Review of Gleneagles, Auchterarder

Gleneagles, Auchterarder - 5 bubbles

Gleneagles deserves its reputation for service; this applies to the spa as well as the hotel. As the health club facilities -- gym and pools -- are separate from the spa, you can have a day that's as energetic as you want it to be, but can then loll about relaxing in a haven of peace. Interesting ESPA treatments and delicious food make Gleneagles a great choice for a spa day or stay.

First impressions?

What's on offer?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

What else could you have?

Food facts

Was it worth it?

We loved

We didn't love

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

A huge house on a hill overlooking a valley. First you drive past the obviously very popular golf courses, then past signs that highlight the other activities on offer at Gleneagles: falconry, tennis, dog training, off-roading... It's obvious that no one needs to be bored. At the house, staff greet you and sort your car and luggage with practised ease.

To reach the spa, you have to go through the retail area, past the informal dining area, and almost to the pool, which all feels pretty busy. However, once you're through the huge, tall doors with a silver circle in the middle, peace descends; you are in a hushed world of spa. The design is elegant, with limestone flooring and shining wood.

What's on offer?

The spa has separate wet facilities for men and women. Gold and bronze tiles and low lighting in this area create a restful atmosphere. The delightfully hot steam room has changing lights in the ceiling, and there are themed showers and an ice fountain. Plenty of extra towels and water are available. You then step through to a lighter room which has large glass fronted "his and hers" saunas. The hydrotherapy pool where men and women finally meet up has powerful water jets.

The very large relaxation room is divided by draped gauze curtains. Each of the 11 relaxation beds has a fluffy blanket to snuggle under, reading light, v-shaped pillow and a set of headphones so you can drift away listening to music. The room also has healthy snacks, chilled flavoured waters and warm herbal teas.

There are 20 treatment rooms, and a courtyard area complete with comfortable chairs where you can enjoy a light meal.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the Purva Karma Four Handed Massage (120 minutes, £245.)

What were the treatments like?

Nothing short of wonderful. The treatment starts with a foot ritual, moves onto a body exfoliation and facial cleanse, then -- after a quick shower -- the centrepiece of the treatment: the four-handed massage. The massage is pretty mind blowing. It really does feel like one person with four hands; this feeling is even stronger because you never see or hear the second therapist. It's like a pixie therapist tiptoes into the room, helps out with the massage, then tiptoes out again!

The effect of so much simultaneous massage means that it's also most impossible to think about anything else, so you relax, then relax some more, then finally drift away on a small pink cloud.

At the end, Alyson, my therapist, carefully increased the dim lighting just a little and went off to get me a glass of iced elderflower water. I expected to feel sleepy and spaced out but, after a cold drink, I felt very invigorated and energetic. I could have played a round of golf on one of those famous courses -- and I don't even play!

What else could you have?

An interesting range of unusual treatments, targeted to specific problems. The Ama Release Abhyanga massage helps with stress and poor sleep patterns. The Optimal Release massage is for improving joint and muscle flexibility. The exclusive signature treatment, The Source, uses exfoliation, muscle warming with herbal preparations wrapped in muslin, then a massage for those who need peace and tranquillity in their lives. You can also enjoy various facials, wraps and body treatments, as well as Thai massage, reflexology, and reiki. There are treatments specifically for men and for mums-to-be, as well as finishing touches such as manicures and pedicures.

Food facts

Gleneagles makes good use of local Scottish specialities. Venison with Stornoway black pudding was the hit of the dinner menu, while proper Scottish porridge made a good start to an amazing breakfast spread. You can have light meals and snacks in the spa in the courtyard area. Dinner in the grand dining room is worth dressing up for.

Was it worth it?

Well, the treatment is not cheap. However, since the four-handed massage is one of the best treatments I have ever experienced (and I have spa-ed on five continents) I have to say it's well worth saving up for. The hotel is grand, with excellent standards of service (the staff to guest ratio is just over 1:1), so Gleneagles is a place to go for a special occasion.

We loved

The attention to detail that has gone into the design of the spa: a peaceful, elegant space that is warm and fragrant. You relax just being there.

The changing rooms, which are divided into bays, feel more peaceful and private than one large room. Each bay has hairdryers, seats and large mirrors. All the right extras are included; there is ESPA shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in each of the large showers, and combs, body lotion and tissues near the hairdryers.

The luscious relaxation room; we could have stayed all day, nibbling on healthy snacks, listening to music and just snoozing.

We didn't love

The teeny-weeny buttons on the lockers; I had to ask for help to get back into my locker!

The separate male and female journeys. The relaxation rooms, steam rooms, experience showers and saunas are single sex. If you go with your best beloved, and they happen to be of the opposite sex, then you'll make part of your spa journey separately. There is relaxation space in the courtyard, which is where we met after our treatments. We then split up and arranged to meet in the hydrotherapy pool later.

Who do you think would like it?

Spa addicts who want to be pampered and try some excellent, unusual treatments.

Anyone who wants to combine spa with outdoor pursuits: falconry, tennis, dog training, off-roading, oh, and maybe a bit of golf?

Families. Gleneagles is good at meeting the needs of both families and those without children. The main pool area next to the spa has a large shallow pool and an outside hot pool with water jets, great for children. It also has a separate 20-metre lap pool and there are two changing rooms: one with a playpen and changing table, the other upstairs for adults only. So you could spend time with your family, but sneak off for an afternoon of indulgence in the spa.

Golfers who can combine a day or two of playing on those famous courses with some spa time. Also, anyone whose friends and family are keen golfers, since you can abandon them to the greens while you head for the spa.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Well, we can't give more than 5 bubbles, so 5 bubbles it is.

The spa at Gleneagles is well designed and well run; the staff work hard to keep customers happy and relaxed. The treatments are well thought out and beautifully delivered. There is plenty to do during a spa day and plenty of space and comfort in which to relax. All in all, we were delighted to be invited back.

See more on how we rate the spas.