I was the first customer at Edinburgh five-star luxury hotel's chic new 'dry spa'
I had an exciting trip to this New Town address
I’ve never replied to an email faster than the one that asked if I wanted to be the first customer at the brand new Spa at the Edinburgh Grand.
Forget the spell check, I just pressed send. That’s because I am a spa addict, plus I really love this five-star St Andrew Square hotel. Although, it’s been a while.
I suppose that it’s been somewhat overshadowed by its younger Gleneagles Townhouse neighbour.
Still, The Edinburgh Grand is such a beautiful building. The Director’s Suite must be the city’s biggest boudoir, and their penthouse has even better views than the W.
Since Marriott International took over the property last year and converted it into Scotland’s first Luxury Collection hotel, changes have been afoot. Firstly, down in the vaults of the former Royal Bank of Scotland, they’ve created this beautiful spa, which is open for residents and non-residents.
It’s ‘dry’ in that there are no water-based facilities, but they focus on treatments - ‘precision-led facials’ and ‘advanced body rituals’. They’re also the first in Scotland to partner with Spanish brand Skeyndor, known for its results-driven skincare.
Once I’ve pressed -1 in the lobby’s lift, and gone down to the basement level, I spot the rather cool feature of the original safe door, the other side of which you can find in the adjoining bar, Lady Libertine. The spa is along a corridor, past their new Fitness Centre, with a gym and yoga studio, and through a glass door. It’s hard to believe that this area was being used as storage space. Now, there are blush-coloured curtains against the walls, thick graphic-print carpets, a coral velvety sofa and a vast springy flower display of magnolia branches, protea and white hydrangeas. Real? Yes, definitely, this is a classy joint.
Beyond here are three treatment rooms and two changing rooms. You get your own space to disrobe, and change into one of their fluffy grey gowns.
There are currently 16 treatments to choose from. The Timeless Prodigy Facial (£295 for 100 minutes) is exclusive to this venue, and features Champagne and white truffle.
I love the idea of body treatments including The Grand Arrival (£275 for 90 minutes), which uses lymphatic massage to help with travel fatigue, or The Grand Departure (£275 for 90 minutes) to stretch you out at the other end of your holiday.
However, I’m trying the Power Up Vitamin C Facial (£195 for 60 minutes) with spa manager Catriona Ross, who has experience in White Lotus-esque places abroad.
Once I’m under a fluffy duvet on the most comfortable treatment bed, my skin is double cleansed, with something balmy, then a frothy potion that’s painted on with brushes.
Hot towels whip the detritus off. Then, there’s some heavenly massage, to undo all my gristly bits along my neck and shoulders, and lift my wibbly jowls. I can feel my circulation revving, and my skin is cooled with glass wands, before a mask goes on, and I get a glorious hand and arm massage (you can also choose a foot or scalp rub). There are more lightly scented lotions, but nothing too abrasive, and my post therapy skin is as plump as a mochi.
Afterwards, I have a blackcurrant and hibiscus Jing tea in the reception area.
This place is absolutely gorgeous. They’ve done a stellar job. I will not be leaving it so long again.
42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, www.spaattheedinburghgrand.com
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