Devona Spa at Hilton Aberdeen TECA

A sleek, design-led spa, where striking interiors and an excellent treatment menu combine for a polished, feel-good escape (Serene Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Hilton Aberdeen TECA sits within a contemporary building defined by an eye-catching roofline, just two miles from Aberdeen International Airport and a short drive from the city centre - perfect for exploring the region’s renowned golf courses, whisky trails and castle tours.

On the ground floor, Devona Spa, the pool and gym sit alongside a restaurant serving Scottish cuisine, creating a convenient, all-under-one-roof retreat.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Devona spa is easy to find from your room, with clear signage directing you via lift or stairs down to the ground floor, or you can access it via a separate entrance just outside the main hotel doors.

At reception, we completed consultation forms before being shown to our lockers, prepared with navy waffle robes, white slippers and a towel. The changing rooms are well-equipped with two banks of half-height lockers, three showers stocked with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, two loos, a private changing cubicle and a vanity area with hairdryers and products for post-spa-ing touch ups.

The pool area mirrors the hotel’s striking architecture with dark, slanted walls and plenty of natural light streaming in. A 20-metre pool - lined with shimmering iridescent tiles - is ideal for leisurely lengths. At one end, a bubbling whirlpool (activated at the touch of a button on the wall) sits alongside a steam room and sauna, each comfortably seating six. Three tiled benches line the pool for relaxing between dips, while - at the other end - four stylish heated loungers invite you to get horizontal.

A well-equipped fitness centre featuring Technogym equipment completes the offering.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENTS

We tried the Rejuvenate Solo (22 minutes, £30) followed by a Germaine de Capuccini Elixir Face & Body Experience (55 minutes, £100).

My therapist, Cherelle, collected me from the relaxation room and guided me to the Wellness Lounge to begin my first treatment: Rejuvenate Solo. Using specific Hertz frequencies, the Welnamis lounger programmes are designed to harmonise brainwave activity. Based on my pre-treatment questionnaire, the most suitable programme for my lifestyle turned out to be ‘mindfulness’.

As soon as I was settled on the waterbed under a weighted blanket, headphones and eye mask on, Cherelle quietly left the room to allow me to fully switch off. The result was a deeply meditative experience that gently reset the nervous system.

For my second treatment, I was in the expert hands of Mhairi in one of four spacious treatment rooms. Following a brief consultation, she explained the experience - a combination of back massage and facial - and asked how I wanted to feel. Opting for an energising treatment, she selected the Power Essence oil, infused with pink grapefruit to revitalise.

Mhairi began the treatment by pushing warm herbal pouches (pindas) onto my back and shoulders to ease tension; she then moved into a focused massage, paying particular attention to my noticeably wonky shoulders. Turning over, the warm pindas were used around my neck to ease any remaining tension.

Turning over, the facial began with a gentle cleanse and tone, followed by an exfoliating scrub to refine the skin. A soothing facial massage using rosehip oil was a highlight, while finishing products - including eye and lip cream and a Royal Jelly moisturiser - left my skin glowing.

Mhairi concluded with helpful posture advice before guiding me back to the relaxation area, where I rejoined my spa partner - both of us feeling wonderfully repaired.

FOOD FACTS

For dining, head past the Quarter House Bar into the hotel’s stylish restaurant where dark green and teal tones meet pastel pinks and rich wood to create a warm, contemporary setting. Angular design details - from the sofa backs to the lighting - give the space a modern edge. Guests on a dinner-inclusive package get a £35 per person allowance towards their evening meal.

We began by sharing Halkidiki olives and focaccia with balsamic and olive oil - a simple but satisfying start. On our waiter’s recommendation, we then opted for The Fierce Catch: beer-battered haddock served with skin-on fries, peas and tartare sauce - a classic dish done well. Our spa partner chose chicken with mash, broccoli and a Laphroaig whisky cream sauce - rich and comforting. Portions were generous and dishes well-presented.

Breakfast and lunch were equally enjoyable, looked after by Dylan. A Scottish breakfast felt incomplete without haggis - a must while in the region. For lunch, we chose a fried chicken focaccia sandwich with lettuce, tomato and harissa, paired with a small soup. Our spa partners French onion soup was equally satisfying. A side of parmesan and truffle fries to share proved the perfect indulgent addition.

SWEET STAY?

Overnight guests check in at one of three desks in the hotel’s spacious lobby. If you’re arriving by car, park in the Sub-T car park within the TECA complex - just be sure to use the spaces marked ‘H’ and register your vehicle at reception on arrival.

We took the lift up to the fourth floor to find our comfortable, modern bedroom complete with two queen-sized beds - ideal for friends on a relaxed spa break. The interiors echo the hotel’s stylish aesthetic, with dark wood and teal tones flowing from the carpet through to the soft furnishings.

The bathroom is well-appointed with Crabtree amenities – all you need to bring is your toothbrush. It’s an excellent choice if you’re attending an event at TECA.

WE LOVED

The treatment: delivered by a highly professional therapists using Germaine de Capuccini products, our treatment felt both luxurious and effective on the skin.

The Wellness Lounge: an excellent addition to a hands-on treatment, enhancing the overall spa experience. If time allows, book a longer session and make the most of the LED mask add-on.

The interior design: the modern aesthetic of angles and clean lines flow through the hotel to the spa, creating a cohesive look.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Devona Spa at Hilton Aberdeen TECA a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its stylish design, friendly staff and excellent treatments.