My friend decided that she was too sophisticated for the traditional Hen Night featuring L plates, a veil, a stripper and sambuca shots a plenty and instead opted for a spa weekend at Stobo Castle. It hard work being a bridesmaid and getting dragged to luxury castle spas *sigh*. As much as there is nothing wrong with Stobo Castle I don't really see what all the fuss is about either. It has to be Scotland's most famous spa but I personally believe there are much better ones out there. I prefer a little hidden gem to Stobo which is advertised on the TV and full of tourists. In saying that though if you do decide to visit Stobo I don't think you necessarily be disappointed. A previous reviewer mentioned that the modern spa extension which has been attached onto the side of the castle blends seamlessly but personally I have to disagree. I think nothing is more magical than a Scottish castle and this ugly big thing on the side spoils the illusion for me. The castle is hidden amongst the beautiful Scottish borders countryside and as you drive up to the castle the place just oozes idyllic calm: that is until you see the huge big extension on the side which looks like a public swimming pool. The rooms you can stay in are ok, a little bit beige and bland. I would describe them as comfortable as opposed to luxurious. The spa treatments on offer are ok. There is nothing particularly out of the ordinary but all the usual suspects are there. However I was expecting a bit more from Scotland's most famous spa. I found the interior to be a little bit like a very expensive and posh mental hospital and the fact that everyone was wandering around looking disturbingly calm in dressing gowns only added to this image. The facilities were decent and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. I definitely felt more chilled out after our weekend at Stobo but I have to be honest and say a little bit disappointed that the real thing didn't live up to my grand expectations. read more

Lost a bit of its sparkle Can't believe I am not raving about my Stobo Castle experiences as I did in my previous visit unfortunately this time I can't, this was my second visit and my daughters fourth and both of us discussed there are some issues . We initially booked to stay in castle rooms which are located just a short walk away from the main castle, on arrival at our designated room we were shocked at the standard of the room it was no more than premier inn room. We called reception and asked to me moved to main castle, we paid an upgrade price of £10 each, however we feel let down by reception staff as they didn't ask at any point why we wanted to move rooms, therefore we didn't have an opportunity to give them our thoughts. Room changed, we quickly unpacked and headed to the spa area, this as usual was superb, facilities exactly the same as previous visits, one small point is that it was quite untidy and there were no staff around to clean up Dinner is between 6&8pm we decided not to join other guests but dined as a 2. Starters were okay, mains however were not great, extremely fatty lamb chops, oily gravy, a fennel side dish which was strange. We also noticed that other diners had different veg on their dishes surely all lamb plates should be served the same? When our plates where being cleared we were asked how the food was we politely gave our views only to be told lamb by it's nature is a fatty meat, we are well aware that lamb is fatty but there are methods to stop this being served to guests! Breakfast was ok next morning but we felt that all the cooked items had been in an oven for a wee bit too long Lunch in departure day was nice, we opted for cold buffet we were surprised to see fatty lamb chops being served again only this time they were cold New addition of the cocktail bar is great Not sure what has changed but it most definitely wasn't as good as our previous visits and at around £300 per night for 2 it's not the cheapest read more

As a treat to my mother after an operation I booked us both into the one and only Cashmere Suite in Stobo Castle. It is simply a fantastic way to re-coup from an operation - fantastically comfortable queen sized beds, large lounge room with a remote panel controlling the lights and the television. A bath that fits 5 adults in it (yes we actually tested this theory after a class on Holistic remedies on the first night (although fully clothed and lots of laughter) The meals are second to none - breakfast has an array of fresh fruit, cereals, hot food, porridge anything you could possibly want. Lunch is again healthy and filling, and dinner leaves you feeling satisfied. The gym and pool area are first class with classes if you wish and if exercise isn't for you then perhaps the jacuzzi and rain showers will ease your stresses. The therapies are vast in the spa and the variety is staggering. The therapists are fantastic and very professional... A very enjoyable stay.... read more

Just past Peebles and you are in the middle of nowhere! There are a few packages to choose from, but we had the "Ladies day". This consisited of a facial with a small massage (hands& arms or head or feet) and getting your nails done. The facial was so relaxing - and it helped rejuvenate my skin too! The massage was short but sweet! I could of done with a Body massage but hey! I love my nails though - it's a rare thing to get my nails done as I bake! We went down to the Japanese garden which was beautiful but it does need some TLC as some of the bridges are worse for wear and some areas are cornered off but eventually a delight. It has steeping stones and some lovely plant specimens too! Do wear trainers though! I would say it's quite expensive and i wasn't overly impressed with the lunch. the Courgette and butterbean soup was far too peppery, the tomato and basil linguini dish was just lacking essential flavours for a pasta dish - I'm married to and Itailian so i can russle up a good tomato sauce for a pasta! The pudding was a-ok. They have afternoon tea for 14.95 and one with champagne 19.95? (although give me procescco any day) that i would like to give a try plus they have other treatment packages that I would like to book that offer a full massage and other treatments So it's ok but i've been to another spa and I would choose that over Stobo. It's nice but I'm not quite sure what all this fuss is all about!! read more

Lovely place highly recommended the best spa we've been to ! Food was fantastic and lots of it and choice was fantastic lots and lots of staff to look after you and very helpful . Place was immaculately clean well done Stobo the choice of treatments to was really good and the hot tubs were outside we went out in good old fashioned Scottish rain and it was better than in the sun hot tubs were immaculately clean and wow hot hot hot read more

This is located just outside Pebbles it is a health spa. It is open for day visits and overnight stays. I got a gift voucher and used it last year and what a place. There is a nice drive up and it is a castle with turrets. The ground is nice to walk in. There is a Japenese Garden that has a lovely waterfall it is so relaxing here but it is a short walk. The car park is directly outside the entrance where there are boys waiting to take your luggage from the car into the hotel. They also take it to your car after your stay. The reception is up a small flight of stairs and then you enter the hallway and find yourself met with a lovely staircase that splits half way up to go either right or left. There are 3 dining rooms, a library type room with a log fire and newspapers etc. I found it strange as we arrived for an overnight we had to go for a bit of a wonder as we were too early and the room was not ready so I felt overdressed the amount of people walking around in robes. It was strange and felt slightly like a hospital. There is a wee shop where you can purchase soft toys, robes and various shampoos and creams that are used during treatments. The treatments are best to be booked in advance so your sure of getting what you want. The rooms are a good size and the bathroom was lovely and spacious. You get a robe to use and slippers. The swimming pool is a good size with big clear windows that look out onto the lawn, there is a sauna, big jaquizzi and showers which have various options including tropical rain. There are a variety of other rooms. This is truly a relaxing place to stay I would recommend staying over though as you will get so much more from your experience. The food is good we sampled two dining rooms both of which were a good size as you get tea, breakfast and lunch. The price of your visit or stay will vary depending on the treatments although the pool is included in the price. The rooms vary to rooms with restricted views because of the turrets to the more luxurious rooms. A truly relaxing experience just enjoy! read more

Steven Wynyard the owner should be ashamed of his employees. They clearly have insufficient training in dealing with any customer requests. I live near Stobo and a friend had taken me as a guest when I first moved here. Despite noticing the women's bathroom had a terrible odor and was dirty and having to deal with the increased traffic which Stobo causes on the country road it sits off of on a daily basis, I decided I was going to join at the behest of my physio who thought the pool and spa would be good for my knee. I went in on a mid week late afternoon to inquire ready to hand over 65 a month for the membership. There were 3 people in the lobby sitting on the chairs reading and a lady at the desk. I said I was interested in joining and she said "I don't deal with that". Well why are you sitting at the reception desk then was what I should have said, but instead I asked if I could speak with someone who did. She called someone who proceeded to tell me through her they were "full". But then she told me I'm not sure if this person knows if we are "full" or not. I'm sure I gave her a funny look because number one you don't treat a customer trying to pay you money like that and two I've belonged to clubs and gyms from Florida to London and have never heard of a club that was "full". But never say never so I said, "Is there someone I can speak to who does know?" This person was not welcoming and made me feel like I was wasting her time and obviously couldn't answer my question. She asked me to have a seat which I did on a very dirty unkempt sofa. While I was waiting 2 other customers came to sit down next to me at the little table. Another lady came out and introduced herself to me and right in front of these other people said, "I don't think there is room for you". The other people looked bewildered and so was I, so I said, "what do you mean no room?" It made me feel very weird and unwelcome especially in front of other customers. She offered me no solutions, had no diplomacy or tact, and didn't explain how anything worked and clearly had no people skills. On top of all that, she then proceeded to offer me an application and a tour of the spa?!?!?! WHAT?!?! Why the hell would you do that when you just told someone there was "no room for them"?!?!? A customer doesn't want to be told and shown here look at all this stuff we have that we refuse to take your money for. Come on I'm not stupid. There is plenty of room, you all are trying to keep it looking "exclusive" is the problem. In order to extract myself from this awkward situation and the other customers sitting next to me who were equally as confused as I was about why my money was apparently not good enough, I asked if we could get up and go over to the desk where I offered my number and email. The lady proceeded to tell me she would try to get someone to contact me and explain if there was "room or not". At this point I didn't give a damn and my money will never go within a mile of that place again. What SHOULD have happened was someone with good customer service skills and training about all aspects of the spa should be at the reception desk to greet customers with a smile and problem solving can do attitude. They should NEVER act like it is a problem when someone wants to spend money and should NEVER communicate from someone else through the phone. The fitness person who came out to talk with me should have one, asked to speak with me at the desk were other customers were not sitting right next to me, and two, had tact and said.....our membership list accommodates XXX number of people and is full right now because XXXXX and we expect an opening in XXXX time. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, may I add your name to the waiting list? One of our managers will call and keep you updated. Again, our deepest apologies thank you for your understanding. As a person attempting to spend money at your business I should never have been treated that way and shouldn't have to type out what good customer service sounds like. Deplorable. If the people who are here to greet customers and make them feel welcome and good about spending money at a place can't do their jobs, then what about the rest of the employees?!?!?! Now I see why the bathrooms were so gross on my guest visit. Do yourself a big favor and never spend money at this place. I sure will not be going back anytime, ever. Go somewhere where they pride themselves on their jobs and ability to make people feel welcome. Pretentious attitudes don't deserve my money and neither does a business with poor employee training. read more