Turning into the driveway of Forest Hills, you immediately get the impression every detail in this hotel and spa is paid attention to.
Set in the rolling hills of Aberfoyle overlooking Loch Ard, the surroundings are spectacular and the vast grounds are manicured to a tee.
The modern furnishings and tartan decor inside are glossy and well maintained.
When General Manager Jody Marshall, the only GM to have won Hotel of the Year in two different hotels, arrived to give us a tour, he confirmed his attention to detail is the key to ensuring Forest Hills adheres to a high standard.
Attention to detail
“It’s the eye for details. It’s not just having a soap in the room, it’s “Let’s handmake the soap. Let’s choose a scent, let’s choose the colour.” Instead of having a cheeseboard it’s “let’s make our own cheese” which we will be doing soon,” said Jody.
“When you go to the spa the temperature is right. Every room has a scent to it. The girls are well trained, they know when to talk and when not to talk. Elemis, which we use in the spa, is a really good product.”
“We are still not where we want to be which is to be the best. We’re going to become the playground of adults in the Glasgow area.”
One of the decisions Jody made since joining Forest Hills six months ago was to appoint Donn Eadie as Head Chef.
Food at Forest Hills
Donn, who arrived at the hotel two months ago and has worked in hotels across Scotland, already has big plans for the restaurant.
“My aim is to get two rosettes as soon as possible,” Donn said. “I’ve changed all the menus and I want to get the dinner food right up to a good level and maintain the breakfast standards.”
“I would describe the food at Forest Hills as modern French with Scottish influences. I’m trying to push modernisation and move with the times and I’m constantly checking Michelin Star places to see what they are doing and to get ideas.”
“Thankfully Jody is a great foodie and he really really cares about the food at Forest Hills.”
Forest Hills Spa
As well as the stunning surroundings and the food, another big draw to Forrest Hills is the spa.
Overseen by Spa Manager Helen Grieve, the spa maintains the hotel’s high standard, with a high tech gym, 18 metre swimming pool with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the outside hills, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and relaxation lounge.
][3]When we visited the spa we were lead down a low lit corridor lined with lanterns and taken to the spa’s treatment rooms where we were treated to their Face and Body Sensation. Before the treatment began, the therapist talked through my back and skin concerns then followed with a relaxing (but firm) back and shoulder massage and a facial using the spa’s Elemis products catered to the skin concerns I had voiced before.
][4]After the massage we headed over to the hotel’s dining room for afternoon tea. Watching the staff set up seats for an outdoor wedding, the views of the lush grounds and loch beyond was a gorgeous spot for an afternoon tea and (and even better spot for a wedding.)
The afternoon tea consisted of three tiers with finger cut sandwiches at the bottom, cakes in the middle and scones with cream and jam on top. The dainty cake pieces meant the afternoon tea wasn’t a struggle to finish, as some others can be (the chocolate orange cakes in particular were a winner).
We left relaxed and happy and already planning our next visit. At only an hour’s drive from Glasgow, Forest Hills is the ideal location for a spa day trip.
Make sure to look out for the Forest Hills 5pm Big Deals so you can enjoy the high quality experience at even better value.
£39 for a Luxurious Spa Day including 2 Treatments + Bento Box at Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa.{#ContentPlaceHolder1_rptHeading_hlTitle_0.plbuybtn}