The best spa in Scotland? Stobo Castle is a blissful haven of pampering for workaholics

I CAN’T think of anything more blissful than lounging around all day in a bathrobe, sipping cocktails.
So Stobo Castle was the perfect choice for unwinding and having an excuse to enjoy the outdoor hot-tubs for hours on end.

Nestled in the beautiful countryside near Peebles, this luxury health spa is surrounded by private grounds beside a tranquil lake and Japanese Water Gardens.
Stobo Castle effortlessly sets the scene for a memorable and addictive experience.
But the breathtaking views were simply a bonus as inside Stobo there are myriad ways to relax, including state-of-the art Swedish saunas, pools, a hydrospa and relaxation suite.

One unique thing that amazed me was the lavish loo facilities with a wash and blow dry function, soft furnishings and stunning decorations.
As soon as we arrived, my boyfriend and I were handed plush towelling robes and taken in for our treatments – a brightening facial and a relaxing water massage.
My therapist applied Stobo’s own handmade cleanser, exfoliator and sheet mask which left my skin peachy, radiant and miles more youthful.

Skin feeling fresh after a facial.

The water bed massage was a bizarre yet surprisingly wonderful experience where you lie on a bed in your swimwear and water underneath the bed applies jet pressure to ease any nasty aches and pains.
With my skin feeling fresh and my body soothed, we went to explore the castle’s amazing spa facilities – I’ve honestly not seen any like these in my life.
The jaw-dropping azure blue pools were heated, the steam room offering stunning views of the pool and landscaped gardens, and the three outdoor hot tubs the perfect way to chill.

We also had access to Scotland’s only 25m ozone-treated swimming pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art gym and one of the most advanced hydrospas of its kind.
There were some fabulous airloungers designed to give an air massage along the full length of your body, an airpad supplying millions of bubbles to give an invigorating and refreshing standing massage, plus two giant water fountains to deliver a deep neck and shoulder massage.

Unlike a lot of other spas where you might get bored, there are plenty of facilities to keep you going pretty much until the end of the day.
After basking in the rays and hogging the outdoor hot tubs, we were treated to a gorgeous lunch in one of the upmarket dining rooms.

I opted for the salad buffet – with decadent fresh smoked salmon and plenty of pasta – and my partner had a delicious hot chicken plate with veg.
Of course lunch wouldn’t be the same without some fine wine so we indulged in a few of those before hitting the cocktail bar later on upstairs.

Both of us felt so pampered, preened and refreshed and it’s the perfect indulgent treat if you’ve had a stressful week at work.
It’s just a shame we can’t trek about in our bathrobes more often!

For more information visit https://www.stobocastle.co.uk/

• Overnight stays from £125pppn including all meals and use of the spa facilities.
• Spa Days from £115pp including 2 treatments and lunch.
• Half Days from £65pp including lunch or afternoon tea.