STAY : Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa getaway
I find myself in the last few years visiting Ayrshire quite a few times, especially Troon and for some weird reason, my stat nav loves to take me via Ayrshire on my way to Dumfries and Galloway (I think it likes the coastal scenic routes).
This time my journey took me to Irvine, on the Firth of Clyde coast to The Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa
REVIEW OF THE GAILES SI! SPA SPRING AWAKENING PACKAGE
The thought of time away, relaxing was so appealing and I have to say my face was crying out for a facial. The Spring Awakening Package from Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa is just what we needed.
The Spring Awakening package includes an overnight stay with full Scottish breakfast, two course meal, luxurious ishga Uplifting Facial or Marine Back Treatment, Thermal Suite experience, outdoor spa deck plus a smoothie and fruit skewer in the Si! Spa lounge.
It costs £165 per person based on two people sharing and is available until the 31st May.
Our room offered a comfortable and functional space which would be suitable for both leisure and business travellers. Our twin room had simple yet fairly modern decor, featured two single beds with crisp white linens, and plump pillows. A small table near the window with two chairs provided a convenient chill out space.
The room also includes a flat-screen TV and a hospitality station inside the cupboard with a kettle and tea and coffee. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with a standard shower over the bath (superb shower), fresh towels, and essential toiletries.
They host many a wedding here and we wandered along to their function rooms (all named after mostly Islay Whisky Distilleries like Lagavulin) and then upstairs to their wedding venue with a huge balcony and external sweeping staircase that leads down to a twinkling pagoda in the gardens. The wedding space is also located right next to the penthouse suite, which does look immense.
Coast restaurant perfectly encapsulates the charm of seaside living. As you step through the entrance, you are immediately embraced by the soothing ambiance of the ocean, with soft hues of blue and pale wood adorning the walls and decor. The airy, open-concept layout flows seamlessly between the restaurant and the bar and although the restaurant and bar chatter can make for a noisy space, it retains a sense of calm.
The menu is filled with tantalising descriptions and beautifully laid-out dishes that promise flavours and quality. The food delivered is solid cooking, its not innovative culinary creations, but it does the job.
Fish n Chips were good as was the Sticky Toffee Pudding and breakfast delivered a plate of beautifully scrambled eggs, plenty of salmon, sausages and toast.
We couldn’t get breakfast out the way quick enough as we so wanted to just forget our worries and chill out.
The spa it located in another building approx, 3 minutes walk from the hotel. As you step into the spa, a wave of tranquility washes over you. The subtle fragrance of essential oils hang in the air and, the soft blue lighting and peaceful music created a serene atmosphere, setting the tone for relaxation.
The staff are lovely with warm smiles, and their demeanor instantly putting you at ease. The surroundings across the spa are filled with plush furnishings and tasteful decor exuding a sense of luxury and comfort.
The changing rooms are pristine and lockers are provided as is robes and flip-flops if you haven’t brought your own footwear.
The Thermal Suite has a large vitality pool spanning the entire back space. There's something undeniably indulgent about sinking into the warm, bubbly embrace of a vitality pool/jacuzzi and this was our first treatment we headed for.
Just below the vitality pool is loungers and beyond them is the steam room and sauna. It’s a busy space but there’s enough to go around.
Outside on the deck you’ll find the hydro pool and a seating area around a fire pit. Every corner of this spa is about relaxation and it delivers!
As part of the Spring Awakening package there are two spa treatments to choose from, the ishga facial or the back massage. I indulged in the facial. It’s a gentle art of self-care and from the moment I entered the the tranquil treatment room, I felt the weight of the world slip away. And I have to apologise to my esthetician Holly, as I think I fell asleep!
After 55 minutes of treatment I felt utterly pampered and refreshed. The combination of ishga cleansing, exfoliation, and nourishing masks left my skin glowing and revitalized, while the soothing massages on my arms, shoulders and head melted away any lingering tension. It was a truly restorative experience that left me feeling both physically and mentally uplifted, a reminder of the power of taking time for oneself.
My partner chose the Marine Back Treatment. The therapist worked away tension and knots, using a combination of techniques to promote relaxation and alleviate muscular tightness. The focused attention on the back muscles brought a profound sense of relief and by the end of the session, my partner felt revitalized and rejuvenated.
We were both escorted to the relaxation room where water and herbal tea were available as well as our fruit smoothie and skewers. You can take your time here and really sink into that relaxation even more.
There are various day and overnight packages available from The Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa including Time for Tea which includes use of the thermal suite, outdoor spa deck use, massages and Afternoon Tea OR even the Rise and Shine Package which includes breakfast and only available from 9-11am.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Spring Awakening Spa Package and highly recommend taking time out for yourself alone or as a couple. It’s definitely something I would consider doing again as a couple. There’s a nice mix of participating in activities together and time spent alone during your treatment to get the full benefits of pure bliss.
The Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa, Marine Drive, Irvine, Ayrshire, KA11 5AE www.simpsinns.com
I was invited by The Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa to review their Spring Awakening package.
Food, accommodation and the spa were complimentary but all drinks were paid for.
The views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.
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