Best spa hotels in Edinburgh, reviewed
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There’s so much to explore in the charming capital of Scotland. Edinburgh might just be the only place on Earth where you can hike up a towering, extinct volcano in the middle of the city, delve into the rich history of an expansive castle, and stroll through the narrow streets of an ancient town all in one day. It’s a wonderfully walkable city, with Princes Street Gardens running parallel to the main street and the Royal Mile climbing from Holyrood Palace to the Castle.
After spending days exploring historic landmarks, there's nothing quite like coming back to a luxurious hotel that has a spa – and fortunately, this city has many options. The top spa hotels in Edinburgh incorporate Scotland's natural resources into their scrubs, facials, and body wraps, providing a variety of treatments. Here are some of the finest hotels for a relaxing spa getaway in and near Edinburgh.
Experience The Sheraton Grand
The Sheraton Grand has so much to offer. Nestled on Lothian Road, this luxurious five-star hotel features round-the-clock room service, accommodations with stunning views of the Castle, and an exquisite breakfast served daily. The standout attraction, however, is the One Spa, which is the largest hotel spa in the city. Guests can enjoy hydrotherapy in a rooftop hydropool while taking in Scotland's refreshing climate, followed by a chance to warm up in their thermal suite with saunas, steam rooms, and a dry salt room. Spa days can be enhanced with delightful dining options like themed afternoon teas, gin tastings, and champagne brunches on Sundays.
Location: 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR
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Norton House Hotel: A Relaxing Retreat
If you're flying into Edinburgh Airport, you couldn't ask for a more convenient spa getaway than Norton House Hotel. Although it's just a stone's throw from Scotland's busiest airport, the atmosphere at Norton House is tranquil, serene, and wonderfully picturesque. Originally a Victorian manor, the hotel is surrounded by expansive gardens, offering plenty of options for dog walks and hiking right outside your door. After a day spent exploring the countryside, the spa is the ideal place to relax, whether you choose to enjoy a soothing massage or refresh yourself under a rain shower by the hydrotherapy pool. Don't miss out on the Turkish mud chamber, which offers a truly distinctive experience.
Location: Harvest Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LX
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The Caledonian Hotel, now part of the Hilton Curio Collection, has been a landmark at the western end of Princes Street for over a century. Known affectionately as "The Cally" by locals, it’s a beloved part of Edinburgh. Spa days here are a true pleasure, often enjoyed as Christmas gifts for some pampering in the New Year. Take a few laps in the pool, unwind in the hot tub, and let go of your stress in the saunas and steam rooms. The facials and skin treatments incorporate natural minerals from Hebridean seaweed, giving a unique Scottish flair to the experience. After your spa day, stroll through the serene and elegant hallways to your luxurious room, or treat yourself to the tasting menu at Dean Banks' restaurant in the exquisite Pompadour dining room.
Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB
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Dalhousie Castle stands impressively, built from rose-colored stone, complete with towers and expansive gardens that range from neatly kept to beautifully wild. Although it's technically located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, getting into the city center is just a quick bus ride or short drive away. The experience at Dalhousie makes the trip worthwhile, beginning with a visit to the owl sanctuary located on the grounds. Guests can then enjoy a meal in the medieval-themed Dungeon Restaurant and unwind with a glass of whisky by the cozy fire in the library bar. To make the experience even better, the spa is an attraction of its own, featuring a variety of treatments along with a hydrotherapy pool and a Roman steam room called the Laconium.
Location: Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, EH19 3JB
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For those in search of opulence, Gleneagles Townhouse is the perfect destination. Once a bank, this impressive Georgian structure located on St Andrews Square has been artfully transformed into one of Edinburgh's most exquisite new hotels. The guest rooms evoke a sense of a past age, featuring large, canopied beds and elegant mahogany dividers. Meanwhile, The Spence restaurant reflects the grandeur of the Georgian era. The spa offers signature treatments that have been popular for decades at the original Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, utilizing Scottish ingredients such as wild sea buckthorn and seaweed to refresh both the mind and body.
Location: 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD
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Stay At Marriott Holyrood Hotel
Although it’s located on the famous Royal Mile, this Marriott Hotel exudes a contemporary vibe. It's just a short walk from the stunning Holyrood Palace, and scenic nature trails are right nearby, with Arthur’s Seat located just across the street. The guest rooms blend style and practicality, featuring sleek designs and fresh linens. The restaurant highlights Scotland’s finest local ingredients in its offerings. Meanwhile, the spa boasts a large indoor pool, a well-equipped gym, and a variety of rejuvenating treatments such as hot stone massages, facials, and manicures.
Location: 81 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AU
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The Balmoral stands as the pinnacle of luxury hotels in Scotland and is a treasured landmark in Edinburgh. The iconic clock tower is a familiar sight on many travel guides featuring the city. If the walls of this historic building could speak, they would have countless stories about the numerous celebrities, influential leaders, and wealthy individuals who have enjoyed its elegant accommodations and dined in its Michelin-starred restaurant. In addition to exquisite lounges, a welcoming staff, and a beautiful dining area, the hotel boasts a spa for guests wanting to relax after a day of exploring. Irene Forte skincare products are used in their refreshing facials and body wraps, and you'll also find a large swimming pool, multiple saunas, and a steam room for your personal relaxation.
Location: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ
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Explore The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Nestled between the shopping paradise of Princes Street and the cocktail-filled George Street, the Kimpton sits gracefully on elegant Charlotte Square. Beyond its exceptionally stylish accommodations, this five-star hotel offers some of the finest dining experiences in the city. Guests face a delightful dilemma choosing between chef Stuart Ralston's locally-inspired tasting menu at Aizle or the shareable plates offered at the Levante in the BABA restaurant. The spa is also top-notch, featuring the UK’s first ‘sound wellness room,’ where visitors can enjoy a unique blend of soundscapes influenced by the Hebrides and Lofoten Islands, enhanced by a range of immersive treatments.
Location: 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ
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Apex Hotel At Waterloo Place: A Great Stay
Located just a short walk from Waverly train station, the Apex Hotel Waterloo Place sits at the heart of Edinburgh. Calton Hill is just a stone's throw away, and you can find Princes Street ahead, boasting stunning views of the Castle alongside plenty of shopping options. As you arrive at this expansive Georgian hotel, you'll immediately notice its impressive design, featuring large arched windows and an opulent reception area. This establishment first opened its doors in 1819, making it Edinburgh's first large-scale, purpose-built hotel. While the exterior reflects its historical significance, the rooms inside are a blend of comfort and contemporary style. The Yu Spa offers a serene retreat with treatment rooms for both couples and individuals, where you can indulge in facials, relaxing scrubs, and invigorating massages.
Location: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BG
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Exploring Radisson Blu In Edinburgh
Although the architecture of the Radisson Blu is contemporary, it complements its historic location on the Royal Mile perfectly, featuring castle-like windows and turrets. While the lively Royal Mile offers plenty of activity during the day, the rooms within the hotel provide a peaceful retreat, designed in soothing shades of grey and white. Enhance your relaxation by visiting the spa, aptly named the Sleeping Beauty Spa, which plays on the hotel's storybook aesthetic. Enjoy a soothing experience in the heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam rooms, along with treatments in tranquil private spaces that promise a restful escape fit for a fairytale princess.
Location: 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH
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You can't overlook this magnificent luxury hotel located in the center of Edinburgh. Its spiraling copper tower has become a recognizable feature of the city’s skyline in recent years, and the views from the outdoor terrace and rooftop lounge are absolutely breathtaking. Inside, the hotel is filled with extravagant lounges and stunning rooms that include circular beds and unique egg-shaped bathtubs. The spa is equally lavish, with treatment rooms inspired by the four classical elements—earth, water, air, and fire. Private spa suites come equipped with hot tubs, saunas, and waterfall showers.
Location: 1 Saint James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX
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