If you are too busy earning money to spend it and feel in need of dedicating some time to yourself, then a spa break to Edinburgh and the surrounding area is the ideal choice.

Edinburgh has a range of spas offering unique treatments.

One Spa at the 5 star Sheraton Hotel is the Grande Dame, its thermal suite has every kind of sauna and steam room, with a tropical rain and cold fog shower and heated relaxation beds. There is also an outdoor hydra pool. Their signature treatments have an ayurvedic influence. Try the Ama Releasing Abhyanga, which is nearly two hours of pure relaxation and includes a foot massage, body exfoliation, facial cleanse, marma point massage and head massage, all intended to release congesting and restrictive toxins and to free the flow of natural energy through the body and mind. This multi award-winning spa is situated in the heart of the city and far funkier than the average! If you fancy something different this is the place to go - just don't forget to take time to chill in the roof top hydro-pool, the most laid back way to enjoy the city skyline.

The Cowshed at the Scotsman Hotel is a spin-off from the famous spas at Babington and Soho House. They have recently introduced advanced facials using SkinCeutical products intended to protect from premature aging and restore environmentally damaged skin. They also have one of the funkiest relaxation rooms, with a hanging chair and a fish farm playing on a plasma screen.

The Balmoral Spa, situated in the famous landmark Balmoral Hotel is the ultimate urban spa experience. Voted the 'best urban day spa' in Condé Nast Travellers' 2007 Readers' Spa Awards, you know this is something special. A retreat in the heart of the city, The Balmoral Spa offers a sanctuary of personal comfort and total escapism with a wide range of treatments and pampering packages for tired travellers. After your treatments, choose from any of the 5 star leisure facilities to complete your experience. Choose from the Finnish sauna, Turkish steam room, 15-metre crystal-clear pool, air-conditioned fully equipped cardiovascular gymnasium and exercise room. Just launched in April 07, The Balmoral is the only Edinburgh spa to offer the luxury skincare and spa programme Ytsara, the all-organic and truly holistic Thai technique based on ancient rituals, incorporating Royal Thai massage, Thai clapping, passive yoga stretching movements, acupressure and Asian aromatherapy massage

If it's a quick pick me up you're after, then one of the two city centre based Zen Lifestyle salons are the perfect place to refresh, rejuvenate and regain your energy after a hectic day's sightseeing or shopping. These award-winning city centre salons offer the usual array of beauty treatments and pampering sessions.

If a spa break is all about escaping the rat race for you, then why not try one of the out-of-town spas in the surrounding Lothians region. For a tranquil spa getaway why not try Dalhousie Castle and Spa, a state-of-the-art spa set in a stately home. The unique Aqueous hydro-sp was the first of its kind in Scotland and offers therapeautic spa treatments combined with invigorating hydro facilities, which include a jet pool, roman style sauna and tropical rain shower.


In East Lothian, a new addition to the spa scene is the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa. This place of serenity allows you to cocoon yourself in a retreat of calm and tranquility, escaping the outside world and reawakening your energies.

Fully indulged and relaxed you can return to the grind, knowing there is always a perfect spa break to escape to in Edinburgh & Lothians.