Spa Review

CARRICK SPA AT CAMERON HOUSE, LOCH LOMOND, SCOTLAND

Visited by Louise Emma Clarke

Location: Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ. 01389 755565. www.preferredhotels.com/cameronhouse

Facilities: Cameron House takes your breath away from the moment you step through the revolving doors. Where else would you find décor that befits a traditional Scottish hunting-lodge, with dark, moody lighting, wooden stag’s heads mounted on the walls, roaring fires, and bright tartan upholstery – alongside striking modern touches, like floor-to-ceiling windows, vast plasma televisions, and quirky pieces of art? That is the beauty of this luxury hotel, set on the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland, just 20 minutes drive from Glasgow airport. Cameron House is traditionally Scottish, yet pampers guests with ultra-comfortable bedrooms, impeccable service, and premium dining. The hotel boasts four gourmet restaurants where the food is quite simply to die for, a prize-winning golf course right on its doorstep, incredible views over the Loch, and Carrick Spa just a short shuttle-bus ride away. The spa has won the title of Scotland’s best hotel spa for two years in a row – and it’s easy to see why… The facilities are extensive, including Infra Red Sauna, Sauna, Caldarium, Tepidarium, Hydro therapy pool, Aromatherapy steam room, Hammam steam room, and Experience showers – alongside a 20-metre pool, Jacuzzi, Hydrotherapy pool, and an utterly stunning rooftop infinity pool, which looks out over the Loch and surrounding mountains. The tempting choice of treatments is perfect for easing tired muscles and refreshing weary minds – whilst the relaxation room is possibly the most indulgent you will ever come across, with single beds to fall into and the biggest, fluffiest duvets to climb under until you are ready again to face the outside world.

Ambience: At Cameron House, designer gladrags meet wellington boots, romantic breaks meet family holidays, and dreamy spa treatments meet muddy walks around the Loch. The place feels incredibly luxurious, yet there isn’t an ounce of stuffiness. Babies in prams sit alongside parents enjoying a posh meal for two, whilst dogs pass you in the corridors as you totter in high heels to your dinner date. Just like the open fires crackling away at every turn, the place is warm, welcoming, and strangely addictive.

Treatment Tested: Classic Massage, £80 for 50 minutes.
Comfort Zone – a premium Italian product range that aims to create a synergy between nature and science – is only offered at the finest spas, so I knew I was in for a treat. The massage itself was nothing out of the ordinary, but that isn’t what I wanted – instead, I simply wanted to switch off, whilst a talented therapist kneaded away knots and stresses. That is exactly what I got, as my shoulders, back, legs, feet, arms, and hands were treated to an indulgent massage, with a relaxing blend of essential oils. I drifted off to sleep during the massage, yet jumped down from the treatment bed feeling energised and refreshed.

Cameron House is currently offering spa breaks from just £115 per person, including overnight accommodation, full Scottish breakfast, a relaxing 30 minute refresher facial, 30 minute classic massage, thermal experience, and lunch in the café spa. Click here for details.