One Spa, part of Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, based in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, has completed a five-month programme of new fitness, thermal and treatment experiences, with more still to come, forming part of a £700,000 investment in the guest experience and the spa's long-term future.
Fiona Young, Spa Director at One Spa, said: "The way people think about wellness has changed significantly. Guests are looking beyond a treatment or a workout and increasingly want experiences that support movement, recovery, relaxation and their wider wellbeing.
“That has shaped where we are investing, and our aim is to offer more choice in how people use One Spa, whether that's mindful movement, a shared wellness experience, time in the thermal facilities or simply having the opportunity to properly switch off."
Movement has been one of the biggest areas of change for the property. A new Reformer Pilates Studio has opened in response to growing demand for low-impact, strength-based exercise, while the wider fitness space has been fitted out with new Technogym equipment, virtual class technology and a functional training area offering guided individual sessions, from stretching to strength work, through interactive workout technology.
Treatments and retail have had a refresh too. NOW Nail Bar, in partnership with OPI, has relaunched with a dedicated space for nail treatments, and Skin Rocks, the skincare brand founded by facialist Caroline Hiron, is being introduced to One Spa's treatment and retail offer, with more details to follow.
One Spa is also strengthening its approach to inclusive treatment, with further oncology treatment training planned and membership of the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care beginning this month.
To reflect the growing interest in touchless and shared wellness, the new Rasul Mud Bothy offers an immersive, self-guided thermal wellness experience, while a new poolside sauna has also opened. The former laconium room is being reconfigured to house a bigger steam room, reflecting demand for the existing experience. A brand-new cooler experience room will create further opportunities for hot-and-cold contrast therapy, sitting alongside existing facilities including the Tepidarium, rooftop Hydropool, Thermal Suite, Himalayan Dry Salt Room and Rock Sauna. A new moss wall has also been installed to strengthen the spa's connection with nature.
Behind the scenes, the investment runs just as deep. With robes and slippers washed in-house for a steady stream of spa guests each day, additional laundry equipment has been installed to keep pace with demand. The locker system has also had a complete overhaul, with new wristband access and upgraded entry gates. New staff shower and toilet facilities and a new music system for the treatment-room level are among further improvements to the working environment, and a new Hydropool cover will help reduce energy use.
Martijn Zengerink, Multi-Property General Manager at Sheraton, said: "This is about making sure One Spa continues to evolve while retaining the experience and character that people have come to know over many years. The new facilities are the most visible part of the programme, but investment behind the scenes matters just as much. Maintaining standards over the long-term means looking at the whole operation, from the experiences guests enjoy to the infrastructure and working environment that support our team every day."
