I stayed at a tranquil Scottish hotel that's home to 'best boutique spa' - and it'll beat the winter blues

It’s freezing, Christmas is a distant memory and you may or may not be either trying to eat vegan or not drink alcohol for a whole month. While the much advertised ‘blue Monday’ is just a marketing slogan, there’s no denying the winter months after Christmas can be dis-spiriting for some, which is why a night away at an award-winning spa hotel is an excellent idea. Luckily Scotland has plenty to choose from, from five star luxury to family and pet-friendly abodes. One which has just picked up a coveted spa award is The Gailes Hotel in Ayrshire.

Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, this hotel is part of the SimpsInns group and, back in November, its Si! Spa was named ‘Boutique Spa Hotel of the Year’ at the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) Annual Awards 2024. The spa has a collection of over 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages and overnight spa breaks and it was the Winter Chill Package that we’d booked to try and soothe away the winter blues.

Gailes Hotel

The SimpsInns hotels and hospitality businesses are all very dog-friendly, meaning we could bring our dog Archie along for the stay, and he was able to chill in the modern room while we chilled in the spa.

On arrival we were shown the changing rooms and how to use the lockers before having an hour to relax in the thermal suite and outdoor area, which has all recently been refurbished. The thermal suite has a large jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and shower while outside there’s another jacuzzi and firepit. It was a busy time in the spa, given it was post-Christmas, but we managed to get some time in the facilities without it feeling too overcrowded. The spa also has a large lounge area and bar for post treatment drinks (alcoholic and soft).

Si! Spa Thermal Suite at the Gailes Hotel | The Gailes Hotel

After the thermal suite, were the two 25 minute treatments - an ishga back, neck and shoulder massage and an ishga facial. The massage was the perfect mix of relaxing but with enough pressure to deal with the knots in my back while the facial - with scalp massage - was pure bliss. I also loved the ishga seaweed products used as they always make my skin glow. After this totally blissful 50 minutes we headed back to the spa lounge for our hot drink, which is included in the deal.

It’d be easy to head to the room and fall into bed for a good sleep, but all that relaxing works up an appetite. Luckily the winter chill package includes a two course meal in the hotel’s beach-inspired restaurant Coast. With a menu of classics such as fish and chips, beef pie and burgers, as well as some veggie options, it’s a big menu that should suit all. I thoroughly enjoyed the north Atlantic prawn cocktail followed by the fillet steak and chips.

After dinner it was bed time, and our room was modern with a grey colour scheme and had a huge bed, seating area and en suite with a bath and shower. Tea, coffee, biscuits and robes were all provided as well as an ironing board and hair dryer.

Coast restaurant | The Gailes Hotel

A spa day or night away is always a good idea, but there’s something even more relaxing about whiling away the hours in the warmth, doing nothing, while the weather rages outside - and at this award-winning spot, you can do just that this winter.

The new ‘'Winter Chill’ spa break package is available from 1 December 2024 until 28 February 2025 and includes overnight bed and breakfast, one hour Thermal Suite use, including outdoor spa deck area, prior to treatment; two 25 minute spa treatments: Ishga Back Neck & Shoulder Massage and Ishga Facial; a hot drink in Si! and a two-course meal in Coast Restaurant & Bar. Prices start from £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