The Scotsman Spa, Edinburgh

The Scotsman Hotel pool

The Scotsman Spa

One of the hallmarks of a good massage is being elevated into a state of such peaceful relaxation that you almost nod off to sleep. I discovered this sense of zoned out contentment at The Scotsman Spa in Edinburgh.

I was treating myself to a day’s pampering in one of the city’s top hotels located just a stone’s throw from busy Princes Street. After a morning spent doing laps in The Scotsman’s stainless steel pool (more of that later) and a spot of lunch, I had booked a two hour session – a full body massage followed by a facial.

Enjoy a facial
The Scotsman Spa

It could have been my tranquil, dimly-lit surroundings, the soft lull of the spa music in the background, or the expertise of spa manager Rachel, but the combined effects were distinctly soporific. As Rachel massaged my shoulders and back, my eyelids grew heavier and my limbs relaxed until I actually dozed off, suffused with an intense feeling of well being.

It was only the drone of the hotel alarm that rudely shook me from my reverie moments later but Rachel’s dulcet toned apology and reassurances calmed me, before serenity reigned once again.

My Yummy Mummy Massage (£70) proved to be a restorative antidote to three days spent excitedly but wearily exploring the streets of the Scottish capital. Using lovely smelling, Mama Mio products designed to rejuvenate the tired muscles of mums-to-be, Rachel applied gentle, soothing strokes; just what my heavily pregnant body needed. After dissolving my erstwhile persistent back ache, she moved onto my legs and arms, alleviating the last remnants of tension.

My massage was followed with a Plump Up the Volume facial (£70). Described in the spa’s brochure as the “crème de la crème of anti-wrinkle facials”, the treatment uses Thalgo products containing protein rich extracts that claim to rehydrate and smoothen the skin. After 55 minutes, my newly cleansed face was distinctly radiant. With a spring in my step, I followed Rachel into a relaxation room where loungers covered in soft, thick, snowflake-white duvets and magazines beckoned.

Relaxation room
The Scotsman Spa

Set in the former home of The Scotsman newspaper, the spa offers an extensive range of treatments, including those named in tribute to its publishing heritage such as The Freelancer, a pick ‘n mix massage package, plus facials such as The Editor and Writers Shock. Also available are couples packages and bootcamp treatments designed to blitz trouble spots such as bums and tums.

Stairs from the treatment rooms led past the gym and downstairs to the spa reception and cafe. Through an adjoining door was the 16.2m (53ft) stainless steel pool, a triumph of industrial-inspired chic featuring moody lighting, slate grey tiles, an undulating mesh ceiling and pipes interspersed between poolside loungers. Despite its sophisticated design, however, it was so dimly lit that my myopic, goggled vision only extended to a couple of feet in the water, which was slightly unnerving. Trying to enjoy a leisurely read on the loungers (which were not heated) would present a challenge, I thought.

Children are also allowed to use the pool during restricted hours; during my visit there were a couple of toddlers accompanied by adults. Spa guests who prefer a quieter, child-free facility may feel this is a compromise on an otherwise premium facility. Other poolside facilities included Arctic and tropical showers, a tropicarium, steam room and sauna.

In the spa reception, there was a mezzanine-level seated area for eating and drinking. I felt self conscious in my robe as a busy procession of fully clothed people made their way to and from the gym. A dedicated eating spot for spa guests would have been preferable.

Edinburgh's Scotsman Hotel
The Scotsman Spa

This aside, lunch options varied from imaginative Scottish fare such as crispy haggis bon bon’s with whisky mayonnaise and deep fried pigs ears to more standard sandwiches and wraps. I opted for a filling mozzarella, plum tomato and pesto baguette. Costing £6.75, it was overpriced but what else would you expect from food delivered from the hotel brasserie?

Whilst I felt that the use of space and lighting in the pool and café areas could be improved, my overall experience at The Scotsman Spa was superlative. My treatments were among the best I’d ever enjoyed and the service had been exemplary. For anyone seeking a day of pampering in one of Scotland’s most popular cities, you certainly couldn’t ask for much more than that.

The Scotsman Spa & Health Club
1 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF
Tel: 0131 622 3800.
www.scotsmanspa.com
Entry to the health club is complimentary for guests spending over £50 on spa treatments.