Our spa stay at The Cairndale Hotel and Spa, Dumfries
Following a swanky £2 million revamp, The Cairndale Hotel has recently been voted as a premier destination of luxury and relaxation in Scotland- and rightly so- they now boast an impressive state of the art spa facility, which has gained significant acclaim in only nine months.
My husband and I stayed at the Cairndale back in 2023, where we vowed we would return after a magnificent stay that was full of whisky, walks and warm welcomes.
We got married at Gretna Green in 2024, and when it was suggested we treat ourselves with a bit of a luxury break for our anniversary, you didn’t have to ask me twice where I wanted to visit.
Where is it?
The Cairndale Hotel is located in the heart of Dumfries. A stone’s throw away from Dumfries Station if you’re getting there by train, but easy to find by car and offers free car parking. The closeness to the high street proved fruitful for us, as my husband hadn’t considered lounging around all day and had to pop out for a book.
On the outside, the hotel is an old, red-bricked building, which you’ll see a lot of in Dumfries, but the inside is sleek and new.
(Image: Cairndale Hotel) Stepping through the front doors, we were hit with a wave of nostalgia. The navy and gold fixtures remain, as does the striking colourful artwork on the staircase, which was one of my favourite features on our previous stay.
And ff it didn’t already feel like we were returning ‘home’, the friendly and familiar greeting from staff creates that warm and welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t leave throughout your stay.
What’s the spa like?
As it was a special occasion, and as a couple who have a busy and active lifestyle, we couldn’t wait to dive into some heavenly treatments. After a quick guided tour, we donned our fluffy robes and slippers- my husband’s size 14 feet sticking out the back of his- we headed down the stairs to a showstopping scene.
The thermal pool, which was unveiled last summer, sparkles against the mirrored ceiling and iridescent tiles. The gentle wave of the water combined with the tranquil music feels so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.
(Image: Cairndale Spa and Hotel) (Image: Cairndale Spa and Hotel) (Image: The Northern Echo)
Books in hand, robes off and swimsuits on, we donned a couple of lounging beds and settled ourselves into a dreamy afternoon.
An aroma steam room, full of essential oils (eucalyptus and mint at the time of our stay) and a herbal steam room await anyone looking to clear their heads- or sinuses. The infrared sauna targets muscle aches you thought were impossible to get rid of, and if you’re looking to go all out, the Himalayan salt sauna will sweat your troubles away, leaving you feeling detoxified and fresh.
If you’re looking for a full body reset, there’s a Turkish hammam where you can be scrubbed, steamed and exfoliated and a rasul room, combining mud and heat to leave your skin glowing.
If you’re feeling brave, there’s even an ice bath that you can immerse yourself in. Despite watching hundreds of reels about the benefits of an ice bath, I couldn’t quite summon the courage to take a dip.
If after all that, you’re still feeling restless, there’s a heated thermal room with giant swings and waterbeds if you need a nap after all your relaxing.
(Image: Cairndale Spa and Hotel) As much as I would have loved to have read my book and maybe napped all day, there was a full body massage with my name on it, we were there to overindulge after all.
I had a warm deep muscle massage, with hot pebbles and hot black pepper oil, it is no exaggeration to say it was one of the best I’ve ever had. I left the treatment room feeling weightless, confused and feeling like I’d had a full reset. I could have easily swapped places with my other half and gone for round two. The Angel’s Share treatment with whiskey and vanilla scented balm sounded just as divine, and I am told it was.
Wining and dining?
The spa café offers lunch, snacks and even afternoon tea if you feel like it. We didn’t try anything this stay, but I’m manifesting a return stay for my birthday (hint, hint husband) where I can try an afternoon tea spa.
(Image: The Cairndale Hotel)
(Image: The Northern Echo) (Image: The Northern Echo)
We did have dinner at the lounge once we’d returned from our spa high. A small and simple menu offers dishes with a laid-back vibe, which fits perfectly with the stay. Sticky bao buns with BBQ pulled pork, grilled hispi cabbage, a luxuriously creamy wild garlic risotto and the signature Cairndale steak burger rounded off with a couple of wines and neck oils, and we were feeling content and sleepy.
We’d stayed overnight, and breakfast was included as part of our stay, so it was a full Scottish buffet the following morning. The ongoing renovation hasn’t quite reached that area of the hotel yet, so whilst slightly dated at the moment, the food reached the standards of the night before. When in Scotland, eat haggis for breakfast is our motto.
What did we think?
Spa days are certainly one of life’s luxuries, and for many of us are few and far between. So, when you do decide to treat yourself, you want to feel like you are being truly pampered. The Carindale’s stunning spa offers affordable luxury and indulgence in striking surroundings.
We’re not big spa people, preferring sports massages over luxury massages, but the facilities matched, if not beat, the last five-star spa hotel we visited.
Whether you’re looking for a ‘treat yourself day’, a girls trip away, or a well overdue date night, it’s more than worth travelling across the A66 for.
Ratings
Room: 4
Spa: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The details
The Cairndale Hotel & Spa
English St
Dumfries
DG1 2DF
01387 254111
Rooms start from £125 per night for a double room, inc breakfast.
Spa packages available from £199 per person
Wellness Spa Days available from £199 per person including welcome refreshment, 60 minutes treatment, 2-course lunch, access to Spa facilities from 9 am, use of robe and towels, and gifted slippers.