Beauty: One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh

Published on 25/06/2012 00:00

THIS city-centre spa is the jewel in the Sheraton’s crown

It has been decided. In the unlikely event that I ever become Ms Moneybags, then my regular indulgences will include a monthly trip to One Spa (arguably the best spa in the capital). As things stand, this is a treat that’s reserved for special occasions.

Still, it’s currently more affordable, while they’re running their discounted Diamond Spa Day package, which was designed to celebrate the year of the Diamond Jubilee. It includes a 25-minute Salt and Oil Scrub and a 55-minute Essential Body Massage, as well as use of Escape at One.

It’s probably best to do the latter first, as you don’t want to sweat off any of the precious unguents that coat your body, post rub-down.

I arrived on a Sunday morning, when the spa was quiet. In fact, I practically had the whole place to myself. The rooftop hydropool was first for a visit, where I kicked back on the bubbly Jacuzzi beds.

Then it was time to turn up the temperature gauge, with a visit to their BioSauna, where the heat is kept at 60-70 degrees.

With its multicoloured lights and pine benches, this is my favourite of the heat experiences. Across the way, you’ll find the wood clad Rock Sauna, which is slightly more hard-core, for those who want to do some advanced perspiring.

My sinuses were cleared in the steam room, where the air was scented with lavender.

However, if you prefer a milder climate, there’s the hammam, or the tepidarium, where the room is temperate but the stone seating heats your body.

I happily spent 90 minutes trying everything, sometimes thrice. Then I made my way back to reception, to be collected by my therapist, Emma.

After smell testing some suitable Espa oils, it was decided that I needed revitalising.

So, Emma scrubbed me down, using this spa brand’s Invigorating Body Reviver, which contains Bora Bora sand, but also pick-me-up oils including lime and lemongrass.

Then I rinsed this off in the shower, before patting myself dry and jumping back onto the contoured treatment bed.

After being thoroughly massaged, top to toe, by Emma’s warm hands and cool forearms, I was decanted out of the spa, with a layer of peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus scented oil on my skin.

I felt sparkly new.

Although I’m more likely to own cubic zirconium, at least I was made to feel like a freshly polished diamond.

One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, 0131-221 6442, www.onespa.com

Diamond Spa Day, £120 (saving £30), available Monday to Friday only, until 31 July