The lovely woman who checked us in handed my sister, Megan, and I, two warm, freshly baked peanut cookies as a welcome and handed us our room key, imploring us to enjoy our stay.
We headed upstairs to our corner room, on the third floor of Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort. Once inside we were not only welcomed with a fantastic view overlooking the front of the hotel, but also cakes, prosecco and luxurious bathrobes.
© Paul RogersThe resort, tucked away in the charming countryside despite its proximity to the motorway, is close to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling and is well known for its 18-hole golf course and spa facilities. Our large room, which boasted enough space for two double beds, was tastefully decorated with a large modern bathroom.
After a quick bite of cake we donned our swimsuits and fluffy white bathrobes and set off to find the pool and spa.
The spa’s entrance is located in the grill restaurant, with stairs leading below; behind the reception area there are eight large treatment rooms, all aptly named after Scottish islands.
After checking in and deciding on a 50-minute treatment (I chose a facial and Megan opted for a massage) we followed the sound of laughter and found ourselves in the pool area.
A number of buoyant kids were receiving swimming lessons, so we made use of the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi before heading into the spa.
The Elemis spa exudes calm. It’s softly lit and is furnished with very comfy chairs. Megan and I waited excitedly for our turn alongside several other ladies, one of whom was celebrating her 18th birthday and had treated herself to a spa package.
© SYSTEMThere are several types of treatments to choose from and all vary from 20 minutes to 50 minutes. The spa also offers beauty treatments for your nails, lashes and eyebrows. Waxing is another option on offer as well as the chance to add in some other extras such as foot treatments.
One nice touch at the end of your treatment is that the therapists write down exactly which products they have used as well – you can take a note for future reference or use the discount voucher they also provide you with if you want to purchase them on site.
Like giddy children waiting to meet Santa, we were called into our room one by one and were introduced to our therapists. The lovely Julie looked after me while Megan was tended to by Emily.
Once in situ, a blissful 50 minutes followed comprising of an Elemis facial and a head and scalp massage. The time drifted by in such a tranquil blur that I almost couldn’t believe it when Julie stepped away and told me that my treatment was complete.
© Paul RogersI was led into a relaxation room, handed a cup of cold water and lay down on a bed for some further chill out time. Megan appeared seconds later, looking happy and relaxed, raving about her therapist.
After a quick change into our evening glad rags back at the room we headed to Flemings Restaurant.
Our waiter, a cheerful young man, took us to our seats which overlooked the golf course and offered recommendations for both food and wine.
Thankfully, there were a number of vegetarian options for me, which is usually a worry when eating out. For starter, I devoured a truffled mushroom tartare, and Megan enjoyed a pea and mint soup.
Megan managed to eat half of her main, which was a “great fish” according to her but was too full from the soup. Meanwhile, I had no such issues with my mushroom burger, which I would highly recommend.
We enjoyed a short walk after dinner, around the grounds and exploring the golf course before we headed back inside to enjoy a late night slice of cake before bedtime.
After a restful night’s sleep, on one of the comfiest beds I’ve slept on, we headed back to Flemings, to the buffet-style breakfast to stock up on a collection of hot breakfast items, such as eggs, toast and hash browns as well as pastries and fruit juice, which went down a treat for the both of us – especially the apricot croissants.
Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort was a great base for a weekend away and a welcome treat to enjoy the spa. We will definitely be back – and asking for a cookie.
P.S. The hotel is a great base for attractions including The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and Stirling Castle, plus shopping in Glasgow. It’s also an ideal stopover for those travelling north to the Highlands. But be aware that a car may be needed, as there are not many public transport links.
Factfile
A one-night stay costs from £99 for two sharing a queen room, including breakfast at the Westerwood Hotel. Find out more at www.thewesterwoodhotel.co.uk
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