Travel: Blissful memories flood back in a place marrying calm with class

The memories sparkle like flashbulbs when my wife and I step out of the car and take in the sight of the Gailes Hotel, nestled in the beautiful, rolling Ayrshire countryside.

It was here, just over 16 years earlier, that we had married. It is a strange feeling, one of mixed happiness and nostalgia, walking towards the fine-looking building.

I think of the long journey from Renfrew that morning long ago, excitement and nerves crackling in my veins as the car cut through the country roads, my parents beaming and my best men trying everything they could to make me laugh and calm my nerves.

I think of the ceremony, of how beautiful my wife looked in her dazzling dress, of photos and handshakes, drinks and dancing. Of people who are no longer with us, and of the wonderful times we have enjoyed on our adventure ever since; travels and two amazing children – and everything else.

This is where it all began.

Now, 16 years later, we are back – this time not as bride and groom, but as a couple looking to de-stress and recharge the batteries. And boy, have we come to the right place.

Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, The Gailes Hotel, near Irvine, has earned its reputation as Ayrshire’s award-winning luxury spa and wellness destination, offering a collection of more than 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages and overnight spa breaks. The hotel has recently been crowned ‘Boutique Spa Hotel of the Year’ at a national awards ceremony, so when we were offered the chance to go along and sample its Spring Awakening package – including overnight stay, dinner, breakfast and spa treatment – we couldn’t say no.

The Gailes is owned and operated by SimpsInns, and is one part of a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars and leisure activities around Ayrshire. This includes The Potting Shed at Si! In Irvine, where we had stopped for lunch on the way. Filled with greenery, flooded with light and serving fantastic food, The Potting Shed is well worth a visit if you’re in town.

Back at The Gailes, check-in is swift and easy, and the room is modern, cosy and comfortable, with stunning views over the hotel’s nine-hole golf course towards the coast and the craggy, majestic mountains of Arran. Tantalisingly, we can also see the custom-built spa building, where we will soon be checking in for a bit of pampering.

Unpacked, we have an hour to spare before we are due at the spa, so we take a wander down to Coast Restaurant & Bar. It is both cosy and sophisticated, with a nautical theme and a relaxing colour palette. We find a spot in one of the rambling bar’s corners and enjoy a glass of white wine, toasting our return.

Then it’s time to make the very short walk to the spa. From the moment we walk through those doors, a feeling of calmness wraps around us. The mood is soothing, the decor stunning and the staff friendly and attentive.

The spa, custom built for the hotel, features a comfortable lounge, complete with bar, looking out over the outdoor spa area and giving a glimpse of the treats to come.

A quick change later, and we are outside, slipping into the huge hot tub beneath a clear blue sky. The outdoor space also features a cosy area heated by a flickering fire table surrounded by loungers, should you visit in the summer and wish to soak up some sunshine. Bliss.

After that, we head inside to the truly breathtaking thermal suite – an enchanting space complete with sauna, steam room, huge thermal pool and lounging area.

As we slip into the warm waters of the pool, we can feel the stresses of work and everyday life melting away.

Then it’s time for our spa treatment. We head back to the spa lounge, where our massage therapists greet us and lead us into the spa treatment area – a collection of stunning private rooms. Here, I enjoy an amazing back massage, feeling the knots in my muscles loosening with every chime of the soothing music.

When the sublime back treatment is over, we head back to the lounge for a glass of wine, both agreeing that we can’t remember the last time we felt so chilled.

Later, after spending a couple of hours back in the room, we return to Coast Restaurant for dinner, enjoying a first-rate meal, including a delicious scallop starter and mains of fresh seafood pasta and a perfectly cooked steak.

By now, the stresses of everyday life seem a million miles away, and we retire to bed, unwound, full of good food, and ready to enjoy a restful night’s sleep in the huge, comfortable bed.

When we leave next morning, we are in complete agreement that we’ll be back again – and this time we definitely won’t leave it so long between visits.

The new ‘Spring Awakening’ spa break package starts from only £198 per person (Monday to Wednesday) and £220 per person (Thursday to Sunday). For more information on Si! Spa and to make a booking, call the central reservations team on 01294 204040 to book or head to www.gaileshotel.com/si-spa/spa-breaks