Christmas gift guide: presenting sanctuary

When it comes to choosing the ultimate gift for a cherished loved one, a voucher for a spa experience or overnight stay at one of Scotland’s most luxurious destinations should be right at the top of the list.

The hot tubs at Stobo Castle. Image: contributed

Stobo Castle Health Spa, nestled among the picturesque Scottish Borders landscape, is one of the country’s very best.

Why not indulge your friends or family with the gift of a monetary voucher, available from £50,or perhaps an unsurpassable spa experience.

Stobo Castle’s Evening Escapes and Spa Days packages ensure visitors can fully relax in their luxury facilities, which include a 25m heated pool with panoramic views, a giant hydro spa, outdoor hot tubs adorned with fairy lights, plus steam rooms and sauna.

Highly-trained therapists are on hand to carry out a wide offering of rejuvenating health and beauty treatments, guaranteeing that everyone gets the most out of their visit.

There is a range of spa experiences to choose from, including a full spa day with a delicious two-course lunch, as well as guided walks through the venue’s Japanese Water Gardens.

This enchanting feature is a rare example of its kind in Scotland, established in the early 1900s.

Guests can stand by the waterfall that tumbles down from Stobo Loch, or relax by gently bubbling pools, specially designed to promote Zen-like calm and allow people to switch off completely from life’s pressures.

Indeed, Stobo Castle, which dates back to the early 1800s, provides a welcome sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life. Situated in secluded private grounds and surrounded by vast pine trees, the nearest town, Peebles, is a 15-minute drive away.

To cap it all, the venue was recently crowned the best Luxury Romantic Destination Spa at last year’s prestigious World Luxury Spa Awards.

However, it’s not just the peaceful setting and opulent spa that make this wonderful destination worth visiting.

Head chef Stephen King and his team use only the finest Scottish produce in the castle’s menu selections, which are not only delicious, but healthy and satisfying too. Dinner options currently feature Tweed Valley sirloin steak, grilled fillet of sea bass and roast saddle of venison.

And, after a full day of relaxation, decadent desserts are also on the menu, as are Champagne, cocktails and sumptuous fine wines.

Residential vouchers are available for gifting and can be used to secure overnight stays in the venue’s Cashmere Suite, deluxe, superior and classic rooms, or in its Castle Lodge.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in all residential packages, and wonderful and delicious vegan and vegetarian options are always available.