Ayrshire spa and golf hotel crowned best in Scotland

One of Ayrshire’s top hotels has been crowned the best in Scotland for its spa and golf at a national awards ceremony.

SimpsInns’ The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine picked up the top accolade of ‘Scotland’s Best Spa & Golf Hotel 2025’ at the 8th annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards in Glasgow.

The judging panel praised The Gailes for its ‘exceptional facilities and service’.

Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, The Gailes has gained its reputation as Ayrshire’s award-winning luxury spa, wellness and golf destinations. The hotel now offers a collection of over 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages and overnight spa breaks, as well as fantastic golf facilities including Ayrshire’s only Toptracer Driving Range, PGA coaching academy and new putting and chipping practice area.

SimpsInns’ Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride was also ‘Highly Recommended’ in the Four Star Hotel category with all three SimpsInns hotels reaching the final.

The Prestige Hotel Awards showcase and reward outstanding service across Scotland’s hotel industry following a nationwide public vote. The Awards welcome over 500 members of the most prestigious hotels and hospitality businesses across Scotland.

The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which owns and operates a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Gailes, The Waterside, and Loans Inn at Troon.

Malcolm Simpson from SimpsInns, said:

“We’re extremely proud to have been recognised once again as an industry leader and for offering some of the best hotel, spa and golf experiences in Scotland.

“This latest award success for two of our hotels is testament to the hard work of our amazing team, who continually go above and beyond to ensure every guest enjoys a fantastic experience with us and keep coming back.”

Malcolm added:

“Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, with over £4 million invested across the group. We’re committed to enhancing the quality of the guest experience across the group, including our newly refurbished restaurant at Loans Inn and the addition of 17 new bedrooms and sea view spa at The Waterside later this year.”

SimpsInns is planning to open its new spa, and 17 extra guest rooms at The Waterside in late 2025. The new spa will feature an indoor relaxation area, sauna with sea views, steam room, spa lounge and large outdoor area with experience showers, fire pit and large hydro pool overlooking the beach.