One Spa, Edinburgh

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One Spa in Edinburgh is quite exceptional. Part of the Sheraton Hotel and yet operating as a separate entity, it provides a place for ultimate relaxation in the centre of the busy city.

It took us a while to find the entrance of One Spa, hidden away in the maze of the hotel. This spa and health centre has a range of facilities and treatments to rest and rejuvenate the body, an indulgent retreat for anyone in need of some ‘me time’. Even early on a Sunday morning, the venue was full with hotel guests and local regulars. Sadly the therapists were all booked up weeks in advance, so we were left to our own devices to experience ‘Escape at One’.

Escape at One gives guests the opportunity to spend up to three hours creating their own spa ritual. Changed out of my wintry clothes and wrapped up in a cosy towelling robe, I was ready to go! I used the time to enjoy the impressive thermal suite which I found balanced my body, cleansing the skin and clearing my mind. There are a range of exotic rooms – hot, cool, steamy and humid. The circuit is designed to sooth and refresh, a calm and tranquil place to unwind.

After the thermal journey, I energised my muscles with lengths in the pool and then immersed myself in the hydro-pool. This high tech pool is half indoor and half outdoor with various jets to invigorate the body’s essential core. It is rare to find a spa with hydro-pool facilities, so I took the opportunity to relish this specialist experience.

If you do manage to book a treatment there are plenty of special, unique offerings to choose from, many of which use the lovely and luxurious ESPA products. Those feeling peckish can replenish and hydrate in the café where they sell deli-style sandwiches and freshly squeezed juices.

When it was time to face the bitter outdoors again, I found my mood uplifted and my body recharged from head to toe.

More information and book a treatment here.

SenSpa, New Forest

We spent the perfect day at SenSpa in the New Forest. A trip to this luxurious spa gave my best friend and I the rare chance to spend the whole day relaxing and indulging in the picturesque English countryside far, far away from our busy lives in London. Just a two hour drive from the city, SenSpa is a popular destination and we were amazed by how many other women were visiting to relax and catch up, obviously we were not the only ones to have this bright escape idea!

Located within Careys Manor Hotel, the spa provides hotel guests with fabulous facilities, though many travel just to visit the spa. The hotel itself is very traditional, surprising compared to how luxurious and modern the spa appears. SenSpa is Thai themed with the layout, treatments and food all based around this country’s culture and rituals.

Our day of pampering and relaxation was full and varied – there is so much to sample here, we almost got agitated trying to fit it all in! I would recommend staying the whole weekend if you can. We began with a tour of the venue and then proceeded to the comfortable changing rooms to lock away our phones, put on our bikinis and wrap up in soft towelling robes. We strolled down to the pool for a refreshing swim and a try of the bubbling jacuzzi. Unlike with London based spas, there is no rumble of traffic outside, and for the first time in a long while I experienced total tranquility. I particularly loved the high-tech hydrotherapy pool which I have never tried before. The stimulating bubble jets massage your whole body, applying different pressure to each muscle. The theupeutic pool relieves tension and releases toxins, as well as supposedly speeding up your metabolism.

After taking full advantage of the pool, we tried the unique steam and sauna rooms and the assorted tropical showers! I loved the effects of these rooms, specially designed to smooth and soothe your skin. We really enjoyed the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room decorated with glistening mosaic tiles and a huge precious stone, and it was easy to unwind upstairs on the heated loungers of the restorative tepidarium.

We were given authentic Thai pyjamas and starving after hours of exhausting relaxation (!) we entered the Zen Garden Thai Restaurant where a table had been reserved for us in the glorious May sunshine. Here we were able to totally indulge in the authentic Thai cuisine all freshly prepared by the chefs. Every dish was light and delicious, made with locally sourced organic ingredients and minimal fat. SenSpa have truly succeeding here making Thai food feel healthy and providing us with energy for the rest of the day. We tried the spring rolls to start, crispy and tasty, served with a plum dipping sauce. Then the green chicken curry and red beef curry arrived swiftly for our mains. We barely spoke during the curry course – we were enjoying the moreish creamy fragrant sauce too much to justify halting for conversation! For dessert, with my milky cappuccino, we shared the innovative lemongrass creme brulee served with a spoonful of mango sorbet… a wonderful mouthful of sweetness to finish the meal.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Mind and Body that followed lunch. A half an hour session that consisted of stretching and deep breathing left us feeling stressfree and relaxed. At 3pm it was time for our much anticipated treatments: hot stone massage for me and an oriental foot massage for my friend.

The treatments were performed to the highest quality. Lying in dimly lit rooms, we fully relaxed and let the therapists work the strain and tension from our bodies. My therapist was very considerate checking throughout the temperature and ensuring the treatment was performed to address my concerns. Sensual oil and warm stones were applied and massaged into my body sending me almost to sleep and curing me of any unwanted knots.

We left very relunctantly. SenSpa is a calming oasis, and the most wonderful way to spend a relaxing and rejuvenating day out of London.

Visit the SenSpa website here for more information and to book.