Our Review of Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort: A Luxurious Escape In The Scottish Countryside

Looking for a luxury countryside spa hotel near Glasgow with real heritage behind it? Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort has a rich and fascinating history. Originally built in 1926 by Sir James Lithgow as a gift for his wife and family, the house was designed by renowned Scottish architect Alexander Nisbet Paterson before later becoming a hotel in 1974. Today, its historic setting is paired with modern luxury including an 18-hole golf course overlooking the Clyde and Ben Lomond, complemented by a four-hole academy course and a 300 yard practice ground. 

We visited the weekend before Christmas to experience the festive atmosphere and explore the newly refurbished Imperia Spa. This is a multi million pound renovation unveiled in 2025 that features a Pink Himalayan salt sauna, aroma steam room, sensory showers, an ice fountain and a beautifully designed relaxation room with heated loungers. And yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. 

Gleddoch hotel is an inviting sight.

Room Quality and Comfort 

Room: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Our suite was elegant, spacious and beautifully presented, with festive touches that made the stay feel extra special. Check in at 3pm was smooth, and our room struck the perfect balance between luxury and warmth. After exploring the grounds, it was a lovely haven to relax in. 

Dining Highlights at Vista Restaurant 

Vista Restaurant is a true standout at Gleddoch, offering dramatic panoramic views over the golf course and rolling countryside. The atmosphere blends relaxed comfort with refined dining, and the focus on locally sourced Scottish produce made the festive menu feel warm, seasonal and beautifully curated. 

Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

• Chicken liver parfait (£11.95) - with pistachio crumb, plum and apple chutney and chargrilled sourdough. The parfait was smooth and delicately rich, with the pistachio crumb adding texture and the chutney bringing a sweet tang that balanced the dish perfectly. 
  
• Breast of chicken (£22.95) - served alongside wild mushrooms, baby spinach, roasted shallot puree, glazed shallots, fondant potato and crispy chicken skin. The chicken was tender and flavourful, paired with earthy mushrooms and a velvety shallot puree. The fondant potato and crisp chicken skin added richness and contrast, creating a comforting yet elevated winter dish. 
  
• Sticky toffee pudding (£8) - warm, soft sponge, a glossy butterscotch sauce and cool vanilla ice cream made this a festive classic delivered beautifully - served with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream. 
• Full Scottish breakfast (£19.95, including continental spread) - enjoyed in Vista Restaurant, this breakfast was generous and hearty, featuring all the traditional favourites and the same sweeping countryside views to start the day.

• Prosecco (£7.50) - to begin the evening, we sipped this crisp, light and perfectly chilled drink, adding a celebratory touch to the start of dinner with those stunning views. 
  
• A custom made non-alcoholic cocktail - later in the night, I enjoyed a bespoke tipple crafted with elderflower and tailored to my flavour preferences. Refreshing, beautifully balanced and a lovely option for guests wanting something sophisticated without alcohol. 

The views were just as good as the food at Vista Restaurant.

Spa and Wellness Experience 

The newly refurbished Imperia Spa is genuinely exceptional and a clear testament to the investment made in 2025. Its panoramic views, outdoor features and contemporary interiors create a soothing and serene environment that feels like a destination in its own right. 

The spa includes: 
• Pink Himalayan salt sauna 
• Aroma steam room 
• Sensory showers 
• Ice fountain 
• Relaxation room with heated loungers 
• Outdoor saunas and a hot box overlooking the Clyde 
• Steam rooms and infrared sauna 
• A stylish spa cocktail bar offering an extra touch of indulgence 

Treatment Highlight 

We booked the Drift Away Full Body Massage with Becca using Elemis 'Drift Away' oil. It was deeply relaxing, personalised and focused on relieving tension. Afterwards, unwinding in the outdoor hot box, infrared sauna and hot stone beds made the whole experience feel indulgent and restorative.