Dive into Scotland’s new £3 million coastal spa break destination

Scotland’s ultimate new spa break destination has opened its doors to visitors on the Ayrshire coast, just 40 minutes south of Glasgow.

Boasting commanding sea views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran, the family-run Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride has unveiled its stunning new sea-view spa and restaurant this week following a major £3 million development.

Owned and operated by SimpsInns, The Waterside Hotel & Spa is now home to one of the most exciting leisure and tourism developments in Scotland for 2026.

Si! Spa at The Waterside brings coastal calm, thermal experiences, ishga and ESPA treatments, and bespoke spa break packages for every type of guest. Thermal experiences start from just £40 per person offering two hours’ use of the spa facilities with guests having the opportunity to extend their visit by adding on afternoon tea or a light bite in the new spa restaurant.

The spa boasts six treatment rooms, a four-person Rasul experience and indoor thermal area with steam room, experience showers and relaxation areas. It overlooks the beach and has a strong focus on the outdoors with a large hydro pool, sauna with views across to Ailsa Craig, outdoor experience showers including a cold drench bucket, sheltered fire pit and seating area, as well as direct beach access from the spa garden.

As part of the development, the restaurant at The Waterside has also been transformed, creating a stunning new dining space with uninterrupted views across the private gardens and out towards the beach. Dunes Restaurant & Bar offers a brand-new menu created by Group Executive Chef, Ewan McAllister, featuring everything from West Coast mussels and Scottish king scallops to prime ribeye steaks and signature smash burgers.

The hotel recently added 17 new luxury guest bedrooms and one-of-a-kind suite, as part of its wider investment programme. The new extension, which opened in October, brings the total number of guest rooms to 40.

The new bedrooms have been designed with comfort and style in mind, with luxurious bathrooms, as well as uninterrupted views across the Ayrshire coast. On the first floor, guests can enjoy breathtaking sea views from glass Juliette balconies; while ground-floor bedrooms offer the added luxury of private patios with seating, the perfect spot to relax and take in the coastal scenery.

The showpiece of the extension, the Kilmory Suite, boasts panoramic views across to the Isle of Arran from its own private balcony, complete with hot tub. Inside, the suite features a separate bedroom, spacious living area with a double sofa bed, and two elegant bathrooms with walk-in showers, making it an ideal choice for couples or friends seeking both space and indulgence.

The opening of Si! Spa at The Waterside is part of SimpsInns’ wider ambition to enhance its reputation for offering the best spa and leisure experiences across the Ayrshire region.

Jack Simpson from SimpsInns, said:

“This is a proud moment for the whole SimpsInns team. After years of planning and hard work, we’re thrilled to have opened the doors to Scotland’s ultimate new spa break and day spa destination.

“Our new sea-view spa development is now one of the most exciting leisure and tourism openings in Scotland for 2026.

“At SimpsInns, we’re committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations and are regularly investing in our hotel and leisure facilities. At The Waterside, we’re now able to provide even more space and amazing spa facilities for people to enjoy the iconic Ayrshire coast backdrop with its white sand beaches and views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran.”

The Waterside maximises its beachfront location and setting with its New England-style design, vibrant restaurant and private gardens, which are a popular suntrap during the summer months.

The Waterside is also one of Scotland’s top award-winning wedding venues. The Kyle Suite, which was refurbished at the end of 2025, offers an idyllic seafront location with beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony locations.

Prices for an overnight stay at The Waterside from March 2026 start at £115 per room, per night, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.

For more information on The Waterside Hotel & Spa, go to www.watersideayrshire.com

Follow The Waterside Hotel on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/watersideayrshire and Instagram www.instagram.com/watersideayrshire

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 Waterside Hotel & Spa in West Kilbride, The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine, and The Loans Inn at Troon.

For more information on the SimpsInns Group, visit www.simpsinns.com