Just metres from the M80, the last thing I expected to find at the Westerwood Hotel was a four-star hotel to spa my troubles away.
But in booking a cheeky overnight stay for myself and a girlfriend at the north-east Glasgow Hilton Doubltree, that’s exactly what we found.
Great location for an adventure
The hotel – part of the global hotel franchise – is around 14 miles north-east of Glasgow city centre. Just over two hours’ drive from Aberdeen, the Westerwood is a familiar sight for anyone driving in Scotland’s central belt.
Nestled behind nearby houses, it overlooks Kilsyth, Cumbernauld and the Campsie Hills. A modern hotel, it boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by none other than Seve Ballesteros.
We opted for a dinner, bed and breakfast package in the sprawling accommodation. Including an impressive pool, spa, two restaurants and an array of contemporary bedrooms, every budget and family configuration is catered for.
A stone’s throw to Stirling and commuting distance to the capital it offers guests the perfect vantage. Whether exploring historic Scotland or for something considerably less energetic, the in-house Elemis spa or homely bar area is just the ticket.
Relaxed and welcoming
Arriving early evening after making the most of Glasgow’s still thriving city centre, our best hope was a warm and welcoming country-style hotel where we’d be as welcome in plaid and Ugg boots as we would be in something more formal.
Right away we knew we had found the right place. An open fire was blazing in the foyer as we were shown to a deluxe room. An extra large bed meant my friend and I would have a comfortable stay sharing the facilities. Fluffy bath robes and a spacious bathroom added to the sense of luxury.
Keen to sample the food we were shown to the Grill restaurant. As guests on a dinner, bed and breakfast package we could choose from the more formal Flemings restaurant menu or sample that of the Grill.
Fabulous food
We plumped for the full menu but ate in the less formal space. Surrounded by muted earthy tones the decor put us at ease as we settled in to a relaxed evening.
With a plan to share the dishes, we ordered a beautiful plate of vegan halloumi which arrived garnished with baba ganoush, roasted beetroot, sunflower seeds and a red pepper dressing.
Alongside this we also chose crispy fried salt and pepper squid served with a chilli and coriander mayonnaise. Both delish, it was the baba ganoush and cheese that stole the show.
Next came crispy battered fish and chips, times two. Plans to try different dishes were abandoned on hearing the crunch of the mouth-watering batter on the plate of a nearby diner. We were right to double down on a good old fish supper!
Served with tartare sauce, mushy peas and a wedge of lemon, the large portion was scrumptious – and the perfect accompaniment on our chilled-out night away.
With no expectation to rush away we took our time before opting for a vanilla creme brulee and my personal favourite, affogato.
What’s not to love about a decadent scoop of luxe vanilla ice cream and a shot of espresso to pour over?
A friend joined us for drinks as we whiled the night away in the bar.
Westerwood Hotel spa
Next morning, after a full Scottish breakfast – though healthier options were available in the vast buffet – we headed straight to the hotel spa. Located beside the impressive pool, the spa facilities shared the changing rooms for the hotel gym and anyone coming for a swim. However, on changing into our robes we were invite to enter the roomier, and more private, spa waiting area.
Treatments range from 25-minute options starting at £55, to 120-minute experiences for £159pp midweek.
We chose two 50-minute treatments each, taken back-to-back.
Having never in my life had a facial it was my top priority. Though it turned out the “deeper than deep” hot stone massage would have the greatest impact.
Taken in a treatment room with calming music and a warmed bed, the therapist was phenomenal, even recommending YouTube videos to improve posture and wellbeing.
We followed our time with a quiet stay in the post-treatment relaxation room. Sealing the sense that we really had left the real world – and real worries – behind.
Near to the hotel
A definite gem in an ideal location, we’ve already decided to return to the Westerwood in the spring. Advised to keep an eye on the website for upcoming sales, offers can start at £199pp including a spa treatment.
From the hotel, a shopping trip to Glasgow would be easily accessible by Uber, train or car.
As would a trip to historic Stirling to see the castle or Wallace Monument.
For more niche activities, wild swimmers might like a dip in Pinkston Watersports’ canal in the heart of Glasgow. Or a visit to Eden Leisure Village for team-building activities such as archery, and tossing the caber Highland Games-style.
Colzium House in nearby Kilsyth boasts an impressive walled Victorian Garden and the hotel itself is just a few hundred yards from a bustling garden centre.
From arriving tired we left relaxed, full of good food and with a desire to come back. You can’t say much better than that.
Travel facts
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort
1 St Andrews Dr, Cumbernauld, Glasgow G68 0EW
Web: thewesterwoodhotel.co.uk
Tel: 01236 457171
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