Scotland's top day spas

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

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