Review of Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire

Crieff Hydro Hotel - 4 bubbles

Crieff Hydro Hotel is a family-friendly resort which offers an extensive range of hotel and self-catering accommodation. You can choose from over 40 indoor and outdoor leisure activities. The adults-only Victoria Spa is a peaceful and comfortable haven with its own pool and reviving spa treatments.

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?

Any special features?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

Crieff Hydro Hotel sits in a stunning 900-acre estate, about an hour's drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The hotel began life as an alcohol-free Victorian health spa in 1868, when the Victorians began their obsession with hydropathy -- the use of water treatments for illnesses and ailments. The centre became a fashionable spa sanatorium, the Priory of its time.

The 21st-century reincarnation has a two-storey glass frontage. A jolly uniformed doorman greeted us and took our luggage. I went through the large revolving door and was pleasantly surprised by the reception area: huge, stylish, very modern, and part of the recent extensive refurbishment.

The long reception desk was staffed by at least four smartly dressed receptionists, showcased by a stunning white wall behind them that appeared to hewn out of quartz. An impressive first impression!

How did they welcome you?

There were lots of people coming and going, but we were greeted very politely by a bubbly receptionist. We were early, but the receptionist checked us in without a question. My treatment in the spa was confirmed, as was my partner's Segway session. The receptionist gave us a Victorian Spa guest day pass and suggested that we leave our luggage at reception while we waited for our room. Formalities over, we headed to the Winter Garden coffee shop.

What happens next?

The Winter Garden coffee shop is a giant room with windows on three sides. It's the perfect place to take tea -- which is just what we did. From our vantage point, we watched a group of guests playing bowls; in the far corner of the garden, we spotted a giant chess set.

The 216-room hotel offers a wide range of room choices. The majority have recently been refurbished to a very high standard. There is also a variety of self-catering options from chalets to luxury lodges. All are very comfortable, fully equipped and cover a range of budgets.

Our room was a "Leigh Signature Room" on the first floor. Our fabulous view was only slightly spoiled by building works next door. However, the room was spacious, comfortable and spotlessly clean. The furniture, decor and accessories were stylish, with a comfortable king-size bed. Each room has a flat-screen television with a range of satellite stations, CD player, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making equipment and a good hairdryer. The en-suite bathroom was bright, clean and roomy.

We went down to the gym in the "Lagoon Leisure" club. The reception staff talked us through all the facilities, classes and opening hours, and one of the staff took us through to the gym and offered us a guided tour with demonstrations and a tailored exercise programme. The air-conditioned gymnasium and fitness suite is a perfect place for an energetic workout. There are two very large rooms (282 square metres), plenty of bright light and loads of space. The gym includes 20 cardio-vascular fitness machines, all fitted with high-tech entertainment systems, and a wide variety of weights. The leisure club also has a 20-metre indoor swimming pool with steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, and a children's pool.

After a gruelling workout, we went through to change for the pool. The reception staff gave us our locker keys, robes and towels and we used the Victoria Spa changing rooms. The spa has been built around the original Victorian 16-metre swimming pool and is an adult-only facility. The changing rooms are on the small side but were clean and tidy. The pool room is decorated in a Romanesque style with huge central ceiling art work depicting godly figures atop a ethereal cloud. The water was a lovely temperature for swimming, so we swam, lounged, and lazed in the Jacuzzi, before trying out the sauna and steam room. There is a refreshment station just outside the changing-room entrance, with plenty of cold drinks and water; you can even make tea and coffee.

Soon enough, it was time for my treatment. The spa reception area is bright with a small curved desk and bright red leather furniture. My therapist for the day was Lynn, who is also the manager. Lynn took me down to the brand new treatment rooms; all are newly refurbished and fitted with en-suite facilities. Lynn gave me a consultation form to fill in and went to get me a (requested) glass of water.

The treatment room itself was decorated in chocolate and cream tones with dark-wood fittings and neutral walls. There was plenty of space, subtle floor lighting and soft ambient music; delicious fragrances filled the air.

Which treatments did you have?

I had a signature Soothing Face and Back treatment (70 minutes, £67).

What were the treatments like?

Lynn looked through my consultation form and discussed my specific skin needs. My skin was particularly dry, suffering from the dehydrating effects of flying. Lynn explained the treatment and we agreed that she would start with a relaxing back massage before the soothing facial. I let her know that I liked a firm massage, then we were fully prepared. Lynn left me to de-robe, climb onto the treatment bed, and snuggle under the towel.

When she returned, Lynn ensured I was comfortable and set the lights to dim. Lynn used a Clarins Relaxing Body Treatment oil, blending lavender, camomile, basil and geranium. The smell was heavenly! Lynn worked hard on my back and I felt my muscles gently submitting; a very effective massage.

My facial began with the removal of any traces of makeup followed by a thorough cleanse and tone. Next, an exfoliation, expertly executed using a Gentle Refiner cream with micro-beads. Lynn then gave me a fabulous facial massage using the Clarins Blue Orchid face oil. The oil had quite a strong herbal smell and Lynn expertly massaged it into my face, paying particular attention to my dry patches, forehead and cheeks. The massage was flawlessly followed by a Hydra Quench Cream Mask. Lynn swiftly applied a thick layer over my face and left this on for a few minutes; during which time she gave me an expert scalp massage. Finally Lynn removed the cream and applied an eye-firming serum and Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle cream.

How did you feel afterwards?

My skin felt completely rehydrated; it looked radiant, felt soft, and was positively glowing! I would highly recommend the Soothing Face and Back treatment; it is perfect for revitalising tired and dehydrated skin, and together with the relaxing back massage, is ideal after a flight.

What happens afterwards?

Lynn brought me a glass of ice-cold water and left me alone to come round in my own time. Once I was fully awake, I returned to my room, still cocooned in my robe. I was hardly in the door before my partner began his excited story about his Segway session. He loved it!

He was still talking about Segways when we went down for dinner. There are several dining options at Crieff, and we began with drinks in the Brasserie Bar. The Brasserie Restaurant offers a relaxed experience for the whole family. We ate in the Meikle Restaurant, a much grander adult-only affair, offering traditional dining. As we arrived, a kilted bagpipe player was working his way round the restaurant. We had a fabulous table at the window overlooking the grounds. I had Scottish salmon and prawn timbale followed by roast leg of lamb with bubble and squeak mash and mint jus. The meal was good but not exceptional. There is an extensive wine list, and we opted for a very reasonably priced South Africa Chenin Blanc.

Breakfast was also served in the Meikle Restaurant and was much better. The buffet was fresh, and everything was beautifully cooked.

Was it worth it?

All the treatments at Crieff Hydro are very affordably priced. My treatment was professionally and skilfully delivered and was well worth the cost.

What else could you have?

There are many treatments to choose from at Crieff Hydro; a complete set of facial and body treatments, including reflexology and hot stones, detox and aromatic treatments. There are specialist pregnancy treatments and treatments for men. And ,of course, there are beauty treatments; waxing, manicures, pedicures, as well as tanning and full makeovers. There is a bright and spacious hair salon, too.

Any special features?

All children between 2 and 12 are entitled to six hours FREE childcare for each day of their stay. There is also supervised childcare in the crèche for 0 to 2 year olds; this makes The Victoria Spa a perfect retreat for stressed parents – the adult-only pool is a haven!

Outdoor activities are vast and include off-road driving and quad biking, horse riding, mountain biking, shooting with air rifles, or archery. There is a very challenging 18-hole golf course and even a covered eight-bay driving range. There is a high and low ropes course and a climbing wall. The newest arrivals are Segways and Laser-Quest. There are outdoor and indoor tennis courts, croquet and bowls and a football pitch. There is a water-sports centre on Loch Earn. Indoor activities include squash and badminton, basketball, volleyball and five-a-side football. Phew!

Who do you think would like it?

The extensive range of sport and leisure facilities means that there is something to suit everyone. We met couples and groups of girls, families with newborn babies and others with teenagers; there were larger family groups with three generations, not forgetting the older guests -- and dogs are welcome, too!

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Crieff Hydro 4 bubbles. My treatment was excellent and the effects visibly dramatic. All the staff in the spa and around the entire complex were helpful, polite and very friendly. My therapist, Lynn, was obviously highly experienced and skilful. I really appreciated the adult-only Victoria Spa, which is ideal for prolonging the whole relaxing spa experience. The gym facilities are also fantastic.

The one feature lacking from my otherwise perfect spa break was a separate relaxation area. After my treatment, I always love to have somewhere to lie and relax for a while longer.