Review of Stobo Castle Spa, Stobo

The Cashmere Suite bathroom at Stobo Castle

Stobo Castle Spa, Stobo - 5 bubbles

Stobo Castle provides an ultimate escape, a comprehensive range of treatments, first-class facilities, and incomparable hospitality. Expect unrivalled elegance, comfort and luxury! Stobo offers a perfect romantic retreat, a delightful girly getaway, and is also ideal for spending quality time completely alone.

First impressions?

How did they welcome you?

What happens next?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

How did you feel afterwards?

What happens afterwards?

Was it worth it?

What else could you have?

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

Any special features?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

Stobo Castle is near Peebles, around 25 miles from Edinburgh, or a half-hour drive from Glasgow. We turned into the sweeping drive and, at the final bend, got our first view of Stobo. The 200-year-old Scottish castle stands majestically on top of a hill, surrounded by rolling hills and towering pine forests.

The Winyard family bought the dilapidated buildings in 1975, embarked on a complete renovation, and opened Stobo as a health spa in 1978. In 2003, an ambitious £5 million development created a separate spa complex, so Stobo successfully blends 19th-century architecture with 21st-century luxury.

We parked in front of the castle and just took in the view for a while. A uniformed young man arrived to take our bags, and we walked through the covered entrance up the steps into the hall. The reception area is stately, complete with gilt mirrors and a full-sized suit of armour. Just beyond, a grand old-fashioned staircase split into two directions on the first landing. We knew immediately that we were going to have a fantastic spa experience.

How did they welcome you?

A very friendly, efficient receptionist greeted us and swiftly checked us in. We had arrived early, so she took us through to the drawing room to wait until our room was ready. The elegant but comfortable drawing room has a huge fireplace, enormous cosy sofas, and fantastic views -- a great place to just sit and relax. A waitress soon arrived and brought us tea, then we went out to explore.

The grounds at Stobo are both vast and picturesque. Our gentle stroll took us around the castle; we were amazed to see the modern spa extension. The enormous, slightly curved glass wall sits next to the old castle gracefully, just by a giant wooden sculpture of an eagle with outspread wings. We walked to the Japanese garden, which has striking trees and flowers, little bridges, and a waterfall cascading down from the lake.

After our walk, the receptionist took us along winding corridors to the Cashmere Suite. I can barely describe the feeling when she opened the door: a surge of sheer delight. The Cashmere Suite is a most extravagant collection of luxurious cashmere, superb silks, decadent black walnut, hand-crafted limestone, and state-of-the-art technology.

The lounge is enormous, with walls covered in cashmere, and curtains of richly coloured silk. The sofas and armchairs are high-backed and very comfortable. There is a huge plasma screen TV, and over 300 films in the library to choose from; plus, one whole wall is lined with books. There is a fully stocked fridge and a desk, and French windows open out onto a private patio with sun loungers, wooden table and chairs. The patio overlooks the immaculately kept grounds with the hills in the distance.

The bathroom was the largest bathroom I have ever been in. In the centre is an enormous limestone bath, carved from a single block, which weighs over a ton! There is a separate shower with various jets at different heights, as well as his-and-hers hand basins, mirrors everywhere, and I counted 26 bottles of Molton Brown products. Under-floor heating keeps you cosy and, of course, there is another flat-screen television in the bathroom.

The bedroom walls are covered in rich claret-coloured cashmere. There are two huge double four-poster beds, also covered in cashmere, hand-painted and imported from Italy. At the foot of each bed is a plasma screen, so no arguing over what to watch. In a separate dressing room, panelled in black walnut, is a dresser with a large, well-lit mirror and good quality hairdryer; the wardrobe has plenty of hangers, and here you will find your spa robes waiting.

No detail has been overlooked in the Cashmere Suite. Guests staying here are welcomed by complimentary Bollinger champagne, Stobo chocolates, and a luxury Molton Brown gift set. The epitome of luxury and decadence!

What happens next?

Tearing ourselves away, we donned our gym gear and ventured to the spa, which has 40 treatment rooms and a well equipped gym. The gym is brightly lit and looks out over the enticing pool at one end, while the cardio equipment is ideally placed so that you can look over the hills as you work out. Next door is a studio where a full range of classes runs throughout the day, ranging from X-biking to yoga, with many in between. We were the only guests in the gym but there was a very helpful member of the fitness staff on hand.

We worked out for an hour, then went down to the pool and hydrotherapy suite. The jewel in Stobo's crown is the 25-metre ozone-treated pool with glass walls and infinity edge; you can swim while gazing at panoramic views of the countryside. The changing rooms are spacious, with under-floor heating, and the walls have dark grape-coloured mosaics from floor to ceiling. Slip-resistant floor-tiles are used throughout the spa, in the changing areas, around the pool, and even in the treatment rooms. There are plenty of showers with towels available in abundance, plus chilled water to keep you hydrated throughout the pool area.

After our swim, we took up residence on one of the loungers around the pool. In a separate, glass-walled room is a large hydrotherapy pool where swan pipes deliver an excellent neck and shoulder massage. There is also a Jacuzzi and an experience shower, which gives you a variety of water pressures and was a soothing finish to our swim. I tried the three poolside heat treatment rooms; the steam room with wonderful eucalyptus, a crystal stream room, and a laconium with relaxing dry heat. There is also an ice fountain for cooling in between. Further heat experiences within the changing rooms mean you can sauna or steam in single-sex bliss.

After the exertion, we went back to our room and dressed for dinner, which we ate in one of three small dining rooms, at a table for two overlooking the grounds. There are also larger tables for groups of friends and shared tables for those who have come alone. These shared tables offer you the opportunity to make friends and exchange spa stories.

The menu is full and varied. The food is all sourced locally, is beautifully cooked and elegantly presented. If you are staying at Stobo, you are offered three large meals each day. Breakfast is a healthy buffet of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals and porridge, croissants and toast, or you can have a cooked breakfast. For lunch, there is a delicious cold buffet, fresh home-made soup and a choice of hot dishes. Dinner is a three-course feast with starters, a choice of meat, poultry, fish or vegetarian main course, and a selection of desserts. My meal was superb; salmon terrine followed by rack of lamb with fresh vegetables and a lemon cheesecake. I highly recommend the home-made soup. There is also a good wine list!

We finished our wine on our private patio and retired for the night in our elegantly comfortable bedroom.

The next day, I woke early and went down to the spa in my robe. The spa reception, spa shop and coffee shop are in a huge atrium. This is a relaxing area with many comfy sofas, well kept plants and, of course, light streaming in from the roof. Day guests had started arriving and people were sitting around in their robes waiting to be pampered. The spa shop stocks swimwear and slippers in case you forget your own. The coffee shop offers teas, coffees, wine, fruit juices and (naughty but very nice) slices of cake. You can charge any purchases to your locker key and pay at the end of the day. What a wonderful idea! After all, where would you keep cash in a robe?

Which treatments did you have?

The Vie Ritual in the Secret Garden (120 minutes, £199). This treatment for body and face is unique to Stobo.

What were the treatments like?

My therapist, Danielle, met me in the atrium and led me through to the Secret Garden. I was slightly disappointed to discover that the Secret Garden was, in fact, a treatment room just off the waiting area. The walls are covered by tiles with a delicate flower pattern -- hence the name. There was a roomy shower, soft lighting, and relaxing spa music in the background.

Danielle checked my consultation form and discussed my special concerns or requirements. She then explained the Vie Collection of products, outlined what would happen in the treatment, and asked how much massage pressure I liked.

Danielle began by preparing my skin with a complete body exfoliation, starting with me lying on my front. The granules were tiny and not at all scratchy. When I turned over, Danielle cleansed, toned and exfoliated my face before exfoliating the front of my body. She left me to shower and dry off before continuing. While washing off the exfoliant, I noticed that my skin was already feeling velvety soft.

Stepping back into the room, I immediately noticed creamy scents wafting in the air. Danielle had prepared the treatment couch while I showered. I climbed back on full of expectation. The moisturising massage which followed was so relaxing, I dropped off; I woke up when Danielle asked me to turn onto my back. Danielle then painted on a refreshing, fragrant face-mask. While the mask penetrated my skin, Danielle continued to massage the front of my body. She peeled off the mask in one easy piece, moisturised my skin, and applied anti-ageing eye serum. I was so completely relaxed that time passed too quickly.

How did you feel afterwards?

I thoroughly enjoyed the heavenly Vie treatment, which left my skin silky and smooth. My face looked and felt free from impurities and was completely hydrated. I felt completely free from stress, relaxed and revitalised. Danielle had worked my legs, shoulders and back with particular vigour: my skin felt wonderful and I had a natural glow. I loved my sparkling clean, bright skin and would highly recommend this delicious, replenishing treatment.

What happens afterwards?

Danielle brought me a glass of cold water, then left me to revive slowly and dress. She returned a few minutes later with more water and reminded me to drink plenty more throughout the day.

Was it worth it?

Yes. The Stobo experience comes in a range of prices for residential and day packages. If you want to just dip your toe into the water, their Spa Taster Day offers particularly good value at £99. At the other end of the scale, the Cashmere Suite costs from £329 per person per night.

What else could you have?

There is so much to do at Stobo Castle. The spa complex with all its fabulous facilities can keep you busy all day. The array of over 80 different face and body treatments will leave you like a child in a sweet shop. You can have anything from a Darphin facial to a Thalgo wrinkle control. Massages range from Swedish to hot stone, and don't forget about the mud treatments in the Serailbad Mud Room which can be sampled alone or -- definitely better -- with a close friend.

Stobo offer alternative therapies such as reflexology, head massage, and reiki, as well as beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, Fake Bake, waxing, and there is even a hair salon. There are also specific treatments for men, who certainly won't feel alone at Stobo.

You can book in for fitness analysis and personal training, one-to-one Pilates in the gym, or anything from aqua aerobics to yoga. You can detox, get fit, or simply relax and rejuvenate.

Take full advantage of the picturesque surroundings via the organised guided walks around the grounds, or explore the scenery by bike. For something a bit more energetic, Stobo has its own tennis courts, or try golf, horse riding and fishing.

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

I wish I had not brought a suitcase full of clothes. At Stobo, you can walk around in your bathrobe and slippers... all day!

Any special features?

Everything about Stobo is special: the stunning location, the luxurious facilities, and the fabulous treatments. Plus, the service is first class.

Who do you think would like it?

Just about anyone. Stobo is a perfect romantic retreat, a delightful girly getaway, or is ideal for spending quality time completely alone. The ultimate escape from a busy life for anyone of any age.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Stobo Castle our top rating of 5 bubbles because there was nothing we could fault. The setting is ideal, the treatments superb, the facilities top of the range, and the staff very friendly, polite and professional.

See more on how we rate the spas