Review of Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Peebles

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Country Club swimming pool

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Peebles - 3 bubbles

Our Good Spa Spy found a welcome escape for golf widows, complete with indulgent treatments and super swish gym ...

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?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

The Macdonald Cardrona Hotel sits east of the village of Peebles, around 25 miles from Edinburgh Airport. On the banks of the River Tweed, in the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders countryside, the hotel is a huge, clean white, modern four-storey building. When we arrived, several groups of golfers were unloading their clubs in the sizeable car park.

We entered via a large revolving door into a bright, spacious reception area. Straight ahead was a large lounge with claret- and grape-coloured comfortable sofas and armchairs. The bar and reception desk are to the right. Plants and flower displays scattered throughout helped to brighten up the otherwise business-like interior.

How did they welcome you?

The receptionist was very warm and checked us in professionally with a smile. She also booked us in for dinner and confirmed my treatment time for the spa. Finally, she gave us a quick verbal overview of the layout of the hotel.

What happens next?

The 95-bedroom hotel offers a range of modern and comfortable rooms. Accessible rooms offer extra space for wheelchairs and feature specially adapted bathrooms.

Our room was a deluxe room with its own patio overlooking the impressive golf course; spacious, clean and tidy, but not luxurious. There was a large, comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, broadband internet access, a desk, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, a couple of cosy armchairs, and a coffee table with a welcome basket of fruit and complimentary mineral water. There were heavy blackout curtains and sliding doors onto the patio. The bathroom was very clean with a separate bath and power shower, with a fluffy bathrobe and slippers hanging behind the door.

We were hungry after our journey so went down the hall to Spikes Bar, an informal meeting place for golfers where you can unwind, have a drink, and either watch TV or swap stories. Spikes Bar was, as expected, full of golfers relaxing in the homely environment. We ate sandwiches on the terrace in the sunshine overlooking the course. The service was friendly but the sandwiches were tasteless.

From the terrace, you can see the glass-enclosed swimming pool, so we decided to try it out. The reception desk for the spa and leisure facilities is opposite Spikes Bar. The receptionist talked us through what was there and showed us into the changing rooms.

The changing rooms are large and spacious; standard health club stuff -- no frills, and could have done with a bit of a mid-day tidy. The gymnasium, however, was very impressive, with windows at one end looking out onto the pool. The area was large and bright with a huge variety of Technogym equipment. The Wellness Expert system is extremely easy to use; you insert a key card to the central compute, fill in your details, such as age and weight, and the system prescribes a suitable workout. Insert the card as you go round, and follow the instructions on screen. The system monitors your workout and provides feedback and an assessment of your progress. Very clever.

The pool room is a good size with plenty of natural light streaming in through the full-length windows. We had a fabulous swim. But be warned: the pool is part of the health club so is generally full of families and children. The pool itself is 18 metres and there is plenty of room around the perimeter with wooden loungers and chairs to relax on while taking in the breathtaking countryside views. On the other side of the pool are the heat facilities; the sauna is on the small side and very hot, and the steam room was a little disappointing.

We showered in our room, dressed for dinner and went upstairs to the lounge bar on the first floor for a gin and tonic. The lounge was large and bright with full-length windows overlooking the course and the hills in the distance. You can recline on a mixture of grape-coloured leather sofas or claret fabric sofas.

Renwicks Restaurant is a contemporary AA Rosette restaurant next to the lounge bar. We had a window seat which meant more outstanding panoramic views. The dining room is huge and bright with fresh crisp white linen and lots of cheerful guests. The staff were extremely polite and professional, although due to sheer numbers the service was a bit slow. I had a very delicious fillet of organic salmon and seared sea scallops followed by very enjoyable roast Highland lamb.

The following morning we had a light breakfast of fruit and yogurt followed by nicely cooked poached eggs. I felt fresh and was looking forward to my treatment.

In The Vital Health and Beauty Spa, my therapist, Karen, greeted me at the door. As you step through to the spa, the difference in environment is immediate. The busy golf hotel gives way to an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the Decleor Classic Aromatic Facial (60 minutes, £50). This facial is a one-hundred per cent natural treatment, tailored to your individual skin type.

What were the treatments like?

Karen gave me a consultation form to complete, which I did in the comfort of the waiting area. This was a clean, airy room with wooden floor and a small refreshment bar. Form completed, Karen took me through to one of the four treatment rooms. Again, I was pleasantly surprised; the room was spacious with creamy walls, wooden floor and a roomy shower. The room was well lit by beautifully scented candles and gentle spa music played in the background.

Karen explained the treatment and the range of products she had selected for my facial, then left me to de-robe and climb onto the obviously brand-new treatment bed. Karen checked that I was comfortable and that I was warm enough. The treatment began with a relaxing back massage. The pressure was fabulous and the scent of the Decleor Aromessence Sculpt was simply divine. Karen explained that the oil is a blend of eight essential oils including frankincense, myrrh, camomile, rose and lemon. Karen worked on my shoulders and neck where, she said, I carried most of my stress.

The facial began with the customary double-cleanse followed by Decleor's toning lotion. What followed was a truly relaxing, remarkable face massage using a sandalwood-based oil. I had never thought that the muscles in my face could hold tension but as Karen manipulated and gently kneaded, I felt genuine relief, especially in my forehead and around my jaw line.

Karen then applied a Hydra-Floral Moisturising Mask. The aroma was fresh and delicious --oranges, mint and spring blossoms. Whilst the mask seeped into my skin, Karen massaged my arms and hands with great expertise. She removed the mask with warm cotton pads, then applied a hydra-floral eye and lip serum and Decleor Instant Radiance moisturiser.

Karen moved the bed to the full sitting position and brought me a glass of water.

How did you feel afterwards?

I realised just how relaxed I felt. My face felt soft and silky-smooth and I was completely free of tension. I never knew a facial could have such an effect. I actually felt is if my skin had been repaired.

What happens afterwards?

I wanted to prolong the floaty feeling for as long as I could, so I took myself off to the relaxation room. This small, neat and tidy little room has just enough space for three loungers. There was a selection of magazines but no refreshments.

Was it worth it?

My Decleor facial was a skilfully delivered treatment which I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. The effects were visible and long-lasting -- which I consider to be well worth the cost.

What else could you have?

The Vital Health and Beauty Spa offers a range of Decleor aroma facial and body treatments, massages, and hot-stone therapies, treatments especially for mums-to-be, and a whole menu for men. Try manicures and pedicures, waxing, tanning, or make-up tuition.

The Cardrona Hotel is well known for its 18-hole golf course, so there are plenty of spa breaks on offer. Other activities, such as fishing, archery, rock-climbing, and quad or mountain biking can also be arranged though the hotel.

Who do you think would like it?

Golf widows will find the Spa at Cardrona a welcome respite. The combination of health facilities and spa treatments allow you fill your day with complete relaxation and self-indulgence, leaving you ready to return to the challenges of everyday life.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club a very respectable 3 bubbles. My treatment was expertly delivered by a skilful therapist, and the treatments offer good value for money. The spa treatment rooms were spotlessly clean, peaceful and relaxing. The gym was fantastic and the pool good for swimming lengths, though it can get noisy with families.

Unfortunately, if you have booked a spa day with lunch included, you need to leave the tranquillity of the spa wearing your robe and mix with the boisterous golfers in Spikes Bar. You also need to walk through reception to get to the leisure facilities.

See more on how we rate the spas.