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!!

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

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.

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.

We enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton Grand in Kraków so much that we decided to stick with this…read morebrand when staying in Edinburgh. I'm happy to say that it was a great decision. First of all, the location was perfect for us. It's right on Festival Square. Just look at the view that we had from our window on the 7th floor. The castle view is amazing! If you're a fan of concerts, then you'll also be happy that Usher Hall is right across the street from the hotel. The Edinburgh Farmers Market (every Saturday) is just behind the auditorium on Castle Terrace. There are many great restaurants all along Lothian, Fountainbridge, and everywhere in between as you walk up to Grassmarket. The great service started immediately with Ryan. He checked us in and made sure we had everything we needed. He was a great resource throughout our stay. The lobby was always neat as a pin. There's infused water available. The club is also accessed from this 1st floor area. We chose the Castle Suite which was very comfortable and spacious. The lighting and AC controls are modern and easy to figure out. There were plenty of electrical outlets (adaptable), and all were where we needed them to be. The bed was comfy, and house cleaning was great in getting the room ready in a timely matter on each day. I enjoyed the chocolate that was left for us each day at turn down. It was always a different flavor. The shower pressure and bath amenities were also great. We were also happy that our room included club access. It was great to be able to use their coffee machines throughout the day. I especially loved the fresh orange juice machine. Just insert a couple of whole oranges at the top and it produces a full glass of juice. Loved it! You'll also get access to the breakfast buffet at One Square on the 2nd floor. We did try it out on our last full day there. It had a larger variety of buffet items with table service. I especially liked the stuffed croissants. I think the one I had was filled with rhubarb. All the pastries were fresh daily. You can order an egg any way you like it, but you need to ask for it. It doesn't have the same open kitchen concept like the one in Kraków. I thought the breakfast buffet in Kraków was better. Although, I did get to try some unique Scottish items such as haggis and tattie scones. It was still well-done. I would most definitely stay here again. It made quite an impression on us for its comfortable amenities, good value, and location. Marriott Bonvoy members should be very happy here.

Rooms. Beds cozy. I sank into them and slept soundly. 5…read moreStars. Very clean room, classy upscale I love the shower control and the hot water Red nightlight around the beds is a nice touch Their breakfast buffet was pretty good by most standards, but I couldn't find some things like fat-free or low sugar yogurt Their omelette and eggs Benedict were nothing to write home about.

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

Why does one pay £38 to get their brows done? Well, in my case, it was solely to answer that…read morequestion... Honest to god, I do not know what i'm doing with my eyebrows. I have a little gel sticky thing that I occasionally smush through them and I can pluck the odd hair that is out of place, but shaping/filling/anything remotely close to complicated... I'm at a loss. Thankfully, my brows grow SO SLOWLY, that I can get away with a wax every 6 months and a cheapo at home tint (because blonde eyebrows and black hair looks silly). So while I was making the rounds looking for my yearly brow tidy, I found Zen with its 5 star following and the elusive HD Brows. I poked around the internet a bit and couldn't seem to find anything that truly explained WHY HD Brows cost so much more... sure there's a big pitch about 7 different methods, yada yada, but honestly, it didn't seem THAT much fancier than a simple wax/tint. But seeing as though I am brow clueless and again, only have to bite the bullet and actually pay attention to them once/twice a year, I booked. ... and damnit, I'm going to be the gal who spends £38 to get her brows done again. The "magic" of this brow method is really just paying better attention. The gal who did mine cleaned up the top, adjusted the tint twice, waxed, threaded and generally fine tooth combed my brows. The most useful part was afterwards, she walked me through how to fill the sparse bits and I actually might wield that brow pencil with a little more purpose now. The big money making difference: I have eyebrows that look like I actually care about that fact. It was a, "Oh THAT'S what they're supposed to look like" moment. How about the location? The place is bright, clean and the folks are cheerful. It's easy to book (online, in person or over the phone) and they have ridiculously late hours for a spa type spot (open until 10pm on the weekdays!!). Final verdict? I don't think i'd be an HD brow gal if I had to do it with any regularity, but I was impressed enough to return in a few months when they get out of hand. Even if you have to wax/tidy every few weeks, it might be worth flinging this into the mix once or twice a year. This place was professional and I'll definitely keep an eye on what else they offer. I'm gonna go wiggle my eyebrows in the mirror again now...

This place is inviting and warm, with lemon water, and cheerful staff. I went for a facial and they…read morescanned my face to look for signs of aging, wrinkles, etc. Then they did an amazing facial. Well, it was a bit tingly and felt hot, but she told me it would, so I didn't start to worry until... No just kidding, I wasn't worried. My skin felt regenerated. They also carry Murad, which I like, so I got something called white brilliance. Hopefully it works. I also really dolled out for the clear&brilliant series of 3- had the first one now and man that is some intense slightly painful laser action, but after my face recovered (about 6 days) it looked really amazing. I looked at prices back in San Francisco and surprise it is actually cheaper to do it here so I'm gonna keep at it after my 3 are up ;)

A what?! A Floatarium? Surely this is a made up thing?…read more It's not. Even though I hate all this new age, healing nonsense my curiousity gets the better of me and I have to try new things out, even if it does make me laugh and get a good slagging from my other half. This Therapy Centre and Shop isn't well hidden, but it's always relatively quiet which is perfect for something that's supposed to be relaxing (avoid during the festival for goodness sake!) The Float tanks keep you afloat (obviously) while tranquil music plays softly, the lights are dimmed (or you can have them off) and a shower is provided for afterwards. They also offer things such as Aromatherapy massage, Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology, Chiropody, Reiki, Shiatsu - I've not tried any of these but my builder/brickie friend swears by Reiki. On the vanity side of things you can get all sorts of look-betters such as Facial Toning and the notorious Inchwrap. If you're more of a private person and prefer to do all this witchcraft in your own home, there's a gift shop catering for whatever candle and crystal needs you may have.

Heard some hype about the floatarium and have been curious so decided to treat myself. First, I…read morethought it was rather expensive.. £45 for a min 1h float with a 1h massage was £85. It is also on Wahanda / Treatwell but no benefit as the same price for this package and listed as a 45 min massage! It's centrally located but was smaller inside than expected considering its international status on the website. Set aside at least 3 hours! Service was friendly and the girl at the front desk explained the process and some benefits. What I did like was the privacy.. I think there are only a couple 'pods' where you can be completely by yourself and has a shower with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a changing area, slippers, towels and a robe. Shower took quite a while to warm up but I think they was mentioned on the instruction sheet. You're also given ear plugs, vaseline for any cuts /abrasions, and the option to gave a neck rest. Once the door is closed and you turn off the inner light, you are in complete darkness floating in shallow salt water with some music for the first 15 min and last 5 min. They give you a knock to let you know when time's up. I'd say it was relaxing for the first 20 minutes and then I started feeling nauseous and prickly from being too hot. The temperature is supposed to be 'room and body temperature'. I tried not to move too much but got salt in my eye that stung so much it couldn't be ignored so I had to wash it off. I ended up using the neck float for the last 10 min because I felt I couldn't breathe properly and the rest props the body up a bit so you can get more air. It was relaxing to an extent as your entire body floats quite easily instead of unevenly as in normal water. It brings to attention places you hold tension such as my tendency to tense and neck and shoulders and lower back. Don't know how common it is to feel nausea but I can say it wasn't a pleasant feeling and lasted for some time. The pod could do with being slightly wider as my arms/fingers tended to touch the sides. They give you plenty of time to get showered and changed and there's a separate waiting area where you can blow dry your hair. It normally comes with an aromatherapy massage but I requested a deep tissue massage as I prefer more pressure and have some bad knots in my shoulders. The massage wasn't the worst but not even close to the best I've had. It was probably the SLOWEST massage I've ever had - perhaps intentionally for relaxation but it made me feel it was more of a time-stretching style and I would get my money's worth with more of a pace. To her credit, the masseuse did apply more pressure to the back but her laborious breathing detracted from the intended relaxation effect! Plus, I dislike it when massage therapists don't realise the unpleasant use of nails.. She had one really sharp nail (or rough piece of skin?) that was distracting. I found the interruption by announcement whenever a massage area was completed - moving from back to arms to legs/feet a needless break in flow as the whole point is to relax and not have to speak. The leg massage was ok but the arm and hand massage were so light and slow as to be ineffective. It could have been my imagination but I only noticed one foot being massaged! Both the floatarium and the massage were disappointing but there were some good points hence the 3 stars.

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.

there are a few things a girl needs in her life: to be loved, cherised, treated like a princess,…read moreand of course to be throughly pampered! Pure Spa at Ocean Terminal definitely ticks the box on this last necessity as i was well reminded on my most recent visit today. i've been a regular customer to Pure Spa for at least the last year with some sporadic visits when they initially opened. however, now that they do monthly offers (generally half priced spa treatments, excellent value for money!) i tend to put some money aside to make a visit every 4 weeks for a bit of much needed pampering. i can't express in words how much i love this place! today my treatment involved an infra-red sauna session, a back massage, a facial (taliored to my needs), and an eye treatment to help reduce puffines and dark circles. amazing value at £65 for an on peak appointment and only £55 off peak! the infra-red sauna has become a standard of all their monthly spa offers and it's a nice addition. although sitting and sweating out your toxins is probably one of the least glamouress things ever, it is quite relaxing and a nice way to start off the spa session. i've had the same therapist a few times now and i wish i could remember the girl's name because she is excellent and really listens to what i want from my treatments. i had booked the appointment a few weeks ago when just days after a massage i was already suffering from really sore and tight shoulders. i told this all to my lovely therapist and she really applied the pressure to these areas during the back massage. some people might not like quite so deep pressure, but it was exactly what i needed and my shoulders immediately felt so much better. my facial was next and when asked what i wanted i suggested a really good cleanse to help get rid of the every day toxins my skin is exposed to. i love the elemis range of products they use (i use a facial cleanser and toner daily at home) and the facial with the eye treatment was literally so relaxing i could have fallen asleep during it! while the face mask was drying the therapist did an amazing scalp massage and i just felt like a princess in relaxed bliss. needless to say, i will be back here for sure! i've got a customer loyalty card, so for every £10 i spend i get a stamp and 10 stamps means £10 off my next treatment. an excellent way to entice me to keep going, not like i really need it though! love love love this place, it is perfection for feeling like a pampered princess!!!

Sometimes you just need time out. Sometimes you just need a massage to niggle out these tense,…read moresore muscles. This is where Pure Spa comes in for me. Now situated on the ground level next to Debenhams, it's very handy from the car park and the shops (a'hem a little too handy for the shops in my case!). My massuse was friendly and professional on inital introdution, during the massage and after. I felt a little sore but that was to be expected since I had reallly tight shoulders, but it's definatley less so now. I reccommend Pure spa and I will be back, especially for the 25 mins massage. It's good value and dosen't take too much time out of a busy schedule!