Taking care of your body and mind has never been more important and with the pressures of modern life growing ever more stressful, a little time to escape and focus on yourself is not to be underestimated.
These are some of the top retreats, wellness destinations and health spas in Scotland that are perfect for helping you to feel refreshed, revitalised and filled with a better sense of wellbeing.
(Benderloch, Oban PA37 1SD, 01631 720371, reservations email: [email protected])
Picture: Isle of Eriska
The 5-star Isle of Eriska Hotel, which sits on a 300 acre private island estate, just off the west coast of Scotland, offers an award-winning restaurant, opulent rooms and excellent spa facilities.
Enjoy gorgeous views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the dramatic Morvern mountains beyond, before relaxing in the hotel's spa and leisure facilities, which are set within the former stable buildings and accessed by a path through the Spa Garden.
Offering no less than five treatment rooms, the Stables Spa is split into two themes with three of them focused on connecting guests to the land, plants and wood, and two more offering the "cleansing properties of the sea and tranquil shores" that surround the island.
You can then enjoy a taste of the west coast of Scotland by dining at the Isle of Eriska restaurant with ingredients including sea vegetables and berries, wild hips, mushrooms and 57 varieties of naturally growing herbs all sourced from the island.
(Garmoran Square, 26 Mingarry Point, Acharacle PH36 4JX)
Fresh juices at The Body Toolkit's Scottish Highland retreat. Picture: Body Toolkit
Described as a "first-of-its-kind" programme, The Body Toolkit offers week long breaks in the Highlands designed to teach the "key techniques for exceptional health".
Running throughout the year, each six night programme has been designed Katrina Mather - who says she used the original to overcome her own battles with anxiety, acne, depression and IBS - offers organic juice therapy with detox and nutrition, designed for weight loss and well-being, combining it with rest, nutritional information, therapies and exercise in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Each will also aim to establish supportive habits and thinking patterns to create long-term change for guests who embark on the retreat.
(Breasclete, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, [email protected], +44 (0)7585 603215)
Relax beneath the soothing views of the Aurora Borealis on one of the most remote locations on this list. Whitefalls 5-star spa lodges on the Isle of Lewis are designed exclusively for couples and combine self-catering lodges with all the comfort and style of a hotel spa resort.
Situated above the village of Breasclete, close to the shores of Loch Roag on the west coast of the island, each lodge offers access to the white sand beaches - perfect for walks and getting in touch with the rugged nature of the setting - nearby as well as a Kohler Riverbath Spa with Chromatherapy – a large double-ended spa bath, Far Infra-red Sauna and Monsoon Rain-shower.
Best of all, each of the lodges offers large, luxurious open plan living spaces with vast windows that are perfect for taking in the scenery and the aforementioned Northern Lights in the company of someone special.
Picture: Nilfanion/Wikimedia
The Atholl Palace Hotel’s Lavender Spa draws on the hotel’s heritage as a Victorian health hydro, famed for the powers of their natural spring water from the mountain of Ben-y-Vrackie which stands over Pitlochry, to create a modern getaway that offers plenty of treatments and spectacular views of the Scottish countryside.
The spa has a range of massages and holistic treatments, including hot lava shell massage, ear candling and the unique Lavender Lullaby. Each spa package comes with access to the top of the range hydro pools and leisure facilities as well as offering additional bed and breakfast options.
Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller
This luxurious Victorian Hotel lies close to the picturesque east coast and it's here at the Marine Hotel's spa you'll find a thermal suite which specialises in a range of natural, marine inspired seaweed treatments, as well as the setting for celebrity nutritionist Amanda Hamilton’s three and six day personalised detox and fitness breaks.
The bootcamp is built around juice fasting, healthy eating and enjoyable exercise with yoga, beach walks and gentle hikes all helping guests to relax and ultimately lose weight and improve their health.
There is also a programme of seminars, consultations and relaxing spa treatments, as well as personal nutrition consultation to help cater mealtimes for individual guests needs.
