I took a chance and scheduled a neck and shoulder massage. It was a great experience - really nice…read morestaff. Sandra was my massage therapist and did an outstanding job. Go see her, you'll feel better.

Expensive due I guess to its prime location. But she was…read moregood. Experienced in deep massage.

Had THE best gel manicure ever here, along with my first Minx pedicure, which was also excellent…read more Massive selection of authentic Shellac colors. Gel mani lasted 15 days until I soaked it off only because the growth was showing. Apart from that, one tiny chip day 9 or 10, zero peeling, almost no wear on the tips (and I chose a dark color!). I got loads of compliments on my nails. Mani itself was relaxing and pampering. Lovely hand massage, gentle but thorough cuticle care. Minx pedi lasted about the same but I removed it even though it still held up in great condition. They offer several options depending on how much time you have and how much pampering you'd like. If you have some time and the pounds to spare, you absolutely will get what you pay for here. Staff was super friendly and attentive. I definitely look forward to returning!

Had an extraction facial at EBQ this morning - absolutely fantastic! Skin looks bright, hydrated…read moreand cared for! All products and processes talked through with a plan provided and product samples for after care. I was even given a chilled bottle of water to take drink on my way home. Lovely calming atmosphere and knowledgable and friendly practitioner - highly recommend

I go here regularly for waxing, it is the best value in town and great service…read more Would highly recommend it, most other places are way over priced.

I also go here for waxing and it is by far the best place I've been. The service is very…read moreprofessional, they make it as quick and painfree as possible and the place is very clean and tranquil. Their services are also very reasonably priced and a student discount is available. Would definately recommend.

My friend and I spotted this spa as the only Guerlain spa in the U.K. So it was our mission to…read morevisit!! So when she said, let's go to Scotland ... I suggested the Waldorf Astoria in Edinburgh so we could visit the spa!! I phoned up few weeks before to book a massage & facial session then about 4 hours later, I received an email from the hotel concierge saying he could book things for us - including the spa with 10% off!!! Arghhhhhhh a discount!!! But the spa terms & conditions state I would lose money if I cancelled (so I could ask the concierge to rebook it with discount!) so we left it. The spa is lovely, reception is like a shrine to the guerlain products, there is a waiting room though quite small and they only had one toilet which seemed to be used by someone changing in there! We had got changed in our bedrock and put on the dressing gown n slippers that were in my room. First we had a foot spa, it was great, relaxing and lovely! Then we got taken to the treatment room where we had massage & facial. It was great!!! One of the best!! It is expensive but if you sign up to their mailing list, the hotel send out offers. I didn't book one of those but off the spa menu. We signed for it to the hotel then I told her the story bout the concierge offering me a discount after I'd already booked! The receptionist said 'why didn't you say!!' And reversed the charge and applied the discount! Awww so sweet!!! If you are in Edinburgh and wanting a beauty treatment or spa time - you are allowed to use the gym n pool too, I recommend spoiling yourself!!

Ok, the interiors a bit shabby/like a brothel but it's the final outcome which earns it it's 5…read morestars. Oh my gosh, I don't know why I'm saying this on the internet. I actually needed to pysch myself up before this review and think about my terminology. I went for a full bikini wax, I think it's called a Hollywood, which is everything off - ZWAP! Now, the job the good looking girl did was very thorough. Obviously they don't feel awkward at all, unlike me when there's some hot blonde peering at you with your knickers in the most unflattering way ever (you know how I mean girls - flossing). Now, I've had this done before and it's not been done 100% because there's some angles that can't be got to by just lying on your back and reasonably priced Salon LA seemed to be the only place that have actually gathered this. True professionals, I'm just still really immature when it comes to body parts.

Oh my goodness, I received shockingly bad customer service here. What an attitude problem! I didn't…read moreeven end up staying to get my treatments because they were so incredibly rude to me. I also saw how they spoke to another customer on the phone in the same manner. Very unprofessional, and disappointing too as I'd been looking forward to it!

I had a wonderful experience at Pure Spa. The atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was very nice…read moreand helpful. I had a relaxation massage with Maggie, and she was excellent! I am retired massage therapist, and have had a lot of body work, so I know what I'm talking about. Maggie knew just what I needed to recover from 3 days of walking around Edinburgh. I would highly recommend the spa. M. H. U.S.A.

From the owner: We understand our clients, open 7 days a week with long hours…read more Enjoy luxury spa therapies and beauty treatments in one, convenient place Booking is made easy -- call us, book online or download our iPhone app Looking for a gift? All our treatments are available as gift vouchers Recognised multiple times by the Professional Beauty Awards We use and sell luxury British brands, Elemis and Leighton Denny Free parking at most of our locations

We are from New Jersey, and I've had plenty of high end massages in my life there. Suffice it to…read moresay, April completely blew everything I knew about deep tissue massages out of the water!!!! I could've cried with the relief she was able to provide. If we ever return to Scotland, this spa will be my very first stop. I can NOT say enough wonderful things about her. If you prefer deep tissue, she's your go to.

As I bounded down the stairs and skipped along to the bus stop I found myself wondering 'Is it…read morewrong to be so excited about a day of relaxation'? (and is it odd to be taking the bus to a 5* hotel :)) Once off the bus I made my way to the Balmoral Hotel at its distinctive and prestigious location at 1 Princes Street. Previously I'd only been as far as the bar but today I sauntered up the steps smiled back at the welcoming, tartan clad doorman and was guided by a friendly concierge towards the Spa - going through the elegant tea room I made a note to self - must come back for afternoon tea to see how it compares to the big hotels in London! The Spa is down in the lower level but as the elevator doors opened, the bright and shiny decor and warm smiles that greeted me made me forget we were underground. The staff were friendly, attentive and professional and had their priorities right: Step 1 - Welcome the guest with a big smile; Step 2 - Offer a glass of water or hot beverage; Step 3 - Fill out the Health Questionnaire before use of facilities and treatments. As a massage therapist myself, I know the importance of the health consultation - it will make sure that my health won't be adversely affected by the use of the equipment or by the massage, and it will help the therapist give me the most beneficial and individual treatment for my needs; I was also checked for medical concerns when I booked, to save disappointment on arrival. Next, I was given a full tour of the spa area before heading to the changing room which was smaller than some of the spa hotels I have visited on my travels but I think this was a positive indication that they must restrict the number of members and/or bookings to provide and exclusive, quiet, calm experience. The area was clean, minimal, elegant and not too opulent (a.k.a. gaudy). I looked around and did a quick checklist; although small everything you could need seemed to be here, hair dryer, moisturiser etc.. So arriving at 12 - what was there to do for the 3 hours before my treatment? LOTS!! I had complete access to the gym with it cardio and weight equipment; I could chill out at the classical Grecian/Roman styled poolside seating area with a complimentary self serve bar for water, tea, coffee; get comfy reading the magazines on the lounge chairs and sofas; l could even order food and have it sent down to eat at one of the poolside tables while still in my robe and slippers. Instead, I decided to make use of the pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub....but wait - where's the hot tub? I had a quick look 'round but nope - no hot tub; and really no space for one either so it was off to the pool which was I told was a cosy 31C!! The sauna/steam rooms were just alongside the pool with a fully tiled alcove of shower heads for a quick rinse between zones - one with the ominous label 'COLD WATER SHOWER' - I'm not that brave so it was a quick warm rinse, a cup of cold water from the conveniently placed water cooler - and into the Sauna. I'm ready for more heat so it's off to the Steam Room. As soon as I open the door it's obvious this is one of the best steam rooms I've been in!! So much steam I could barely see past my nose. The mentholated steam was refreshing, hygienic and cleansing. I curled up into a corner, and just relaxed - deep breaths of the aromatic steam opened my lungs and a mix of sweat and condensation formed from head to toe. I have no idea how long I stayed but eventually I ventured back out for my last few laps in the pool - and then it was time to head back to the changing room and get ready for .... THE MASSAGE!! For the next hour I was totally blissed out. The smell of the oils was amazing and transported me to a tropical paradise. The bed was comfy and I'm pretty sure it was heated. My therapist's technique was flowing and deep, she skilfully used her hands and forearms to compress and stretch my muscles and release the tension. The clicking and creaking coming from my shoulders was a clear sign that the massage was working! A lot of time was spent on my back but there was plenty of time to ensure my legs, feet, hands and arms also received attention and provided more surface oil for the oil to be absorbed. Following the massage, I was given time to myself to get dressed and gently come back to reality. My experience ended with being cocooned in soft blankets on a lounger in the dedicated relaxation suite, sipping lemon water and just being totally in the moment.... All in all a great deal (thanks to an offer with I-on magazine). The lack of a hot tub did take it down a star - only in comparison to other similar hotels. But what they did have was top notch.

I love Penhaligons products, it's always an experience popping in and even though this little shop…read moreis quite dinky, they still have a great range of products and the staff are really friendly too. I love the old school bottles and it almost makes you feel like you've transported back in time. My mum adores the Elisabethan Rose perfume but at £70 I've only ever bought it for her once and had to half in with my brother. I do think the prices are a little excessive which is why I don't personally buy anything from Penhaligons and tend to go to L'Occitane or Crabtree and Evelyn instead as their products are significantly cheaper but they still stock gorgeous, traditional fragrances. It's also not really aimed at students like myself but I still like going in for a browse and I can always pick out in advance what I will hopefully be able to afford someday... hopefully not too far off. I noticed a stunning lacquered red box in a glass cabinet and it was displayed with three perfume bottles, a gorgeous old fashioned sterling silver brush and comb set and a little butterfly hair clasp on top. It looked gorgeous and I would love one of them on my dresser but it was £120... and that was just for the box. As far as I'm aware, this is the only Penhaligons store in Scotland since the one in Glasgow shut down, there are a few other stockists but this is the only store exclusive to Penhaligon products. The whole store feels really traditional, the dark oak furniture is stunning, everything is really under stated, the packaging is amazing and the final purchase comes in a really pretty bag with tissue paper so perfect if you're looking for a gift.

I've heard people rant and rave about how wonderful Panhaligon's is, so when it came to buy a…read morespecial thank you gift for my boyfriend (he is a star) I thought a fancy scent from here would be perfect. It's a small shop and when I entered the two staff were quick to offer me help.There's bottles everywhere and my mind went from 'Ye Old Apothecary' to 'Alice and Wonderland' and back as I tried to find my bearings amongst the bottles. There's a selection in the centre of the shop arranged in a circle, while cabinets on the walls contain shaving creams, body lotions and so forth corresponding to the most popular scents available. I was informed that the scents weren't really divided by gender but was directed to those deemed 'more masculine'. After a whirlwind 20 minutes of spraying and smelling my head was in a tizzy. Complete sensory overload! Bless the girl, she was trying to help but I never realised I was so useless with smells! Luckily, they do small tester sets with four or five samples which are suited to gentlemen (or ladies) and are presented in a cute tin. I'll let him choose from that which he likes the best! The presentation is fantastic as well. The lovely staff put effort into arranging the bag. It's a bit pricey, though the set I came away with only set me back £35 for 5 samples of about 10ml each. The 100ml bottles can run up to £85 while the 50ml bottles can be £60. The shaving creams and body lotions run a bit cheaper, generally under £35. Though it's a teensy bit dear, if you're getting something for yourself the staff are wonderful at helping you choose a scent that fits you. First rate!

I've been going here for the last year now and can't recommend them enough. I always have the same…read morebikini wax and it really does get less painful as time goes on. The treatment I get takes 20 minutes and only a minute or so of that is ouchy. I still go to Amanda and she told me last time she's had a customer tell her she had the same waxing somewhere else and it took double that time. Now that is torturous. In the process of trying to convince my boyfriend to come here for a boys facial tidyup. He has defiant eyebrows. Shall update if I manage.

I can't believe I've not reviewed Ivy before!…read more Ivy is a great wee beauty salon, which uses all organic products for guilt free pampering. I first came here on a Groupon voucher, but enjoyed it so much I've been back several times since. The main reason is that Ivy are great value for money, especially with their frequent offers. Every month a new email is sent out detailing the offers for that month, and it's worthwhile checking their Facebook page too. Most recently I had a 60 minute full body massage with Lana, and because she's new I got 40% off! And ohhh it was good. I absolutely love massages, and this was just as good as any other I've had before. My shoulders are still very knotty (though Lana really went at them) so I'll probably be back soon for another go. On their Tempting Tuesdays they do several popular treatments for only £20, including a 30 minute Swedish massage, so it's an affordable treat. I'm glad I found Ivy, especially given it's near my flat so absolutely perfect for popping into after work. If you live locally you should definitely give them a try too.

On the prowl for men's skincare for one of my guy friends who is not in the shopping scene, I…read morestopped by the Elemis counter at Harvey Nicks. The ladies there were very helpful and have given advise as to what has to be used and be done to make the skin healthier. They have a variety of stuff that if I am done with my current skincare products, I am so tempted to try them, too. They also do the on-site skin check. I would have done so if only I was not in a hurry. So going back to the men's skincare, I was given samples for my friend to try first and if he is happy with it, he could buy the product. Good idea so no monies go to waste... : )