I stayed at multimillion pound Scottish wellness destination - my verdict

Originally built in 1926 for shipping baron Sir James Lithgow, the grand house has stood proudly overlooking the River Clyde for a century. In 1974, it was transformed into the hotel and, more recently, has undergone a multimillion pound refurbishment with the addition of a large spa complete with outdoor sauna with surely some of the best views in Scotland, a large swimming pool, pink Himalayan salt sauna and hydrotherapy.

Budget or boutique?

Classic rooms are from £125 per night with four poster rooms starting at £250 per night. There are often spa break deals available that typically include dinner, bed and breakfast and a 60 minute treatment. This is a boutique hotel but definitely one that’s more affordable than some other well known destinations in Scotland.

Room service

Our four poster room was a lovely bright and spacious space decorated with floral wallpaper and deep blue throws and furniture. It had a desk area, armchairs, chest of drawers and a spacious wardrobe with plenty of hanging space. But it was the view out to the Clyde across the grounds that was a real draw, especially at this time of year when the sunsets can be fully enjoyed late into the evening. The modern terracotta bathroom was as spacious as the room and had an over shower bath and plenty of storage.

Wining and dining

Gleddoch is home to Vista restaurant where guests can book for dinner and enjoy a buffet and a la carte breakfast. The views here are as good as it gets (apart from the outdoor sauna, which sits atop a hill by the spa and overlooks the Clyde). The dinner menu is based around Scottish produce with dishes such as pan seared scallops, west coast seafood chowder and a taste of Arran cheeseboard. I enjoyed a starter of gin cured salmon and a main of breaded Peterhead fish and chips. An after dinner drink in the Dram Whisky and Gin bar was welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed a non alcoholic margarita which was a new addition to the spa lunch menu. Speaking of which, after a morning in the spa, lunch can be booked in the colourful Wildflower restaurant. With salads, noodle bowls and larger dishes such as a burger or fettuccine.

Worth getting out of bed for

After its multimillion pound renovation and addition of the spa, the hotel has become a popular wellness destination so it’s well worth heading to the Imperia Spa to unwind. There’s a range of treatments from the classic aromatherapy massage to more unusual such as the Ayurvedic massage, which I booked for our stay. This immersive therapeutic experience starts with a questionnaire about your health and body - which determines your personal dosha before a full body massage and energy treatment. I wasn’t sure what to expect but my therapist explained it all and I left feeling very zen, and happy to have tried something new.

As well as the spa, Gleddoch sits in its own sprawling grounds of 350 acres so there were plenty of walks for Archie. Golfers can enjoy a game on the championship course or get to grips with the game on the academy course.

Little extras

Our room had a decent range of teas and a modern coffee machine as well as Tunnocks Caramel Wafer biscuits. Fluffy robes and slippers continued the spa-vibe in the room as did the Templespa toiletries.

Guestbook comments

Originally built in 1926 for shipping baron Sir James Lithgow, the grand house has stood proudly overlooking the River Clyde for a century. In 1974, it was transformed into the hotel guests know and love today, evolving into a leading luxury destination in the west of Scotland. It has undergone a multimillion pound transformation. In 2025, the hotel unveiled Imperia Spa, a multi-million-pound wellness retreat that has already earned national recognition, winning Best New Spa at the Good Spa Guide Awards 2025.

Hotel info

DnD Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort

Old Greenock Rd, Langbank, Port Glasgow PA14 6YE

01475 540711; https://www.gleddoch.com