman

2 days ago

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Inside luxury Scottish hotel's epic new spa, which includes the country's largest outdoor sauna

As wellness travel demand continues to grow, the four-star Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort - situated on a 350 acre estate near Glasgow - has just unveiled its vast new Imperia Spa. The glamorous multi-million-pound addition has been inspired by the hotel's history, as it was the former home, built in 1926, of shipbuilding magnate Baron Lithgow. This has translated into bling interiors that are inspired by the golden age of travel, with luxury materials including black marble and crystal. They even have a swimming pool that's finished in shades of antique gold and obsidian black. It's flanked by sun loungers, with golden tables that look like they've been designed for the deck of a cruise ship. The pool may be impressive, but the piece de resistance at this new attraction, which is open to hotel residents or guests, must be their Scandinavian dream of an outdoor sauna. It's the biggest in Scotland and, they say, probably the largest in the UK. It sits 18 people, so you could probably get a rugby team in there, without it turning into a game of sweaty sardines. While you toast in here, you can take in the soothing green views down to Ben Lomond. And, whenever you're ready to cool down, there's a cold plunge pool nearby, as well as an al-fresco Jacuzzi. In addition, guests can benefit from other immersive thermal experiences inside the spa. Highlights include the aroma steam room and sinus-clearing salt steam room alongside a pink Himalayan salt sauna. On the terrace, the heated loungers, on a checkered tile floor, offer views across the estate to the estuary. Their other new attractions include a plush and flatteringly low-lit changing rooms, an ice fountain, sensory showers and a boutique-y wellbeing studio, which offers various classes including Pilates and yoga, plus a gym with Peloton bike and free weights, among other things. In the seven treatment rooms, you can experience therapies from beauty brands Natura Bissé, Elemis, Temple Spa, and Ayurvedic specialists, Tri-Dosha. These range from a Natura Bissé Quiro Golf Massage (£120) to the Samvahana Synchronised Four-Hand Ayurvedic Massage (£185), which involves a pair of therapists working their magic. Gleddoch Spa's current entry level packages include a Twilight Spa Experience, from 7-9pm daily. It incorporates use of their new facilities, plus a one-course dinner, for £75. Or the top-of-the-range Signature Spa Day is £299 and includes two 60 minute treatments, a two-course lunch and use of the facilities all day from 9.30am until 4.30pm. You can also experience the new Palm Room orangery, which is filled with the eponymous plant, and The Veranda lounge, where Chopin plays and the air is scented with Persian jasmine. Both are inspired by the destinations that were visited by Lithgow's ships. As spa resort general manager, James Anderson, says 'Every detail of Imperia has been designed to surprise and delight, creating an escape unlike anything else in Scotland. This is not just a spa; it's an experience where indulgence, heritage, and contemporary wellness meet'.

Belfast Telegraph

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Set against the beautiful Laois countryside, it is one of Ireland's most luxurious spa experiences. Home to a Thermal Suite, the spa has a Himalayan Salt Cave, a Rustic Sauna Cabin, and lots of heated and cooling experiences designed to soothe body and mind. It's also the only place in Ireland where you'll find both an authentic Hammam and Mud Rasul treatment, which are a must-try for anyone looking to detox, reset, and feel more radiant. Float through the hydrotherapy pool, melt into a heated lounger, or drift off during a relaxing Elemis facial and wake up to glowing skin. You can choose from a wide range of treatments, including deep tissue massages, wraps, and bespoke facials tailored just for you. 3. Close to everything but far from the routine One of the best things about planning a trip to Laois is how easy it is to get there and how quickly it feels like you've stepped away from the everyday. Whether you're coming from Dublin, Cork, or Galway, you won't need to pack a passport or plan for hours on the road. In just a short drive, you'll find walks, spa days, and lunches with friends are all on the cards, and deadlines feel a million miles away. It's the perfect escape from the city this summer, where you can breathe and recharge in the heart of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. 4. From afternoon tea to sunset cocktails Food is a big part of any getaway, and Laois knows how to make it count. Whether it's cocktails on a terrace, casual bites between spa sessions, or dinner that feels like a real treat, you'll find plenty of spots here. The Heritage has two incredible dining options: The Seven Bar offers all-day casual dining, perfect for laid-back lunches, brunches, or pre-dinner cocktails. If the sun's out, grab a seat on the leafy Terrace, where the retractable roof lets the sunshine in and the cocktails flow. For a more refined time, Blake's Restaurant has elegant evening dining, where the menu celebrates the best of local Laois produce. The head chef is passionate about reducing food miles and creating seasonal dishes that highlight the very best the Midlands has to offer. And of course, no girls' trip is complete without Afternoon Tea. Served daily in The Galleria, it's a spread of sandwiches, pastries, and sweet treats, all with a glass of bubbles! 5. The perfect pad for the whole gang Forget awkward room arrangements because at The Heritage, every single bedroom has been recently renovated and upgraded to ensure maximum comfort and luxury. Their new two-bedroom group suites, introduced in 2024, sleep up to six people and have been a massive hit with birthday groups, mini hen parties, and friends reuniting for a well-earned break. If you're looking for a touch more independence, the hotel also offers five luxurious two-bedroom self-catering apartments onsite. You'll have the privacy of your own space with all the perks of a hotel stay. Perfect for a spa day or winding down after playing on Ireland's only Seve Ballesteros-designed championship golf course. It's a standout experience for both experienced players and those looking to try something new, as it has water features, tree-lined fairways, and beautifully sculpted bunkers. Morning coffees in your slippers, late-night chats around the table, and the freedom to come and go as you please? Sorted. The Heritage is 4-Star luxury in the heart of serene Laois countryside, just 45 minutes from Dublin, two hours from Cork or Galway and all you need in one place for a luxury escape this summer. From one of Ireland's largest spas, delicious dining, beautiful rooms with the ultimate in home-from-home comforts and an 18-hole Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course, you've all you need just a drive away for a blissful break this summer.