There’s nothing quite like a holiday to recharge the batteries and feel renewed. Whether on a busy city break, an exciting rural escape, or exploring an island adventure, Scotland offers something for those seeking wellness and well-being.
Check out some exciting options for a feel-good break in Scotland, this summer and into the autumn, whatever the type of holiday.
Water wellness
Wild Hebridean Swimming Adventures, Isles of Mull & Iona (*NEW FOR 2023)
With a passion for outdoor swimming year-round for all its health and wellbeing benefits, Emma MacDonald and her team take guests to enjoy dips at sunrise and sunset and adventure swims off the beaten track in some of the world’s most idyllic beaches with crystal-clear waters.
For more information, please visit www.swimdynamics.co.uk/adventures.
New spa for the Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso (*NEW FOR 2023)
Following an extensive expansion, SCHLOSS Roxburghe, in the beautiful Scottish Borders, celebrates the opening of the new Estate House, hosting an additional 58 rooms and a purpose-built banqueting suite, extensive spa facilities and several cottages across the grounds.
The new 1100sqm spa facility is part of the expansion, including a heated outdoor infinity edge pool complete with LED lighting and underwater speaker sound system, both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, an additional plunge pool and a fitness suite. There are three treatment rooms and an embedded Finnish dry sauna. The spa’s holistic approach goes beyond simply treating the body and focus on general wellbeing, mindfulness and rejuvenation.
For more information and to book, go to schlosshotel-roxburghe.com
Also check out: a wild swim in Loch Lomond; a walk along the Water of Leith walkway in Edinburgh; a boat trip from the Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian
Feel good with food & drink
Wild Pizza Nights, Fodder + Farm, Gartur Stitch Farm, Stirling (*NEW FOR 2023)
For foodie visitors looking for that grounding experience, why not attend one of the Wild Pizza Nights at Gartur Stirch Farm? Try sourdough pizzas made with ingredients foraged and grown on the farm, or learn the basics of foraging by taking one of their seasonal walks in the Scottish countryside.
From June 2023, they are partnering with Lucy Pattinson of The Fodderation, a private chef specialising in open-fire and game cooking and a passionate advocate for local food and sustainability, to create Fodder + Farm. For a wholesome experience at the farm, sign up for one of their farm tours for the opportunity to spend a morning on the small croft, looking after the goats, meeting the pigs, collecting eggs from the chickens, ducks and geese, have a closer look at the beehive and a wander around the vegetable garden… all to finish with a cup of tea or coffee and some home-baked goods.
Also check-out: the most northerly fish & chips in the UK at Frankie’s Fish & Chips, Shetland; genuine Mull Cheddar from Isle of Mull Cheese; and the Orkney Food & Drink Trail
An escape in the city
Float Room, Urban Wellness Float, Bridge of Don near Aberdeen
Urban Wellness Float offers a unique Floatation experience in a purpose-built Float Room, the first of its kind in Scotland. Floating gives the body the ultimate chance to relax, reset and restore. By creating a weightless environment (think zero gravity), the body can release tension and find its own optimal alignment. The Float Room is light-proof and sound-proof that gives guests stress-free down time and space to unwind, so whether a regular or one time floater, research shows that floating will benefit the health in both a proactive and reactive way.
Book online at www.urbanwellnessfloat.co.uk
The Gin Spa, Merchant City, Glasgow
The first ever gin-inspired botanical day spa. The Gin Spa combines a detailed understanding of botanical ingredients with superb customer experiences and indulgent, bespoke spa treatments – a rich, unique experience unlike any other.
For more information and to book online, visit https://ginspa.co.uk/
Also check out: a walk up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh’s city centre; a walk in Perth’s Quarrymill Woodland Park; dolphin-spotting near Aberdeen; a trip to Ness Islands in the centre of Inverness
Rural rest & recovery
Sheepy Sleepovers – Wellness Weekends combining Mindfulness and Sheep, Gartmore, Stirling (*NEW FROM SEPTEMBER 2023)
Everyone knows that counting sheep is supposed to help with sleep, but what about meditating with sheep? De-stress with gorgeous pet Herdwick sheep, enter their secret world with mindful calming interaction, including sound healing, yoga and forest bathing. Discover hidden gems of Scotland and “coorie” in with a woodburner, sunsets and stars. Refresh, meditate and recharge among a herd of fluffy friends and wild mountain beauty of Scotland.
For more information, go to www.teawithnaughtysheep.com/stays
Volunteering at the Scottish Crannog Centre, Perthshire
With more people looking to give some of their holiday time to giving something back to the local community, Scotland offers plenty of options for voluntourists to give back to the local area whilst enjoying their break.
For example, the Scottish Crannog Centre – which is in the process of rebuilding since experiencing a fire that destroyed the replica Iron Age house – actively encourages locals and visitors to get involved, including helping to build the new Iron Age village at Dalerb (preparing to reopen in 2024). By volunteering at the Scottish Crannog Centre, visitors will help to present and preserve Scotland’s heritage, giving them the opportunity to understand and appreciate what life was like in Iron Age Scotland.
For more information, go to https://crannog.co.uk/volunteer-2/
Also check out: the views from Scott’s View in Melrose; explore the Birks of Aberfeldy and spend an afternoon at the Hermitage in Perthshire; visit Aberdeenshire’s Dunnottar Castle; explore the St Magnus Way in Orkney by foot or on two wheels
