Yu Spa, Apex City Quay Spa & Hotel

A spa where expert hands deliver ESPA treatments to a polished standard, set within a vibrant members’ buzz in a prime city setting (Serene Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Located in the heart of Dundee’s vibrant cultural quarter, Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is just a short stroll from the V&A Dundee, Slessor Gardens and the city’s top attractions, making it an ideal base for a family-friendly getaway. While the exterior feels a little underwhelming, step inside and you’ll find a comfortable hotel with character.

Yu Spa is located across the lobby from the hotel reception; the name reflects the Japanese word for the healing power of hot water.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

We were warmly welcomed by the team at Yu Spa’s reception desk, where ESPA products line the wall to your left. Straight ahead, a floor-to-ceiling glass wall offers a glimpse into the gym, busy on our visit and equipped with Technogym machines. To the right, there’s a small seating area where we completed our pre-treatment form - while sipping on a welcome smoothie - before being given access wristbands and shown through to our allocated lockers. You’ll find two towels, a white waffle robe and slippers inside.

The changing rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with six showers stocked with ESPA shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. There’s a private changing cubicle, banks of half-height cherry wood lockers, loos, and two vanity stations with hairdryers and straighteners, plus ESPA facial cleanser, moisturiser and body lotion.

The thermal facilities – a sauna and steam room - each comfortably seating up to eight people are simple, yet popular with both members and hotel guests. The main pool offers space for a leisurely swim; an adjoining hydrotherapy pool, with seating for up to seven, provides a more soothing experience. A couple of loungers and chairs are dotted around the poolside for those wanting to relax between dips.

Yu Spa has five treatment rooms, where a range of ESPA treatments are delivered in calm, softly lit surroundings. Just outside, you’ll find the dedicated post-treatment relaxation area. This low-lit space features four cushioned loungers, each separated by soft curtain dividers for added privacy. Guests are encouraged to lounge for a while and help themselves to magazines, herbal teas, infused water and dried fruit nibbles.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENTS

We tried the ESPA Signature Treatment (50 minutes, from £80), a rebalancing face and body experience inspired by Japanese philosophy.

My therapist, Rachael, met me at reception and led me to one of the treatment rooms, inviting me to take a seat before beginning with a consultation. Rachael guided me through a sensory selection process, presenting two products at a time and asking me to choose by scent. It was an intuitive and relaxing way to personalise the treatment; I was drawn to the hydrating toner, balancing facial oil and fitness body oil.

Once settled on the treatment bed, the ritual began with a gentle eye and facial cleanse. Rachael then carried out a detailed skin analysis using a mirror and light, talking me through my areas of concern – dreaded dark circles and pigmentation marks - and explaining how the ESPA products would help.

Turning onto my front, Rachael commenced a deeply relaxing back massage, enhanced by a personalised blend of aromatherapy oils and calming inhalations. Rachael worked away tension with slow, flowing movements that encouraged a real sense of switch-off.

Turning back over, the facial continued with an exfoliation and massage, followed by the cooling glide of Cryo Globes and a nourishing mask. The treatment concluded with a soothing scalp massage and a slick of moisturiser, eye and lip cream to finish.

The result? Refreshed, hydrated and noticeably brighter skin. The treatment felt truly tailored from start to finish, with just the right balance of relaxation and results.

FOOD FACTS

Overnight spa guests dine as part of their package and can enjoy two courses, a side and a soft drink.

Quayside Bar & Grill offers a laid-back dining experience. The restaurant is vibrant; a palette of green with plenty of plants sets the tone for an evening centred around food from the land, sea and field.

To start, we opted for the Korean popcorn cauliflower, which packed a punch with its sticky, gochujang coating; our spa partner chose the spiced tiger prawns on a bed of red pepper kachumber and a garlic aioli – both dishes were full of flavour. For mains, our hearty venison pie served with garlic mash, red cabbage and red wine jus was a standout dish - rich and comforting - while across the table, the roasted maple salmon, with a side of creamy garlic mash hit the spot. Too full to contemplate dessert, we rounded things off with a cup of tea.

SWEET STAY?

We checked into a Quay View Room, where floor-to-ceiling windows framed panoramic views across Dundee’s scenic quay and watersports centre. Inside, the room felt bright and comfortable, with a king-size bed and a beige, leather chair and foot stool perfectly positioned to make the most of the view.

A playful surprise awaited us in the form of an Apex Hotels’ rubber duck, complete with a card encouraging guests to take him on their adventures and share his travels on social media. Ours, Mick the Dundee Daredevil, added a light-hearted twist to the stay - a small but memorable detail that reflects the hotel’s personality.

WE LOVED…

The treatment: expertly delivered by Rachael, her skill and magic hands made the ESPA Signature Treatment feel truly personalised from start to finish.

The people: the spa team struck the perfect balance of friendly and professional, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The setting: perched on Dundee’s scenic quay, the location offers a peaceful waterside backdrop - we only wish we’d caught a glimpse of some watersports action to complete the view (alas, not on our March visit)

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Yu Spa at Apex City Quay a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 4 Bubbles for its excellent treatment quality and personable service.