Why go there? This splendid four-star hotel has just undergone a £14 million refit. Set in 400 acres of woodland, it also has a fabulous 18-hole golf course. But don't worry that you will end up a golf widow (or widower) – there is
a fabulous spa and fitness centre that can easily occupy you while your other half spoils a good walk.
How do you get there? From Edinburgh, take the M9, then the A876 at the Glasgow/Carlisle exit. The Westerwood is well signposted from the main road, so you can't really miss your turn-off. From Croy station (on the Glasgow-Edinburgh mainline railway), the hotel is just a five-minute taxi ride away.
What's the food like? The Club Bar and Grill, which is upstairs from the spa and fitness centre, offers light meals and snacks at any time of the day, while Flemings Restaurant has a more formal menu. Both the bars offer the opportunity to sit in front of a roaring fire while you look out over the golf course and the Campsie hills.
Bed test The rooms are all beautifully designed, and the very comfortable king-size bed with extra pillows made for an exceptionally good night's sleep – not even the gale-force winds outside could disturb us.
Out and about Although only 12 miles from the centre of Glasgow, the Westerwood doesn't have a great many attractions nearby. The real draw is the variety of pursuits on offer within the complex. Apart from golf and the gym, there are tennis courts for those who really want to work up a sweat. If taking it easy is more your thing, you can relax in the spa, jacuzzi, sauna and steam-rooms – as well as in the great pool.
Little extras No matter how well appointed a hotel is, what really makes it are the staff. They couldn't have been more helpful or welcoming. Another little bonus was the well-designed smoking area, which provided a warm oasis on a particularly blustery night. The calming spa encourages you to relax and fully enjoy your treatment. There is also an area for you to rest after your treatments with wonderful, warmed recliners that just beg for a little snooze.
The bottom line From now until June, the Westerwood is offering a two-night break for two, with dinner on the first night, from £149 per room. This includes unlimited access to the spa, gym suite and beauty treatment rooms.
The full article contains 430 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
