I discovered Scotland's best new spa destination beneath Glasgow city streets

The city needed a place like this

To fit its soothing theme, Atera Bathhouse and Spa has opened so quietly.

I had absolutely no clue that this fantastic space had been three years in the making. So, it’s a lovely surprise to discover this unlikely oasis, down the staircase of an unobtrusive basement spot - formerly a Barrhead Travel office and Fitness First branch - that’s underneath the Radisson Blu hotel near Glasgow’s Central Station.

It’s a project from BBSpa Group, and they’ve spared no expense.

The reception area is huge, with cafe au lait tones, for a Mediterranean and ‘golden hour’ feel. There are artfully curated objects and it’s even scented with their own figgy signature scent. This space flows into a cafe, where they’re dishing out their signature mint tea, plant-forward dishes and sweet treats.

They have a fitness space, with monthly memberships available, and creme-brulee-coloured Technogym equipment that matches the decor. That’s as well as loads of futuristic biometric devices like PNOE Metabolic Testing and VALD strength and movement assessments, so instructors can tailor programmes, and a fitness room that’s full of reformer machines.

This is a bit fancier than Fitness First.

However, this destination’s piece de resistance is Scotland’s largest hydrotherapy pool at 12m by 7m, wih bubble beds, swan neck jets and a gilded feature wall. It’s surrounded by marshmallowy recliners separated by gauzy curtains, and an adjacent corridor leads to a sauna, experience showers and steam room.

I try all of them, and feel my stresses dissolve like an Askit.

Use of these starts from £75, or you can upgrade and try the additional heat experiences, along yet another corridor. These include a hammam, an ausguff sauna, rhassoul ritual space, where you’ll get caked in therapeutic clay, and ice cold plunge pool.

And, of course, there are treatments galore. They’ve poached some very good therapists here, as Kirsty MacCormick, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at BBSpa tells me that they pay quite a chunk more than the going rate for their staff.

I have Rebecca, who gives me an 80-minute Atera Signature Ritual, £190, in one of their seven therapy rooms.

She’ll be using one of their in-house brands, Comfort Zone, though they also offer Elemis therapies. She expertly incorporates various elements - a bit of reflexology, an invigorating shiatsu-ish facial massage, and a soothing back and shoulder rub with flowing and rolling moves. Really, it’s one of the best treatments I’ve ever had. It takes an awful lot to get my inner chimp to stop chattering, but he kept schtum for the whole time.

You’re not clumped back to earth either, when, after a short reorientation spell in the relaxation room, you get to the changing area. This is equally considered, with lots of private changing spots, a hair-drying area, and no pesky passwords required for your lockers. The fitness people have their own changing rooms, so this area is sweat-free.

So, I have officially discovered my new favourite Scottish spa.

This place may have opened oh-so-quietly but, my goodness, it is going to make a very big splash.

Atera Bathhouse & Spa, 89 Oswald Street, Glasgow (atera.spa). Treatments start from £200 for the Golden Pause, which includes a 50 minute treatment and use of the facilities.