Few hotels in Scotland are as iconic as Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa. A five-star oasis in the heart of Glasgow, it’s become the go-to destination for A-listers, discerning travellers, and those craving a restorative escape without leaving the city.
With a recent seven-figure spa renovation and the just-launched Stay Well programme, the hotel is making a name for itself as one of Scotland’s best wellness retreats.
I had the chance to experience their Stay Well programme firsthand as part of a press trip, and let’s just say: this is not your average hotel stay. From reiki sessions and free LED face masks to Scotland’s first snow shower, wellness is truly at the heart of the experience.
A morning of mindfulness
The day began with a beautifully curated healthy breakfast spread—think fresh fruit, granola, energising smoothies, and nourishing options that set the tone for a day of self-care. After fuelling up, we were introduced to guest practitioner Jade Mordente of Calm and Chaos for a session of breathwork and crystal Reiki.
Reiki, for those unfamiliar, is a gentle, non-invasive technique that promotes deep relaxation and stress relief by activating the body’s own healing systems. The experience, which can also be booked at the Blythswood Square Spa (from £110 for 55 minutes), focuses on releasing energy blocks, restoring balance, and reconnecting with the mind, body, and spirit—exactly what I needed before heading to the spa.
The Spa: Two hours of total bliss
If you haven’t visited The Spa at Blythswood Square before, you’ve got to put it on your list. It is absolutely worth a visit. The space, which underwent a stunning renovation in 2023, draws inspiration from the Scottish Hebrides. Each thermal journey is designed for a different wellness goal, blending hot and cold therapies for deep relaxation.
My personal favourites? The Hirta sauna infused with ishga essences, which provided a deeply calming heat experience, the amethyst-infused steam room, which felt like a cocoon of warmth, and the jacuzzi-style hydrotherapy pool, perfect for soothing tired muscles. The variety of thermal rooms means there’s something for every wellness goal, from detoxification to relaxation.
Scotland’s first snow shower was a thrilling contrast to the spa’s warmth. Stepping from the sauna into the icy mist felt invigorating, boosting circulation and leaving me refreshed. The Himalayan salt room, designed for respiratory health, added to the experience, while the heated tepidarium loungers offered deep relaxation. With these features, this spa stands out as one of Glasgow’s best wellness experiences.
Treatments at The Spa
After soaking in the spa, I moved on to the ishga Hot Stone Massage (£110 for 55 minutes). The therapist placed heated basalt stones on chakra energy points, allowing tension to melt away almost instantly. ishga’s award-winning organic skincare, packed with hand-harvested Scottish seaweed, was massaged into my skin, leaving it soft and nourished.
The combination of warmth, pressure, and seaweed-infused oils created an immersive, almost meditative experience. I walked out feeling weightless, relaxed, and completely recharged. If you want a massage that goes beyond surface-level relaxation, this is the one to book.
For those looking for other luxurious treatments, the spa also offers:
- ishga Sound Therapy (from £140 for 80 minutes): This treatment transports you to the tranquil Hebrides, helping you find inner calm, clarity, and deep relaxation. An invigorating exfoliation is followed by a soothing back, neck, and shoulder massage incorporating hot stones to work at a deeper level before a lifting facial and hot oil scalp massage. The experience is delivered alongside an ishga Sound Therapy composition created by sound wellness brand, Swell.
- ishga Luxury Facial (from £140 for 80 minutes): This indulgent facial uses the regenerating and hydrating properties of Hebridean seaweed to nourish the skin. It features three active masks to exfoliate, nourish, and protect, while a lifting facial massage and lymphatic drainage techniques rejuvenate the face and upper body, infusing the skin with essential vitamins and minerals.
A luxurious stay in the Garden View Suite
After my spa experience, I headed to my room—one of the Garden View Suites overlooking Blythswood Square Gardens—and wow, what a space! The suite featured a massive, cloud-like bed, a pull-out couch, and a spacious lounge area, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a little extra space. If you’ve got little ones who love to run around, need room for a social gathering, or want a space for getting ready with the girls, this suite ticks all the boxes.
This is where the Stay Well programme really came in handy. I was heading out to iasg, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, with a friend, so I made use of the LED face mask before dinner. This was a welcome upgrade from my LED mask at home—it also had a head massage function, which was absolutely delightful. I was also given some luxury face masks to prep my skin before heading out. And, as someone who always forgets hair tools when travelling, I was seriously impressed that I could just call reception and request a curling iron as part of the ‘Forgot It? We’ve Got It’ initiative.
The list of essentials available was extensive, covering everything from nail clippers, razors, tweezers, and lint rollers to mobile phone chargers, humidifiers, and stain remover wipes. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves when hotels don’t provide basic travel necessities, so Kimpton gets major points for this attention to detail.
Each room also comes with a mini fridge, which can be stocked with your favourite snacks and drinks—just let them know in advance. Plus, there’s a yoga mat in every room, making it easy to squeeze in a private stretch session or guided workout.
Wellness beyond The Spa
As part of the Stay Well programme, guests have access to personalised workouts via the Technogym app, designed to fit individual fitness levels and goals. While the gym doesn’t have a treadmill, Kimpton offers Urban Trails, curated walking, running, and cycling routes through Glasgow’s most scenic spots.
Exploring Glasgow has never been easier—or healthier. The hotel even provides complimentary Kimpton bikes, perfect for a leisurely ride or a high-energy city adventure. And after a long day of exploring, you can use the Recovery Wave Boots, Theraguns, and Therabody foam rollers—all totally free of charge.
Dining at iasg
This was truly an indulgent and luxurious dining experience. I’d been to iasg for drinks before, but this was my first time dining, and it did not disappoint. We shared Iasg focaccia with whipped fennel butter to start, followed by my seared lamb cutlet with roast carrot, pressed shoulder, chimichurri, and chard. For sides, we went for the BBQ tender stem broccoli with crispy garlic, chilli, and hazelnut and the crispy fried potatoes with dashi mayo, crispy onions, and sesame.
Every dish was packed with flavour, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails, it was the perfect way to end a super relaxing day.
A perfect night’s sleep
After dinner, it was time to retreat to my suite, and let me tell you—that bed was heaven. I completely melted into it and did not want to leave. I struggle with sleeping in hotels due to random noises, noisy neighbours, or people walking in the corridors, but Kimpton make sure the experience is silent and undisturbed.
Another bonus? Their partnership with Swell Sound Therapy. Guests can download the app for free, which offers a range of calming sounds to help with sleep—and it’s yours to keep even after checkout. For those who need extra help, Kimpton also offers restorative sleep patches from celebrity acupuncturist Ross J. Barr. These patches help with relaxation, breathing, and pain relief, making it easier to drift off into a deep, uninterrupted slumber.
For anyone looking to maintain wellness while travelling—or simply indulge in the ultimate self-care retreat—Kimpton Blythswood Square is the place to be. Visit kimptonblythswoodsquare.com to book, rates start from £190 bed & breakfast.
