Edinburgh Reviewed; The Indulgence Package the Guerlain Spa

The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh just knows how to do Christmas. From stunning meal and party options for the office, to Christmas Day meals and festive afternoon teas, there really is some amazing offerings on their Waldorf Winter brochure. Of course the Hotel is home to just more than gorgeous rooms and restaurants, it also boasts the beautiful Guerlain Spa that  I am always so eager to find out what they have planned. The work the staff have put in here to build bespoke packages for each season is really impressive and always of an incredibly high standard. The treatments themselves are built to incorporate innovative moves that combine the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, and the really friendly team provide that extra element of luxury that makes the Guerlain Spa such an ideal place to visit.

I have been a couple of times but never actually had the time to really try out the whole health facilities on offer at the spa so this time I was sure to keep a few hours free and pack a swimming costume to try out a whole shebang. The Indulgence package is one of 5 on offer for the whole of December in the spa which include a gorgeous couples massage package and a full body exfoliation option which is perfect for the party season. From the moment you walk in you are treated like a VIP and you can feel your self instantly start to de-stress and unwind with the unmistakable aromas of the various Guerlain fragrances sitting in reception surrounding you. I was shown to the locker area for the pool to get myself set up in my robe ( you might remember before I pointed out that this is not just any robe, it is literally the greatest duvet style robe you will ever experience) and I got settled into the treatment waiting room ready to experience the Caledonian Chic massage. With little nibbles and fruit and water laid out alongside a host of high end magazines to peruse in comfort, I was definitely read to shrug off the stresses of the week and unwind.

You start a treatment with a fragrance journey which allows you to match your experience to how you feel that day, you might want to leave feeling sexy and party ready and opt for Idylle or want to feel invigorated and full of energy with a light floral number like La Petite Robe Noire. On this occasion I wanted to fully relax so was most drawn to Insolence which was the perfect background to my treatment. The experience then leads to a lovely foot bath which is such a fantastically grounding start to the massage as it really gives you a moment to take in where you are and just let go of the outside world before the treatment begins. My therapist was fantastic at explaining the Caledonian Chic and the history of the hotel and the area that was used to inspire many of the moves used within. I think that  level of thought creates such a wonderful connection between guest and the spa and really feels on another level from many massages I have had in the past. I also had the opportunity to talk through any problem areas I was struggling with which was ideal as I was struggling with my shoulders and lower back.

The Caledonian Chic is an exquisite performance of moves that are executed with such skill from the therapists who clearly know their stuff. Particular attention was paid to my problem areas while still ensuring the massage encompassed the whole body. Quite literally this treatment is luxury from head to toe- each individual toe was worked on right up to the most wonderful head massage! I left the room completely walking on a cloud and the pains I has been struggling with felt absolutely amazing. It was such a pleasure to then be able to enjoy a glass of bubbles in the relaxation room and really just let the whole experience soak in before hitting the pool. The facilities here are really lovely and offer such a good overall package. I got to relax poolside between enjoying a few lengths and sitting enjoying the warmth of the Jacuzzi- all with being able to look at the stunning Edinburgh Castle through the windows.  There is a small but perfectly formed sauna to enjoy, right next to the steam room that no matter how hard I try, I still only lasted a few minutes in :) all together though it made for such a wonderful series of relaxations that left me feeling completely invigorated and incredibly keen to stay put for a few more hours! Lucky for me there is a host of beautiful Guerlain makeup and cloud nine straighteners on offer for guests to use to help get themselves real world ready- a wonderfully luxurious end to a luxurious few hours.

Ally giving his best hotel catalog pose

As always this visit to Guerlain was nothing short of magical, it is no wonder it is the Scottish Hotel  Awards Spa of the Year!

A trip here would make an ideal Christmas experience for you or loved ones.
You can contact the spa on 0131 222 8836.