|
Sample boho chic and classic pampering in Scotland
Whether you fancy a holistic healing session that balances chakras or a mud marinade in an ancient castle, you can find trendy treatments and old favourites in this select list of Scotland's best.
Edinburgh
Cowshed at The Scotsman
20 North Bridge
Edinburgh, EH1 1YT
Tel: 0131 556 5565
www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk
The scene
Less than a year old, The Cowshed at Edinburgh's stylish Scotsman Hotel is the sister spa to the Cowsheds at Babington House and Soho House, New York. Although equally stylish, the Scottish Cowshed feels a little rustic, a little boho but ultimately very cool. One of the best things about the spa is the fact that all the Cowshed products are made in Somerset and some have been tailored especially for the Scottish Cowshed. Make sure you snap up a bottle of the Highland Cow Bath Blend (which you'll also find in the bedrooms of the hotel) to take home with you.
Star treatments
The Horns to Hooves package (£100) is, as it suggests, a top-to-toe treatment designed to remove toxins from your body. It lasts for nearly two hours, and leaves you feeling relaxed, scrubbed and pampered to within an inch of your life. Starting with a Rawhide exfoliation (don't worry it's not that rough), you are scrubbed with natural sea salt, removing dead skin and toxins before a full body massage and a facial.
The cost
You can pop into the Cowshed for one-off treatments. A 55-minute Organic Cow facial starts at £55, a 40-minute Stressed Cow massage costs £40 and a Cowboy facial (for men) is £50.
One Spa
The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
8 Conference Square
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 221 7777
www.one-spa.com
The scene
One Spa has the reputation of being the best spa and hydrotherapy centre in Scotland. Striking the right balance between a holistic heaven and a super hi-tech hangout, the spa is incredibly stylish and yet very relaxing. In addition to the hammam, rock sauna and scented mist showers, you can paddle in an amazing hydropool with indoor and outdoor areas (just check out the views). It may be linked to a big hotel (with a rather noisy gym nearby), but One Spa is a destination in its own right. Choose from a range of treatments -- they do all the usual rubs and scrubs here -- although make sure you have enough time to luxuriate in the hammam and showers.
Star treatments
It's hard to choose from the list of incredible treatments -- many of which use E'SPA products. However, the Chakra balancing massage (£130) using hot stones comes highly recommended. In Ayurvedic medicine, chakras are believed to be seven energy centres in the body that affect our well-being and, if blocked, can affect us both mentally and physically. During the hour and a half massage your therapist massages Ayurvedic oils into the skin, using hot stones that are positioned along your spine and energy points. You'll float out of the treatment room
The cost
This spa attracts Edinburgh's monied set and is a little on the expensive side. However, it is regularly voted one of the best in the UK and the sauna, hammam and swimming pool make the experience worth it. A detox massage lasting 55 minutes costs £65, as does a re-hydrator facial.
Ayrshire
The Spa at The Westin Turnberry Resort
Ayrshire, KA26 9LT
Scotland
Tel: 01655 334 060
www.westin.com/turnberry
The scene
Although the Westin Turnberry is more renowned for its golf course than for other facilities, the spa here is fantastic. It's very stately and grown-up but without a formal stuffy atmosphere. There's a real sense of peace and space, something that comes from the stunning location next to the Irish Sea. You can come as a day guest during the week (or even for a one-off treatment) but it's better to stay overnight, if only to experience an early morning amid such natural beauty. If full-time pampering isn't your thing (as if), biking, riding or playing golf and tennis are also on offer.
Star treatments
Don't miss the Back, Face and Scalp Ritual with Hot Stone Therapy (£115). The name is a bit of a mouthful, but the treatment itself is a dream to experience; just under two hours of facials and massaging. The treatment begins and ends with the 'chinging' of symbols -- a ritual aimed to clear the room of negative energy -- a lot more peaceful than it sounds and all to do with the holistic philosophy that rules here.
The cost
If you want to book in for a full day of pampering you'll be looking at £180 for a Spa Retreat (Sun-Thurs) -- which incorporates 3 hours 25 minutes of treatments (including full body massage, facial and manicure and pedicure) as well as use of the spa's facilities. A detoxifying body wrap costs £60 and a 40-minute express facial is from £40.
Peebleshire
Stobo Castle
Stobo
Peebleshire
Tel: 01721 760 249
www.stobocastle.co.uk
The scene
Stobo Castle is a spa of the old-school variety, literally. Parts of the stunning building date back to 1805, and the spa isn't of the flashy, state-of-the-art variety; its decor is pretty old-school - no minimalist lines and Zen water features here. But if you want results in a beautiful setting then check in for a night. The surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, perfect for a wander or cycle around the grounds. The water gardens are enough to relax the most stressed urbanite.
Star treatments
There is a selection of 70 treatments to choose from, with both traditional -- massages, facials, scrubs -- and alternative -- Reiki, reflexology and polarity therapy on offer. One of the best experiences is a visit to the Serailbad Mud Chamber (£40), great for renewing skin all over your body. You're slathered in mud by a therapist before moving to the steam chamber. Then, when the mud has dried, herbal essences are filtered into the room and the temperature raised to a sweltering 45 degrees. Whilst you're marinate, you massage the mud into your skin to encourage the removal of dead skin and toxins. Once the mud is washed off, you're left with a newly found glow.
The cost
Whilst you can spend a day at Stobo (Day Visits cost £160 and includes a massage, a facial, a manicure and pedicure and lunch), it's worth staying at the castle (from £155 per person based on two sharing, including a massage and meals).
Details and prices are correct at time of publication
Discover more spas:
|