USP The Romans didn’t hang about in Scotland, and given the wildness of the weather and native tribes it’s hardly surprising. But they bequeathed the novel concept of hot baths, along with all sorts of hydro and heat therapies.

The best of the lot was arguably the laconium, which is a welcome addition to a spa on the shores of Loch Lomond. For those unfamiliar with the device, it is essentially a warm bench of mosaic tiles through which heat flows up through the nether regions to induce a gentle sweat and profound sense of wellbeing.

My partner Claire, experiencing it for the first time, approved: “This is really lovely, it’s like a hot day.” In fact rain was sheeting sideways outside, but within the Amberspa at The Lodge on the Loch Hotel all was peace and warmth.

AMBIENCE More of a hotel health suite than a fully-fledged spa, its facilities are modest – a sauna, steam room, laconium, a 16-metre pool with Jacuzzi, and a couple of treatment rooms. The treatments are provided by Heavenly on Loch Lomond, which is located in amberspa.The pool has a reflective ceiling which makes it fun to float on your back, but more could have been made of views of the loch and hills with bigger windows.

The good news is you can often have the place pretty much to yourself, since it is open to hotel residents and day package visitors only. There is a blissful absence of TVs and piped musak.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE I opted for a full body aromatherapy massage, which was administered with firmness on muscles around the neck and shoulders knotted by careless posture at a laptop. The masseuse had a deft, soothing touch when required, and I may have drifted off during the head massage.

I was woken by laughter from the adjacent room, where Claire was having a facial, and a chat with the friendly Scottish therapist that she enjoyed more than the mood music. But the highlight was the laconium, and madam was happy when I left and she could lie on it on her tummy. It is easy to be laid-back in a laconium.

IN CROWD The romantic setting makes the hotel a draw for wedding parties, and tourists taking the high road to the Scottish highlands and islands. Elsewhere in the building there are conference facilities that bring in the business brigade, but during the day it seems rarely busy.

FOOD The hotel restaurant has two AA stars and a good selection of light and healthy fare, served up with fine views of Loch Lomond.

WALLET WATCH A classic facial with neck and shoulder massage costs £43, and full body aromatherapy comes in at £55. Half day packages with body brushes and massage start at £80, and full day treatments with facial, body scrub and massage are from £130, both including lunch.

NEED TO KNOW Amberspa at the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel, Luss, Argyll (01436 860888, www.loch-lomond.co.uk). Open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, and treatment rooms from 10am to 6pm.

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