Review of Fairmont St Andrews, Fife

The relaxation room at the spa at Fairmont St Andrews

Fairmont St Andrews - 5 bubbles

Luxury hotel operator Fairmont have created a destination in its own right in the home of golf, with access to two outstanding golf courses, a first-class spa, plentiful fine-dining options and breathtaking views of the North Sea. No wonder the rich and famous flock to this Scottish resort. Sedate Spy was more than happy to be invited to flock there as well.

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?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

The coastal road leading to the hotel runs alongside one of the golf courses. The long driveway leads to an imposing new building that sits on a cliff-top. A kilted doorman greeted me and Mr Sedate Spy, then organised for our car to be unloaded and parked.

How did they welcome you?

The reception area is grand and dignified, with its centrepiece a gigantic castle-style marble hearth. On either side shine antique mirrors while huge sofas and armchairs face the focal point. The check-in desk was manned by two courteous and friendly members of staff. Checking in was painless; within minutes, we were in our executive suite on the first floor.

What happens next?

Our suite was at the front left corner of hotel. The rooms were stylish and fully equipped with every modern amenity: TV, DVD, CD player, and Wi-Fi. The sitting room was elegant with a chic sofa facing a modern marble fireplace complete with log fire. I walked over to the window and took a deep breath as I saw the spectacular view: bright blue sea, immaculately manicured lawns, and St Andrews Bay in the distance.

The bedroom was large, with a desk in the corner, round table and chairs for dining, tasteful armchair with footstool, another TV, and a huge king-sized bed. If all this wasn't luxury enough, the bathroom was my ideal bathroom: spotlessly clean, separate large bath and walk-in shower, and under-floor heating. Additional touches included lots of soft fluffy white towels, robes and slippers, plenty of toiletries, a mist-free mirror and adjustable lighting.

I went downstairs to the spa. From the moment the door opened, luxury, elegance and tranquillity were the order of the day. The reception area was well lit, spacious, and beautifully laid out. The wall cabinets displayed an array of spa products and Neom fragranced candles scented the air. In the centre of the room was an eye-catching bench carved from driftwood.

I went to the reception desk at the top of the room where friendly, very professional staff welcomed me and gave me a consultation form to complete.

Rachel, my therapist, then led me through to the changing rooms. We walked down a long, wide passageway. Along one of the walls was what I thought was a serpent or wave- like sculpture; on closer inspection, I saw that it was actually put together from individual pieces of driftwood; the wood comes directly from the beach. It was a beautiful artwork and gave me the feeling of the sea.

The changing rooms were perfect: spacious and immaculately clean. The lockers were electronic, so no messing around with coins. There were plenty of showers, each stocked with body wash, shampoo and conditioner. There were banks of soft towels and the vanity stations had body lotion, cotton buds and pads, hairdryers and well-lit mirrors. Inside my locker was the softest, whitest bathrobe, spa slippers and a small bottle of Neom shower gel and body lotion.

Rachel took me through to one of the twelve treatment rooms. Another luxurious, perfect room! It was spacious, beautifully lit, with more Neom candles burning, and was tastefully decorated in natural colours and dark wood.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the Celtic Harmony purifying ritual (90 minutes, £125) and the St Andrews signature manicure (60 minutes, £55).

What were the treatments like?

Rachel explained that the Celtic Harmony treatment was designed to detoxify using traditional healing ingredients inspired by the Celtic Highlands. The room was a comfortable temperature but I noticed that the treatment bed was slightly heated. Soft spa music played in the background (not Celtic music as promised in the brochure!).

The purifying ritual began with a wonderful geranium-and-pine body scrub; this, Rachel explained, prepared the skin by removing all the dead skin cells. The granules were fine, so not at all scratchy. Rachel scrubbed my whole body, starting on my back, and worked with small circular motions. I then showered off, while Rachel replaced the towels on the treatment bed and also turned up the heat.

I then experienced one of the most powerful massages I have ever had. Rachel asked what pressure I liked, and she delivered. I lost all sense of time while she massaged me with essences of local juniper, cypress and lavender. She then wrapped me in the towel and the plastic sheet I had been lying on, placed heavy eye-pads over my eyes, and covered me in a warm duvet. Rachel massaged my feet and scalp, but I actually fell asleep for a while!

When the treatment was over, Rachel brought me a glass of iced water. She waited outside while I slowly gathered my senses, then took me to the relaxation room. I was the only person in the room, which was comfortable and practical. The relaxation loungers were cosy. I covered myself in a chic tartan blanket while I sipped a cup of green tea and munched my way through more than one shortcake biscuit.

Once I was refreshed, Rachel took me to the specialist manicure and pedicure room. This was another spacious room, airy, stylish and elegant. The cupboards and tables were dark wood and the varnishes and other products were on display.

This St Andrews Signature Manicure uses the Highland Soap Company's hand-crafted heather products. The manicure began with a hand exfoliation followed by a soak in salts and essential oils. Then, a paraffin-wax treatment with a difference. Rachel had prepared the mittens in a cylindrical heater and I simply slid my hand in. Rachel placed a thick pair of gloves over the top and waited while the wax worked its magic. When the wax had solidified, Rachel removed it in a single motion while rolling off the gloves.

Rachel gently massaged my hands, paying particular attention to my palms, using a moisturising balm. Finally the manicure; Rachel filed and shaped, following with undercoat, nail colour and finishing polish. My nails looked polished and buffed, and my hands felt much softer.

How did you feel afterwards?

Completely nourished, somehow revitalised, healthy. Relaxed and polished.

What happens afterwards?

That evening, we went for dinner. The hotel offers five dining options. We were booked into the Esparante, an award-winning 2 AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant on the mezzanine level. As you step through the entrance, the warmth is immediate. The restaurant is stylishly decorated in warm dark plums and deep orange tones; one whole wall is covered by a back-lit stained glass Mediterranean vineyard scene.

The staff were very attentive, polite and friendly. The evening began with a gin and tonic and a selection of canapes. We ordered our meals and wine with a little advice from the waiter. Next came a delicious amuse-bouche. To start, we had seared scallops and salmon. Mains were rack of lamb and fillet of beef, all fabulously presented and delicious. The wine was a fruity Sauvignon Blanc at a very reasonable price. By the end, although I was adjusting my waistband, I unfortunately had no room for dessert. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, the atmosphere and the surroundings.

That evening I slept soundly and woke to another sunny day.

We were both eager to try the gym before breakfast. The newly refurbished gymnasium has state-of-the-art machines with personal flat-screen television and iPod docking station. In the centre is a tall wood unit with piles of towels, and there are also plenty of water machines. What I liked most was the space around each piece of equipment. My tough workout was made so much easier by the distraction through the full length windows of the stunning landscape.

The pool room was fabulous! Lots of space around the 16-metre pool; plenty of loungers, and piles of spare towels; there are even a couple of sofas. Along the length of the outside wall, five sets of French doors open onto the grounds.

We had the entire pool to ourselves. At one end of the pool is a circular Jacuzzi, at the other, a separate splash-pool for children. The steam room and sauna are both large and clean.

Breakfast was buffet-style, served in the Squire restaurant, and I was glad we had had a workout before. I was determined to try both the black pudding and the haggis, so passed by the fruits and cereals and went for the full Scottish. Not before I tried the porridge with fresh cream and Drambuie. I checked my watch; although it was only 10 in the morning, I felt it my duty to try all that is Scottish.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely. Note: A 10% gratuity is added to your spa bill.

What else could you have?

Various "body experiences", involving massages, wraps and scrubs, and Kerstin Florian products. The Crest of the Cliff is two hours of bliss with a welcoming foot-bath and a cup of wild nettle tea to soothe (after a walk on the cliffs, it says, but I don't suppose the walk is a compulsory part of the treatment). You then get a full-body exfoliation with a locally crafted wild nettle and rosemary scrub, and a massage using hot stones.

You can also have facials (including a "Golfer's Rescue"), massages, including sports massage and for mums to be. There is a couples' treatment suite, and a wider variety than usual of treatments for men. For small parties, there is a private lounge within the spa, connected to three treatment rooms. You can book this spa-in-a-spa space for a party of two to five.

You can also emerge looking beautiful with manis, pedis and make-up. Pushed for time? Try Afternoon Tea & Toes: complimentary afternoon tea when you book a pedicure!

To really make the most of the facilities, though, look out for one of the spa's good-value spa days.

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

That there is so much to do and see; I would have booked an extra day or two.

Who do you think would like it?

The Fairmont St Andrews is a perfect getaway spa and a sanctuary for all. Girls away together. Couples on a romantic break. Golf widows and even rugby players. Ideal for anyone in need of tranquillity and first-class escapism. Oh, and golfers, obviously!

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave The Fairmont St Andrews 5 bubbles because everything about this locally inspired spa is top notch: the location, the views, the facilities and, without doubt, the outstanding service. The attention to detail is serious and the additional touches make this spa stand out. Sheer luxury!

See more on how we rate the spas