SERENITY AT STOBO CASTLE - Monday 08 June 2009
By Lorraine Marshalsey
Located among the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, Stobo Castle Spa Resort offers a very welcoming retreat from everyday life, whether that be the tranquil surroundings, the relaxation, pampering, exercise or toning available within the Spa or the good food. At Stobo you are very welcome to arrive early, as we did. Although we knew our room would not be ready for a couple of hours we were warmly greeted and invited to explore the grounds or have tea or coffee in the Coffee Shop which is located in the Spa Reception area - a charming light and spacious lounge area with ample sofas and chairs. An impressive patina fountain resides in the centre of the reception, which only adds to the ambience.
To begin with we explored the external grounds of Stobo Castle Spa Resort to gain our bearings and we were suitably impressed with the perfectly manicured grounds and the spectacular façade of the Castle itself. A wonderful wood carving resides in the grounds, with woodland walks nearby and it was pleasure to have the young lambs and calves wandering so freely closeby. A summerhouse stores mountain bikes and helmets, which are available for all to use at their leisure. We then decided to head towards the Japanese Water Garden for more delightful exploration. We were taken aback by this beautiful, mature "Secret Garden" with all its wonderful foliage and winding, hap-hazard paths and foot bridges. A 22ft waterfall and a pleasant summer house hidden amongst the trees were a enjoyable discovery.
Upon returning to the Castle, we were informed our room was ready and we were given such an attentive and friendly service at all times and were personally escorted to our room up the very grand main sweeping staircase. The Maitland Suite follows the rich décor and attention to detail which is evident throughout the whole of the Castle. Stobo has been beautifully restored and the opulent Cashmere Suite is the ultimate luxurious haven with "his and her's" four poster beds and an immense oval limestone bath.
Our next rendezvous was to venture into the Spa and we weren't disappointed. The size and variety of facilities here is as breath-taking as the Castle itself. There is a Spa Shop stocking every brand of luxurious skincare products used by the therapists and then some. On the ground floor here is the 25m Ozone Swimming pool, Aerobics Studio, Hydro Spa (incorporating jets of water for an invigorating massage), Treatments Rooms, Ladies Health Suite, Gentlemens Health Suite and Crystal Steam Room (with Eucalyptas and Menthol). Located in the Ladies Health Suite is the Laconium, which is my personal favourite and incorporates a relaxing dry heat and soothing music, the Aromatherapy Steam Room (with Lavender) and the Experience Shower (with its Head, Rain and Tropic settings). On the first floor resides the Hair Studio, Nail & Make Up Bar and Gym.
I experienced the Darphin Haute Couture Body Treatment, administered by the lovely Adele and I wasn't disappointed. This treatment incorporated a ten minute decompression of my facial pressure points, full body exfoliation and body wrappings using Darphin products followed by deep tissue and aromatherapy massage of the full body, I literally floated back to our room afterwards! My husband had chosen the MarineCalm experience, which consists of a luxurious face and body treatment to relieve tension and stress using massage oil and relaxing serum along with the application of Thermal Self-heating Mud. Male Therapists are also now employed at Stobo - an excellent idea.
Eating well is another superior aspect that Stobo excels in with the relaxed and informal dining adding to the calm atmosphere. A variety of high quality dishes to satisfy were on offer, along with fine wine and champagne.
It's the personal touches that really make a difference at Stobo and nothing has been forgotten in the detail or the service. Stobo Castle caters for everyone - a romantic haven for couples, a pampering experience for that special birthday or anniversary or perhaps to those just needing a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. Whether single or as part of group, Stobo Castle Spa Resort offers the gold at the end of the rainbow. Day visits such as the Spa Taster Day and half-day visits (the Morning Chill Out or Lazy Afternoon breaks) are available to book along with a variety of Residential Packages. I shall be rushing back there very soon I can assure you....
