Scotland’s stunning scenery and tranquil retreats have made it a top destination for wellness seekers. In the last decade, wellness tourism has flourished across the country, offering visitors the perfect chance to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re drawn to soothing spa getaways or prefer the healing power of nature, Scotland offers a diverse range of experiences tailored to enhance both your physical and mental wellbeing. There’s truly something for everyone looking to relax and restore in this beautiful part of the world.
A Growing Trend in Wellness Tourism
Wellness as a growing visitor trend was first identified by VisitScotland, the national tourism agency, in 2014 and since then businesses across the country have developed tailored experiences to meet the increasing demand. According to the 2023 Scotland Visitor Survey, 59 percent of visitors strongly agreed that their trip to Scotland enhanced their wellbeing, with 26 percent citing a need to “get away from it all.”
Meaning different things to different people, wellness tourism ranges from dedicated spa experiences and yoga retreats to outdoor activities like wild swimming or simply enjoying tranquil moments in nature. As Jacqui Souter, Senior Marketing Insight Manager, VisitScotland notes, “escapism and de-stressing are seen as key benefits of taking a holiday in Scotland.”
The country’s vast wilderness areas, stunning lochs, and tranquil forests provide an ideal backdrop for visitors to unwind and recharge.
Nature’s Role in Rejuvenation
Walkers on Ben A’an in The Trossachs
The connection to nature is a core element of Scotland’s wellness offerings. The country’s vast wilderness areas, stunning lochs, and tranquil forests provide an ideal backdrop for visitors to unwind and recharge. As we are all now very much aware, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a renewed focus on mental health and outdoor experiences, driving an increase in demand for nature-based wellness activities.
Glenapp Castle offers a Forest Bathing Experience that embraces the proven benefits of connecting with nature. This evidence-based wellness practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting overall wellbeing. Guests may enjoy guided meditation and mindfulness techniques, allowing them to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life, slow down, and fully engage their senses in the peaceful surroundings of Glenapp Estate’s woodlands.
In the Cairngorms National Park, Highland Quietlife is on a social mission to provide accessible Nature and Forest Therapy experiences for all. Similarly, WanderWomen, a female-founded initiative, encourages women to venture outdoors, offering various experiences, including forest bathing
Scotland’s natural beauty has long been a source of rejuvenation for visitors, and businesses have integrated these landscapes into their wellness offerings. For example, Taymouth Marina, located on Loch Tay, features a lochside HotBox Spa complete with an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and slide directly into the loch. According to Stacey Ives, a spokesperson for Taymouth Marina, “guests often express how their time at our spa has left them feeling exhilarated and revitalized, enhancing their overall sense of well-being.”
Wild Wellness Adventures
A frozen River Coupall in front of Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor), Glencoe
For those seeking adventure, The Fife Arms offers a Wild Wellness session where participants can walk through an ancient Scots pine forest, engaging with the land in a calming and rejuvenating way.
A full-day guided experience with Annie Armstrong of Wild Braemar provides a more immersive journey, starting with a half-day guided walk through ancient Scots pine forests. This unforgettable adventure includes a visit to a Royal lunch hut, stunning waterfall views, and a Victorian bridge nestled within the forest. In the afternoon, Annie offers a wild swimming experience in a local river, ending the day with cozy fireside moments and hot drinks in her wilderness tent. This bespoke package can be tailored to meet individual or group preferences.
WildernessFit Retreats is a notable example of how Scotland’s natural landscapes are being used to create immersive wellness experiences. Located in the Highlands, WildernessFit offers wellness weekends that include outdoor workouts inspired by the landscape, hill walks, foraging, wild cooking, and yoga sessions. Yasmin Basan, founder of WildernessFit, shares that her personal struggles with mental health inspired her to create these retreats, noting how the outdoors helped her reconnect with herself and find peace.
At Glen Dye, guests can partake in the Glen Dye School of Wild Wellness and Bushcraft, which combines a wild walk and foraging experience, helping guests reconnect with the land around them.
Additionally, rewilding efforts in Scotland are gaining traction as responses to the climate and biodiversity crises grow. Scotland: The Big Picture, a nature restoration charity based in The Cairngorms National Park, offers Rewilding Journeys for small groups. These journeys are designed to blend learning, inspiration, and fun while guided by expert naturalists and accompanied by like-minded travelers eager to experience a wilder Scotland.
Scotland’s wellness experiences go beyond the spa, offering deep connections to nature and promoting physical, mental, and environmental well-being.
Urban Escapism: Wellness in the City
While Scotland’s countryside offers obvious wellness benefits, even urban areas in the country are embracing the trend of “close-by escapism.” Quiet, peaceful spaces are increasingly being incorporated into cityscapes, encouraging visitors to slow down and savor the present moment.
Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyllshire was the first in Scotland to introduce “Silent Spaces,” areas where visitors can switch off their technology and sit quietly amidst nature. The initiative has since expanded to other Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh sites, offering city dwellers and visitors alike a chance to immerse themselves in tranquility and disconnect from daily stressors.
8 Noteworthy Hotel & Resort Spas
Kohler Waters Spa, Old Course Hotel; photo courtesy Kohler Co.
These hotel and resort spas offer a variety of topnotch spa treatments and serene settings, making them perfect for a rejuvenating getaway in Scotland. Each offers a unique and relaxing experience.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
A lakeside retreat, Cameron House offers a luxurious spa with a rooftop infinity pool, providing stunning views of Loch Lomond. Signature treatments like ESPA facials and body therapies focus on rejuvenation, making it perfect for unwinding amidst breathtaking nature.
Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews
The Fairmont St Andrews is an iconic coastal resort that offers a luxurious spa experience. With a wide array of treatments, including the popular Aromatherapy Associates signature massage, guests can enjoy its 16-meter pool, sauna, and steam room, all while overlooking the stunning views of the Scottish coastline.
Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire
Gleneagles is renowned for its award-winning spa. The Spirit of Scotland Signature Treatment uses local Scottish ingredients like seaweed and essential oils. Guests can also enjoy a Thermal Suite and Vitality Pool, making this a top destination for both relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Stobo Castle Health Spa, Peeblesshire
This stunning castle spa in the Scottish Borders offers over 80 treatments, including the Stobo Signature Facial and Japanese Shiatsu Massage. With facilities like an 18-meter pool, outdoor hot tubs, and a Crystal Steam Room, it’s a luxurious escape blending historic charm with modern wellness.
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, Glasgow
Located in the heart of Glasgow, this spa provides a serene retreat with a thermal suite, vitality pool, and organic treatments like hot stone massages. It’s perfect for a balance of city exploration and deep relaxation.
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews
The Old Course Hotel features the Kohler Waters Spa, which emphasizes hydrotherapy. Popular treatments like the Highland Fling (a full-body exfoliation and massage) complement the hydrotherapy pool and thermal suite, making it ideal for golf and spa enthusiasts.
Moness Resort, Aberfeldy
This resort, located in the Perthshire countryside, offers a PURE Spa with treatments like hot stone massages and reflexology. Its hydrotherapy jets and leisure pool are perfect for unwinding after exploring the scenic surroundings.
Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, Inveraray
This tranquil, pet-friendly spa by Loch Fyne uses local Scottish products for treatments such as organic body scrubs. With an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, and sauna, it’s a great choice for relaxation after exploring nearby woodland trails.
The Future of Wellness Tourism in Scotland
Looking over Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain on the Viewpoint Walk at Dog Falls, Glen Affric.
Scotland’s wellness tourism is showing no signs of slowing down. As more people seek ways to unwind and embrace the outdoors, the trend continues to grow and evolve. From quick day trips to extended wellness holidays, Scotland’s offerings cater to all kinds of travelers. In 2023 alone, 3.3 million leisure day visits focused on wellness, highlighting just how much this type of travel is becoming a key part of Scotland’s tourism scene.
With its breathtaking landscapes, serene wellness experiences, and peaceful retreats, Scotland is the ideal place for those looking to boost both their physical and emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re drawn to an immersive wilderness retreat, a rejuvenating spa break, or a quiet escape to a botanic garden, Scotland offers a unique environment where you can reconnect with yourself, recharge, and renew your spirit.