The Gleddoch Hotel and Spa Resort, located in Langbank, has just unveiled the opening of its new Imperia Spa – and we were among the first to try it out
Gleddoch Hotel and Spa Resort offers a secluded retreat complete with a stunning outdoor sauna(Image: Gleddoch Hotel and Spa Resort)
There are few things as indulgent in life as a trip to the spa. Fluffy white robes, soft slippers and that delicious feeling that time has paused — it truly is a treat for the senses.
It’s even better when you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a hot tub and treatment, and Gleddoch Hotel & Spa Resort offers a hidden retreat just 20 minutes from Glasgow — complete with a breathtaking outdoor sauna.
The hotel has just unveiled the opening of their new Imperia Spa, which I recently visited during an overnight stay with my husband. For our much-needed night away, we drove to the hotel, situated in the village of Langbank on the south bank of the River Clyde. It was surprisingly quick and easy to reach by car which was especially convenient when arriving after work on a Friday.
The hotel
Even on a dark November evening, we were impressed by the hotel. A large stag statue greets you outside the elegant exterior, which you reach by driving past the golf course on either side.
We were lucky enough to stay in the Royal Suite, which includes a spacious sitting area, kitchenette, and a bathroom with a roll-top bath. According to the hotel’s website, it’s also where Her Majesty The Queen stayed whenever she visited Gleddoch House. The room felt incredibly opulent — think bold wallpaper, luxurious gold curtains and a grand bed.
A large stag statue greets you outside the elegant exterior(Image: Sophie Law)
We were lucky enough to stay in the Royal Suite(Image: Sophie Law)
This room is the most premium option, starting from £325, while Classic Rooms can be booked from around £125 if you’re looking for a more affordable stay.
We were booked into the Relax Overnight Spa package, which includes an overnight stay, three-course dinner, breakfast, spa access from 9:30am to 4:30pm, a 60-minute treatment, a two-course lunch at the Wildflower restaurant, and use of white robes and flip flops.
The food
After a soak in a bath you could practically swim in, we headed to the Vista restaurant for dinner.
The room overlooks the golf course greens and, on a summer’s evening, I imagine it captures spectacular sunsets. In November it was already dark, but it didn’t dampen the atmosphere at all.
With an extensive cocktail and wine menu, we were spoiled for choice before settling on a white Rioja and a mocktail. For starters, we opted for the bread with whipped butter and olives, though the menu included everything from smoked salmon to arancini.
We enjoyed a two-course lunch at the Wildflower Restaurant(Image: Sophie Law)
We both chose the grilled monkfish served with scampi and lobster bisque(Image: Sophie Law)
For our mains, we both chose the grilled monkfish served with scampi and lobster bisque — truly delicious. Other options included pies, steak and pappardelle.
Dessert was a comforting sticky toffee pudding and a warm chocolate brownie.
Breakfast is served in the Vista restaurant and includes a continental spread of pastries, fruit, yoghurt, toast, cereals and muffins. You can also order food such as fry ups and eggs benedict from the hot breakfast menu, which was included in our package, though it costs some guests an additional £19.95.
The spa
The spa was without question the highlight of the trip. Gleddoch has recently undergone a multi-million-pound redevelopment, and you can absolutely feel the upgrade. The facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, pink Himalayan salt sauna, aroma steam room, ice fountain, cold plunge and heated loungers.
But the main attraction is the stunning outdoor sauna, believed to be one of the largest in the UK. It’s truly incredible — offering breathtaking views over the Clyde Estuary and the rolling Renfrewshire hills towards Ben Lomond.
The awe-inspiring outdoor sauna(Image: Gleddoch Hotel and Spa Resort)
This was my personal highlight; I could have sat there for hours taking in the countryside. It also wasn’t too busy when we visited around 10am on a Saturday.
After the outdoor sauna, you can cool off in either the barrel-drench shower or the cold plunge — which, admittedly, I only managed for a few seconds. Then it was straight into the enormous outdoor hot tub, which once again boasts amazing views of the hills below.
Another standout was the hydrotherapy pool, which was the perfect temperature and genuinely melted away any aches and tension in my body.
The outdoor hot tub had amazing views(Image: Sophie Law)
Other spa features include a bar, where you can order anything from smoothies to a glass of wine while relaxing on a lounger. There’s also a private cabana you can hire — ideal for a group spa day.
My husband and I were also treated to a 60-minute facial, which included an arm and shoulder massage. These took place in private treatment rooms using ELEMIS products. It was such a deeply relaxing experience; I was on the edge of sleep the entire time, and it was the first moment in weeks where I felt like I had properly unwound. Afterwards, we were taken to the post-treatment room and served a smoothie while we chatted about the experience. You can then head into the relaxation room, which features water beds — yes, I nearly fell asleep there too.
Another standout was the hydrotherapy pool(Image: Sophie Law)
The changing rooms were complete with Dyson hair dryers(Image: Sophie Law)
Our package also included a two-course lunch at the Wildflower restaurant, which you can attend in your robe and slippers. The menu offered plenty of fresh options, from pasta and salads to chicken dishes. For starters, we enjoyed the beetroot and goat’s cheese and a wonderfully creamy burrata, followed by a Moroccan chicken dish for our main course. I also spotted a few tables being served afternoon tea, which looked delicious.
It was my husband’s first ever spa experience, and he couldn’t stop talking about how amazing it was — he’s already eager to book our next trip.
The spa also had heated loungers(Image: Sophie Law)
The main attraction is the stunning outdoor sauna(Image: Sophie Law)
My only complaint is that hotel guests who aren’t booked onto a spa package must pay £25 for a two-hour spa slot, which needs to be reserved well in advance. Compared to other spa hotels I’ve visited, this isn’t usually the case and feels like a steep add-on if you’re already staying overnight.
Overall, I will definitely be returning to the spa, and I’ve already recommended it to friends and family.
To book your stay
You can reserve rooms and spa packages through the Gleddoch Hotel and Spa website.