Birthday celebrations at Stobo Castle
Up in Dumfries & Galloway visiting Mrs HB’s parents for our birthdays in February (they’re only a week apart), I was pleasantly delighted and intrigued to be whisked away for a spa day at Stobo Castle. After a drive through some spectacular scenery and some very winding roads, it was actually quite a relief to pull into the long sweeping driveway of this old rustic castle with beautiful architecture and history, nestled amongst the scenic Scottish Borders.
It was a very chilly day so we didn’t linger for too long to take in the breathtaking views, but needless to say the castle is surrounded by miles of countryside with sheep grazing peacefully and the odd rabbit or two bob-bobbitting around the lawns.
If you’ve not been to Stobo Castle before, the reception area can seem a little daunting because it’s not clear immediately where you need to go, and there didn’t seem to be anyone to greet us. However, the reception – an atrium courtyard – is a lovely, calming open area with comfy looking sofas and, wait for it, a tree in the middle of the room with twinkling little lanterns that create a beautiful focal point to the room.
It didn’t take long for a member of staff to see that we were looking a little lost. She guided to the sofas, checked us in and gave us a moment to gather our goods and chattels before heading to the changing rooms to don our swimming gear. Walking down the corridor, you get your first glimpse of the spa area and it’s impressive to say the least. A good sized pool surrounded on one side by a floor to ceiling expanse of glass with the most amazing views across the Scottish hills. I couldn’t wait to get in there!
The changing rooms are modern, clean and functional – and offer large lockers for all your stuff. I think the only thing that annoyed me a little is that they’re not digital lockers with a code, so we were forced to wear our respective keys throughout the stay. For a luxury spa destination, it’s a small change to make and would definitely make a difference; no-one wants to feel like they’re back at their local council swimming pool…
Stunning scenery awaits you at Stobo Castle
On entering the spa, you get your first full experience of the views. The wide expanse of the grounds, with trees lining the gardens and the snow-speckled mountains beyond are quite something to behold, and I lost myself in those views several times during the day! It’s your very own muted landscape which changes with the seasons; I can see why people keep coming back.
The swimming pool itself is a good temperature and astoundingly clean. There’s plenty of room to actually swim lengths without disturbing other guests dotted around the edges. And when you’re done getting wrinkly, you can chillax on one of the many loungers and watch the scenery shift and changes under the scudding clouds.
Afternoon tea in your dressing gown!
It is evident that a visit to Stobo Castle is all about relaxation.
As part of our spa day, Mrs HB had booked us in for afternoon tea which means leaving the spa area and pottering into the main part of the castle to the dining areas. The fact that you can just wander around the entire place in your fluffy white dressing gown and slippers is another acknowledgment that the So Stobo experience is all about relaxing and releasing yourself from the stresses of the outside world.
In my opinion the food and beverages side of the spa is secondary. The afternoon tea was simply okay. We had a good selection of teas – herbal or otherwise – to choose from. But the sandwiches and sweet treats lacked finesse, and the scones were rock solid, and the service was extremely poor with one member of staff very occasionally bothering to put their head through the door to see if we were still alive. The view from our table across the grounds was probably more spectacular.
A luxury spa experience at So Stobo
In my opinion, forget the afternoon tea and make the most of the spa facilities instead. Which we did. There’s a lovely steam room in one corner of the swimming pool area which allows you to sweat to your hearts’ content whilst looking out over the views. Mrs HB tells me it could have been a bit hotter but that’s personal taste and I guess they have to cater for everyone. The Swedish sauna was also pleasant enough but nothing to write home about. We were there on a quiet day so we had the facilities almost to ourselves, but I can imagine it getting very congested on a busy day.
Whilst Mrs HB is very happy whiling away her time in saunas and steam rooms, I like a hot tub. And these were in their own separate area outside. There are three hot tubs, all fairly close together, sheltered under a gazebo with trailing flowers and fairy lights which probably provide more ambience as the evening draws in. But you can still relax and enjoy the views of the landscaped gardens and hills beyond. Bliss.
What I hadn’t realised is that the ladies get something a little bit extra – a crystal steam room and an aromatic steam room in their changing area PLUS a laconium, two experience showers and an ice fountain! What about us men, huh??!
There’s also a relaxation room but we didn’t get to use it unfortunately as it was undergoing some maintenance work. And the hydro spa was also out of action which was a shame. Perhaps that’s one of the downsides of coming in the quieter months… but to be honest, the peace and relaxation due to the lack of other people can’t be sniffed at.
Exit spectacularly to gin and flames
Suitably wrinkled and relaxed, and with the time ticking on and the sun fully set (Mrs HB had booked for us to go out to dinner elsewhere), we went and got changed. To finish off our day in style we decided to make our way to the bar area for a quick drink. The whole spa area transforms in the evening and makes it all look that little bit more luxurious (if that’s possible). Neon blue lights ‘glow up’ the pool area, and the bar, overlooking the swimming pool, is backlit in a soft tiki-style, helping the sense of relaxation rather than party atmosphere.
There’s a good drinks menu here serving a range of gins as well as every other cocktail under the sun if you so desire. But we only had time for the one drink before reluctantly dragging ourselves back outside to the car. Our departure was no less memorable than our arrival. The wild flaming torches beside the doors is a superb addition to the spectacle of Stobo Castle, before plunging yourself into the freezing cold of the Scottish countryside for a meander through darkened valleys once more.
My only regret about my day? That we didn’t stay the night to get the full Stobo Castle experience. Now that’s a lesson, and one I look forward to learning more about when I come back.
The Hospitality Boss Rating
Overall rating (out of 5)
