I stayed at Glasgow's only five-star hotel to check out its 'wellness trips'

BLYTHSWOOD Square has developed quite the reputation as Glasgow city centre's leading hotel. 

News reports of celebrities greeting adoring fans on its swanky steps are always popping up. Its island-themed spa is all over Instagram (specifically, its one-of-a-kind in Scotland snow shower).

I've been to the spa a couple of times. It is worth the money, and a uniquely relaxing experiencing in Glasgow's city centre. But despite working a few hundred metres from the hotel itself, I'd never stepped inside the actual building.

The five-star Kimpton property, the only hotel to be rated such in Glasgow, is keen to showcase its Stay Well wellness programme. On a chilly January night I headed to see what it was all about.

As a journalist I face a never-ending deluge of breaking news and deadlines. The idea of some relaxation time just minutes from the office has extreme appeal. 

As part of the Blythswood Stay Well experience, guests can now access sound therapy for improved sleep, personalised workouts on a special app and urban trails around the city, if you fancy going out and about. In-room, the experience includes foam rollers, massage guns, grounding mats and even intimidating-looking LED face masks. 

You might assume these perks cost hundreds of extra pounds on top of the high-end room prices (which start at £190 a night). Surprisingly, they are offered complimentary of the hotel. All guests need to do is enquire at the desk. 

The idea is interesting. As a yoga person myself, with a horrible sleeping pattern, I enjoyed having access to the sound therapy. Had I gotten myself out of the massive, comfortable bed in time to use the gym, I'm sure the personalised workouts would have been ideal – probably perfect for those travelling for work, who can't stick to their usual exercise regime. 

Moving on to the other perks. It's hard to imagine there is a high level of demand for terrifying LED masks and industrial-strength massage guns among the general hotel-going population. But for those who are committed to their wellness routines, it is a welcome addition to a stay at Blythswood – the SAD lamp being probably the most useful offering for the Vitamin D depleted among us.

Blythswood as a hotel has, there is no doubt, earned its good reputation. From the warm welcome in the stylishly tiled reception area, to the "quiet luxury" of its understated bedrooms, its five-star status is visible all around. Perhaps amid the decline of Glasgow city centre, there is an argument to be made that it is no longer in the optimal location. The surrounding area is awash with closed-down restaurants and cafes. But cities are always changing. One day optimistic entrepreneurs will take on the empty units, and these streets won't feel so empty. Regardless, these challenges don't take away from the hotel's grandeur, or the fact it's a mere 10-minute walk from both of the city's main train stations.

(Image: PR) Stay Well visitors may well be most excited to visit Blythswood's well-known spa. But the jewel in the hotel's crown and the true stand-out of my own visit was the restaurant. Iasg, Gaelic for fish, specialises in seafood. Even if that's not your thing, you should come for a drink and enjoy the surroundings. Its high ceilings, lush sea greens and wall foliage make for a stunning environment. As a dedicated Succession fan, I can also tell you that one season two scene was filmed here. If it's good enough for Siobhan Roy, it's good enough for me. 

I ate in Iasg with my veggie boyfriend and we were both blown away by the meal. I went for monkfish with bacon jam, celeriac and seasonal mushroom in a bacon butter sauce, him the confit heritage carrot with cashew nut satay, crispy enoki mushroom, 18 pickled mooli and puffed wild rice. The flavours came together beautifully, and the presentation was exceptional. Iasg should be marketed as not just a "hotel restaurant" but a special occasion dining destination for the city more broadly. In line with the hotel itself, it's on the pricey side. But for a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, it would be well worth splashing the cash. 

The monkfish dish was beautifully presented (Image: NQ) My verdict on the premium room was positive, too. It was tasteful in grey, white and deep wood tones, with a stunning marble bathroom. There was a strange, old-fashioned kitchen-style sliding panel between the sleeping area and the bathroom. I have, weeks later, still not figured out the practical purpose of this. If nothing else, it provides a good laugh with your partner. 

Blythswood Square is not the most accessible or affordable hotel in Glasgow, but that's not the point. It is special, and that is clear across its many facilities and spaces. Listen, maybe you don't want to be woken up to the horrifying sight of your partner in an LED face mask like a horror movie villain. Maybe you want to avoid "wellness" at all costs when you stay away from home, and sink into pure decadence. Fine. The staff at Blythswood don't care, and will make you feel comfortable regardless.

To find out more visit Blythswood Square's website.