You wouldn't think you were just 15 miles from Glasgow on entering the sweeping driveway that leads to Cameron House, surrounded by lush green woodland, majestic mountains and perched directly on the banks of Loch Lomond, city life seems a million miles away. Walking through the doors of the Castle-esque hotel a warm and bustling welcome awaits. Think roaring fires, dark woods, tartan prints - on both furnishings and staff - Scottish charm and tradition ooze. Observe closely and you may even spot the odd Hare's head peeking down at you... Cameron House is much more than a traditional Scottish hotel though. Scattered family-friendly lodges fringe the edge of the colossal Loch - which, incidentally, sports two Seaplanes should you wish to peruse the waters and islands in style. And a championship golf course, Marina, Michelin star restaurant and an award winning, state of the art spa span the estate.
The Room
We stayed in one of the hotels sumptuous Whiskey Suites - housed in the original building and styled in a rich traditional decor - the bathroom was a bonny Scottish retreat in itself with it's centrepiece of a free standing tartan tiled bath and product basket full to the brim with offerings from luxury aromatherapy brand Arran Aromatics. The real wow factor emerged however when we stepped on to our private balcony - stunned with a panoramic view of Loch Lomand and the Highlands beyond.
The Spa
A short (complementary) ride away from the main house and lodges, The Spa at Cameron House spans three serene floors of the estates golf clubhouse, two of which house the vast thermal and hydrotherapy circuits, complete with a 35 jet stream pool. Facilities include an infrared sauna, aroma steam, Hammam, mud rasul, spa cafe, 17 treatment rooms and the spas piece de resistance - a bubbling outdoor rooftop infinity hot tub with views of the woodland, mountains and Loch - and yes it is actually as amazing as it sounds.
The Treatment
Vichy Experience - ESPA
A new offering at the spa, the ESPA Vichy Experience is literally two hours of hydrotherapy bliss. The treatment begins with an invigorating foot scrub of sea salt, sweet almond oil, menthol and lime followed by a detoxifying grapefruit and eucalyptus salt body scrub. The Vichy Shower (which runs continuously for an HOUR over the whole body!) is then used in combination with a light pressure rosemary and peppermint aromatherapy massage. As you can imagine, my skin felt like it had literally been laden in silk...
Other Treatments Include: Carita Facials, ESPA for Men, ESPA Body Experiences, manicures, pedicures and waxing.
To Eat
Four restaurants scatter the estate including The Boathouse for laid back Marina-side pizzas and salads, The Cameron Grill for traditional Scottish fayre and Michelin starred Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond, where you can feast on Orkney hand dived scallops, creel caught langoustines and west coast brown crab and local game.
Don't Miss
A Champagne Cruise on The Celtic Warrior. Explore the Loch in style - set off from the Marina on a 60 minute private guided tour. The knowledgeable local crew will share the history of the Loch and it's islands - during the summer months you may even spot some of the resident Ospreys!
Words: Lisa Stokes
A Classic Room at Cameron House starts at £202 per night.
Vigin Trains offer a standard return journey from London to Glasgow Central from £60.00 or first class from £110 Visit http://www.virgintrains.com to book. Journey time 4.5 hours
Co-wheels offer car hire from various locations in Glasgow from £4.50 per hour visit http://www.co-wheels.org.uk for more details