The best spa hotels in Edinburgh for a relaxing city stay
Treat yourself to a relaxing stay in the vibrant Scottish capital, and indulge in therapeutic treatments followed by cocktails in snug bars and fine dining restaurants
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities to explore, home to a host of famous landmarks, historic sights and beautiful gothic architecture. It also boasts some of the most luxurious spa hotels, where you can combine exploring the iconic sights of the city with rest and rejuvenation.
From slick city spots to country house hotels on the outskirts, an Edinburgh spa hotel is the perfect treat; think signature treatments, holistic hydra pools, therapeutic saunas and steam rooms and relaxation zones – a world away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-clad streets.
Indulge in post-treatment drinks on the terrace or a traditional afternoon tea by the fire, and reset for another day of exploring; for spectacular vista’s, head to Arthur’s Seat – the highest point in Edinburgh – a hill located in Holyrood Park and trek to the summit for unforgettable views.
There’s also the Royal Botanical Gardens – boasting ten climactic zones and beautiful glasshouses – the National Museum of Scotland, with its brilliant roof terrace, designed by sculptor, Andy Goldsworthy - for a fresh perspective of the city - and for a memorable evening, book The Witchery – an atmospheric dining destination, dark and gothic, serving the finest Scottish cuisine.
Read on to see our favourite spa hotels in Edinburgh for your next city break.
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
A striking Victorian building with a clock tower at the centre, set on the corner of Princess Street and the North Bridge, The Balmoral Hotel is one of the city’s two great railway hotels, perfectly positioned between Old and New Town.
This luxury Edinburgh spa hotel ticks all the boxes for a relaxing stay in a buzzing city; expect echoes of Paris and staggering views of the capital and surrounding hills in the chic Brasserie Prince with dishes that marry classic French cuisine with sublime Scottish produce, alongside an impressive SCOTCH bar and award-winning afternoon tea, served in the Palm Court tea room.
Take a dip in the 15-metre pool and enjoy a well-appointed spa with a sauna and steam room, along with relaxing Irene Forte treatments. Perfect for anyone after quiet luxury – think kilted doormen, modern Scottish art and calmly-contemporary rooms with city views, designed by hotelier, Olga Polizzi.
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Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
The Sheraton Grand Hotel is a large glossy corporate hotel with a great spa and the best gin in the city; brilliantly central, looking across to Edinburgh Castle – it’s perfectly positioned in Festival Square, next to the independent Filmhouse Cinema, and within good walking distance of the Royal Mile and New Town with its host of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.
When your feet tire from city sightseeing, head to Edinburgh’s largest thermal spa with its roof-top hydra pool, 19-metre infinity pool, sun-terrace and huge range of treatments. Front-facing rooms have spectacular views of the castle and the relaxation theme continues with a multi-sensory bath experience with colour-changing lights and ESPA oils.
After a day of exploring, head to the Square Bar & Brasserie, serving seasonal Scottish produce, along its own One Square gin and indulgent champagne afternoon tea.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Edinburgh
A former railway hotel located at the edge of Princess Street Gardens with castle views – its central position is great for both shoppers and sightseers – with just 20-minutes’ walk taking you to Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
The Waldorf Astoria is now a grand spa hotel, with tartan-clad doormen, lots of marble and heritage features. Think opulent interiors, statement staircases and enormous proportions with rich-coloured bedrooms featuring lots of polished wood. There’s a small but serious spa for luxury 111SKIN face and body treatments, developed by a Harley Street surgeon, along with niche Irish brand Ground aromatherapy rituals with 100% vegan ingredients.
Head to the Pompadour for a fine dining seven-course tasting menu – or downstairs to the lively Grazing by Mark Greenaway where the emphasis is on bold, seasonal flavours. Wake up to an indulgent slow-cooked breakfast in Peacock Alley – the old railway ticket hall.
Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Just 20-minutes’ drive from Edinburgh’s centre, Norton House Hotel & Spa sits in gorgeous wooded grounds, offering a peaceful alternative to staying in the city centre. A 19th century mansion and impressive spa hotel – set in 50 landscaped acres – it’s an utterly secluded spot on the edge of the Ratho village.
Full of characterful charm, the original drawing room has ornate ceiling panels, painted in green and gold and bedrooms boast high ceilings, elegant windows with heritage features and views over the grounds.
There’s an ornamental lake, and a stunning spa located in a stunning sunken-glass building in the old walled garden – enjoy swimming and hydro pools, steam and sauna rooms, along with treatments using Elemis and Ishga seaweed-based products. The afternoon tea in the spa’s atrium is a real treat, as is the Chef’s Experience menu, served in the brasserie – think traditional Scottish fare with a twist.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh
Stay at the Kimpton Charlotte Square for its design-led décor and gorgeous spa where a treatment feels heavenly after walking the streets with their fascinating architecture and famous landmarks. Think Soho House vibes with chic and characterful bedrooms (some with castle views), one of the city’s favourite fine dining restaurants and the loveliest bikes to pedal around the city.
A winning location, this spa hotel in Edinburgh’s New Town overlooks Charlotte Square, just two-minutes from Princess Street and a 15-minute walk to Old Town and a host of iconic sights.
When you’re done sightseeing, head to the spa for a relaxing swim and sauna, followed by a blissful Ishga seaweed body wrap. Round off your day with Middle Eastern/Scottish fusion plates in BABA or a six-course fine dining menu in Aizle. Dogs stay free, and are welcomed with a bed, food, bowls and feeding-mat.
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