Gentlemen, if you’re stuck for an idea what to give the lady in your life as a birthday or anniversary present, look no further.
Edinburgh has some wonderful hotels in all price brackets but it has two absolute corkers when it comes to hotels with amazing spas, and you don’t even need to lash out to stay there you can just go for a day or part of a day and treat yourself to an utter spoiling.
The Sheraton has had a multi-million pound upgrade recently, from its rooftop spa pool to the new One Square lobby bar that overlooks Festival Square.
The spa is stunning, and the best value way to experience it is to go for their Escape at One package which offers access to the stunning Hydropool and unique Thermal Suite, a series of heat and water experiences that relax and rejuvenate in equal measure.
Among the goodies on offer are The Thermal Suite sooth aching muscles with a series of heat treatments inspired by the ancient Celts and Romans. Then there’s the Rock Sauna that has a purifying effect on the body, the Bio Sauna a combination of heat and humidity, the Laconium which offers a gentle, dry heat and the Tepidarium individual thermal couches that release the body’s toxins and relax the muscles. Round it all off with one of their Lifestyle Showers which provide cold mist or scented tropical rain to refresh you. The rooftop Hydropool has both indoor and outdoor areas. This stainless steel pool incorporates a variety of body jets providing mineral-rich waters. The cost is £70 for three hours.
The other gem is the spa at the The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The UK’s first dedicated Guerlain Spa opened its doors in February.
Each treatment is individually tailored using signature Guerlain touches. Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy a gently soothing, fragrant foot bath to unwind before their choice of treatment. All Guerlain Spa packages offer full use of the spa facilities, including the opportunity to take a dip in the swimming pool or unwind in the spa’s sauna, steam room or jacuzzi.
They also do a make-up for you before you leave and it’s amazing value, because you only need to book one treatment to qualify for all this. Individual treatments start from £38 with day experiences available from £275.
Also, don’t miss out on lunch at their totally amazing new Galvin Brasserie de luxe. This is the most impressed I’ve been in years in Edinburgh. Amazing Michelin-rated, French-style food; immaculate service; a huge variety of food on offer for all tastes, and you can still get two courses for £16.50. It’s simply ridiculous! You won’t find better value anywhere.
OK gents, now if you want to round off your lady’s special day here are some new and revamped wonderful restaurants that you can treat her to at night.
FIELD, 41 West Nicolson Street
Gordon Craig and Richard Conway, previously together at Edinburgh’s Michelin-starred Plumed Horse, have reunited to open their own restaurant in the capital’s University district.
Field is an intimate, delightful and unpretentious restaurant that serves superb Scottish cuisine at exceptionally reasonable prices. Dishes such as duck leg and liver terrine with apple and celeriac, roast chicken breast with creamed sprouts and pancetta and clementine mousse with mascarpone ice cream are every bit as mouthwatering as they sound. Wines from £16.50 and three course lunch and pre-theatre meals for £14.95 mean booking is essential. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
THE MAGNUM, 1 Albany Street
For great traditional Scottish food in a gastro-pub setting in the beautiful New Town, try The Magnum. Great menu, mains average £20. Lively atmosphere.
PURLSANE, 33a St. Stephen Street
Delicious fresh food at reasonable prices in a small intimate restaurant in trendy St Stephen Street. Two courses for £22 and a fabulous amuse bouche thrown in (delicious cauliflower soup in my case). Mains such as guinea fowl, sea bass and pork loin. Wines around £20. Book well ahead.
THE STOCKBRIDGE RESTAURANT, 54 St. Stephen St.
Located in a Gothic-style basement also on St Stephen Street The Stockbridge Restaurant is an Edinburgh classic. Run by Head Chef Jason Gallagher (formerly City Chef of the Year at the Scottish Chef Awards) and his partner and proprietor, Jane Walker, their creative cooking is served up in a relaxed atmosphere and mains are around £24 (though their table d’hote is ridiculously less two courses for under £20 and brilliant house wine for under £17!).
Delight in mouth-watering dishes such as grilled halibut with scallop and crab mousse, saffron crushed potatoes, caramelised chicory and a langoustine sauce, or Gressingham duck breast and confit duck potato gateaux with foie gras boudin, creamed Savoy cabbage and bacon. Amazing! This place is an Edinburgh secret, but get in quick, and especially if you wish to enjoy their Sunday Bring Your Own Bottle evenings. The value for money is just ridiculous for the quality of food and service on offer.
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