By Tracy Mukherjee
January. Apparently the third Monday is the most depressing day of the year. Yes, readers, it’s a tad long till we welcome the lighter nights and beckon Spring. Time to take matters into our own hands and cheer ourselves up! Here is Westender Magazine’s Top Spa Breaks in Scotland for 2024.
Scotland really is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. There is little doubt that our lochs and glens, our breath-taking coasts fill us with pride and do us such good whilst exploring the landscape.
Meh. Maybe less fun in Winter. Proper light, what, maybe 6 hours if we are lucky? Waterproofs utterly drenched trying to “feel” our way up a hill as the visibility is dreich as? I have an alternate suggestion for the beginning of the year. Head to a spa hotel and treat yourself!
Cameron House Hotel and Spa
Literally 40 mins up Great Western Road and you arrive at the glory that is Loch Lomond. Cameron House Hotel has many options in terms of accommodation. All utterly stunning. And then there’s the spa. With one of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL views that an infinity pool could ever have, this spa has a roof top terrace overlooking Ben Lomond. So you’re kind of doing the outdoorsy thing?! Then heading back downstairs, hydro jets can soothe and massage shoulders with many hydro experiences hot, cold – you choose! Thermal experiences include Hammam, sauna and aromatherapy room. My personal favourite is the Tepidarium contoured thermal couches. Relax with a fluffy bathrobe on the gently heated loungers and look out at the glorious countryside view. I feel better already.
Taymouth Marina and Spa
Sure to be a huge hit in our top spa breaks in Scotland 2024 is Taymouth Marina and Spa. New kid on the block and what a start to their journey, never mind Jamie, EVERYONE is talking about Taymouth! Set on Loch Tay near Kenmore, the spa has an interesting splash pool post sauna/infinity dip…the Loch! The Hotbox Lochside Spa is an absolute belter, with booking for private sessions or mixed groups. Of course you can stay at the self-catering apartments or townhouses nearby – there are even Houseboats. What makes Taymouth so different? Stacey Ives, Head of Sales and Marketing at Taymouth says “The fact that we’re not a traditional luxury spa, but rather the home of Wild Wellness. The focus at the HotBox is on embracing the beautiful Scottish landscape and the outdoors through Hydrotherapy.
Every element of the spa is orientated to soak in the sunset and take in the views of Ben Lawers, regardless where you are with the spa. It helps that we also have the largest outdoor hot tub in the country!” Sold! And what about that plunge pool? Well it’s Stacey’s favourite part of the spa! “It’s the most exhilarating experience doing a cold plunge in that way and, just great fun.” The uniqueness of Taymouth is very much your immersion into the nature around you. There’s even more though. the sumptuous seasonal menus at the Ferryman’s Inn Restaurant overlooking the loch have had some incredible reviews. So keep an eye out on Taymouth’s social channels as they have fantastic monthly offers available. Taymouth is something special.
Archerfield Estate, Fletcher’s Cottage Spa
One of my personal favourites, Archerfield Estate near North Berwick has the gorgeous, Scandinavia styled Fletcher’s Cottage spa. The decadent estate has a myriad of accommodation – coastal cottages, villas, stable block apartments plus Archerfield House. But as much as the beautiful accommodation is a true draw here, ahh, the spa! Views over a walled garden, champagne beside the log burners. A marine steam room relieves lethargy and hydrates the skin. Lavendar sauna (with lavender dried from their own garden) are all designed to decompress the stress that weighs us down. With bath huts in the garden, your bath being drawn with essential oils and hand-harvested seaweed… I mean, really. And that’s before we even get to the treatments!
Marine Troon
Named one of the “Best Spas in Scotland for 2023” by Condé Nast Traveller, The Marine Troon overlooks the Firth of Clyde and the mystical Isle of Arran. Renovation of the Victorian Hotel was completed and reopened in 2022. With sea view rooms and suites, accommodation overlooking Royal Troon Golf Course, the hotel is in an incredible setting. Field Marketing Manager for the hotel Rhona Armstrong says “the floor-to-ceiling glass wall in our swimming pool area also offers charming views of Royal Troon and the neighbouring South Ayrshire coastline – perfect for rainy day views and soaking up the Scottish atmosphere.”
The Spa treatments on offer take inspiration from the sea. Ishga (water in gaelic) products are used to help clients truly unwind, cosy against the windswept coastline. Rhona adds “The use of Hebridean seaweed in ishga’s skincare range, sustainably hand-harvested off the northwest coast of Scotland, adds an exclusive and locally inspired touch to the spa experience.”
And what a host of treatments these are. Specialised treatments are designed to cater for the needs of each guest. And being a Golfer’s paradise, there must be one that’s on par, shall we say? “The “Golfer’s Deep Tissue Massage,” is a bespoke treatment for guests who may have spent the day on the golf course,” adds Rhona. “This unique treatment uses natural ingredients like fucus serratus extract and rosemary to address physical fatigue and muscle pain.”
And for non-golfers there’s a host of spa treatments. Rhona’s recommendations? Stay of course! “We also offer various spa treatments as part of our overnight package deals at the hotel such as the Coastal Retreat package which includes a 45-minute ishga spa treatment, 3-course dinner at The Rabbit and breakfast the following morning. Or if a guest books a two-night mid-week stay at Marine Troon, they will receive a complimentary 55-minute spa for the ultimate Marine Troon experience.” I can smell the sea air already…
The Old Course Golf Resort and Spa
And so, the best for last? Well certainly the most famous. The Old Course Golf Resort and Spa, St Andrews. The £7 million refurbished Kohler Water Spa might give the Old Course a run for its money in terms of draw. The hotel of course has fabulous views of The Links. Kohlers waters Spa is inspired by the earth’s mineral-rich waters. With 13 treatment rooms, a relaxation pool with waterfall, the hydrotherapy suite is a true tonic for tor the soul. Steam rooms to sooth aching muscles and detoxify the body, who’s brave enough to immerse in the plunge pool or, eek, the ice fountain? As for the range of treatments the spa offer? Spoiled for choice doesn’t begin to describe it.
Enjoyed our Top Spa Breaks in Scotland 2024? Take a look at our other travel recommendations in our Travel and Leisure Articles
