I have never been here so I could not possibly tell you how great it is, how clean it is and how…read morerespectable it is. Period.

From the owner: Complete this field:read more

This place was a perfect end to our trip through Europe! So good that I ended up booking a second…read moreday of Escape at One the following day. The spa was not busy/overwhelming at all. A substantial amount of thermal/water amenities, all of which feel very sanitary/maintained. I wish I was able to schedule a massage - however, it is completely understandable I couldn't squeeze in an appointment the day of. I felt completely relaxed after my appointment! My only note is that the aroma mist in the salt room did not seem to work (this may have been user error). Additionally one of the showers in the locker room was not in service. Definitely recommend booking here if you are looking for a relaxing day!

The fact that this spa is roof top just says luxury to me!…read more It puts the spa into Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, and just off Lothian Road. Mind you they can be quite pricey, but this has all got to do with the image their trying to project, as well as the various treatments they offer. As usual I haven't heard of most of them, but was particularly curious about the rainforest shower. Thankfully, I have a friend who has actually been to the Amazon (they come in REALLY handy!) and basically it's a room with showerheads all over the ceiling, so it seems as though it's raining in the room. Ofcourse if you'd rather just have a facial and a massage, they do that as well. They've got two pools, one of which is thermal, and a gym for those who'd rather "feel the burn" than relax, though I'd rather get in the sauna when there's that alternative.

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.

This is the first time I have visited portobello swim centre since taking lessons at primary school…read moreand it was nice to return with my niece over 20 years later and I could see some changes but mostly as I remember. We enjoyed our visit, we both preferred it here than commonwealth pool or the WHEC as it is far less busy, and easy enough to get to by public transport, right on the beach promenade, it's a great location. This pool provide water toys and floats which we had lots of fun with but I must make you aware that the showers although partitioned are shared with both male and females and male attendants on duty but this wasn't a problem for me or my niece but it might make some people uncomfortable. Also, make sure you bring change for the locker because they don't have cash only card payment. It's handy to know that there are Turkish baths here too and a sauna but these must be pre- booked. All in all we had lots of fun and will definitely be returning again soon!

The gym had a refurb last year & although it's smaller than the one at Meadowbank, it's got a good…read moreselection of machines & i've never had any trouble getting on anything on the odd occasion I've ventured in. I have to confess that I've never ventured into the pool despite being the owner of an Edinburgh Leisure membership for the last 2.5 years.... The building itself is lovely & old. it's fair to say that some bits have withstood the test of time better than others. The best thing about it though is the cafe on the first floor. It's at the front, has lots of windows making it light & airy & more importantly, gives great views of the beach. I love sitting up there with a pot of tea & a freshly baked scone watching the waves crash onto the beach. They serve generous portions of the brekkie stuff. Their bacon rolls are generously stuffed & very filling, scrambled eggs are fluffy & come piled high on mounds of toast but my favourite is their home baking. I'm a sucker for a good scone. They do fab scones which are always fresh from the oven. Perfect after a run along the Prom. In fact their scones are the reason I run along the Prom. There's nothing like the promise of a reward to make me get out of bed on a Saturday morning & go for a run.

Really loud - I don't know how it could possibly be as loud as it is, but it's like unbearable…read moretinnitus. The lighting is also really dim so the whole thing makes you feel like you're going mad. Olympic sized pool is good and knackering (as swimming should be) but every time I've been the changing rooms have always been a little bit manky and badly kept. The diving board is never open and even if it was I'm not 100% sure I'd trust the 100 year old ladder getting to the top board that I've dreamed off since I was a little girl. I'm sure one day my time will come.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool is currently undergoing works and should be open by the Summer of 2011,…read morewhere it will eventually be used to stage the diving competitions for the Commonwealth games in 2014, on Glasgow's behalf. However, it is also going to play an important part in preparing the GB swimming team for the Olympics in London in 2012. The pool did need a bit of renovation any how as it was first made for the Commonwealth games in the 1970s and the decor of the place didn't seem very 21st century, which is essential if live television pictures of a swimming venue are going to be beamed across the world. before the renovation work started, it was great to have a huge official Olympic sized swimming pool so close to the city centre and the 50 metres swims were a good test of your fitness. There was also diving boards, which I was never brave enough to actually try out. The changing rooms were as Alice says in definite need of a bit of TLC, but this will definitely be happening with the renovation work and I look forward to using it when it's done.

The Carlton leisure club is ok, but I would have expected a lot more from it. I've been once for a…read moremassage and it wasn't particularly good compared to others. The masseuse was not that great yet they have a very popular spa business. The Carlton does have a nice pool area with sauna and steam room (three stars), but the jacuzzi is a bit pathetic and is like a kids' pool in the ground with no switch to turn on the jets so you have to get your timing right or otherwise you're just sitting in what is essentially a bathtub in the ground. The gym is pathetic (two stars) with extremely old machines, weights that are 20-30 years old, a dingy and uninspiring space, and TVs that don't work or aren't on. I do enjoy coming to the pool area to relax during an afternoon with a good enough voucher deal, but otherwise wouldn't recommend it.

very nice gym and leisure club was a great pals day outread more

YES! Finally a 24…read morehour gym opens in Edinburgh. Pure Gym is situated on the new up-and-coming quartermile in Edinburgh, just a stones throw away from the Meadows and a short walk from the University - ideal for everyone. It only costs £17 a month to be a member of the gym, with a £20 initiation fee which is such a bargain. The gym is a really decent size and is filled with lots of workout machines and weights without being overcrowded. Every member is given a pin code which is used to enter and leave the gym, as well as enter the changing rooms. Classes are available at the gym, such as spinning, and there are plenty of personal trainers on hand to help you with your work out. Pure Gym is purely a gym - there is no swimming pool, sauna or jacuzzi, but there is a sun bed! The gym is never too overcrowded and there are always plenty of machines meaning that no one has to wait in line to use one - amazing.

So I gave Pure Gym a go…read more I've never been a member of a gym, nor have I ever been on any of those mad machines. I tried it for three days to learn the ropes and (since I'm not sure I'll have time for gyming for a bit) to try out a gym while I have a bit of free time. Applying for membership took about 5 minutes, all online and I was good to go immediately. The next day I showed up for my induction which was given by a lovely, relaxed - and most importantly completely not intimidating - lady who was patient in showing the machines, how to use them and explaining the ins and outs. After induction I was left to my own devices, so I tried out some machines. I was there at rush hour (but maybe some days are busier than others) and it was fine. There was no waiting for anything and everyone was friendly. I made the most of my brief membership and had fun. The gym itself, though I can't compare to other gyms, seems well equipped and there seems to be a relaxed atmosphere. The classes look like fun and apparently rarely fill up (even when the online thingy says they have, apparently they recommend you try showing up because there's so many no shows). There's a few rules such as: your stuff needs to be locked up (padlocks are available for £4), you need to carry a sweat towel when you're using equipment (again, available in vending machines) and there's no opportunity to bring friends (you're paying very little so I guess that makes sense!) Overall it was a good introduction to gyming. I had fun. The facilities are adequate, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is fine.

The Yoga Room is a small friendly ashtanga studio located on Forth Street. The front isn't that…read moreobvious and the doors are usually closed to help keep the heat in so just push on the right hand door and generally it's open. There is a tiny entrance area to remove your shoes in, before entering the main space. There is an area to leave bags and coats with seating which is separated from the practice space with curtains. The toilets and a small kitchen area are towards the back of the main space. The studio isn't always that warm (but this may be due to me doing early morning classes here) so it's worth bring an extra layer to wear until you've warmed up. I can't really comment on the teaching here currently as the teacher I was doing classes with has now left Edinburgh but they have excellent workshops much monthly on a range of topics with teachers from all over the UK.

Ok, so this may be a bit harsh based on the fact I only went for a half hour class during their…read moreopen day today. So essentially I showed up saying, yes I fancy a bit of yoga, but I really don't fancy paying for it! But, I have been to four yoga studio open days in as many weeks and this was by far the worst. There was a big line/cluster of people outside when I arrived 5 minutes early. My initial thought was, this is a LOT of people. At the time the class was due to start, we were ushered inside but there was a battle against the previous class trying to leave. Once I made it inside and found a space for my bag and coat, it was glaringly obvious the class was FAR oversubscribed. The mats were so close together you could barely walk between them. Then we were asked to shuffle around and make room so everyone could fit. Some people ended up on blankets because there were not enough mats. While I'm all for everyone getting to have a go, I emailed during the week to make sure I had a spot booked. I was left wondering what the point of that was as they'd clearly not paid attention to numbers. I get that you want to introduce as many people to your studio as possible on an open day, but it's also so people can get a feel of what the studio is like. If today was anything to go by, I won't be making a return. NB: I have happily handed over substantial amounts of money for classes after other open days, so they do work, but they won't work if the lasting impression is of absolute chaos. At least not for this lady!