The Spa at The Balmoral

As I bounded down the stairs and skipped along to the bus stop I found myself wondering ‘Is it wrong to be so excited about a day of relaxation’? (and is it odd to be taking the bus to a 5* hotel :))
Once off the bus I made my way to the Balmoral Hotel at its distinctive and prestigious location at 1 Princes Street. Previously I’d only been as far as the bar but today I sauntered up the steps smiled back at the welcoming, tartan clad doorman and was guided by a friendly concierge towards the Spa — going through the elegant tea room I made a note to self — must come back for afternoon tea to see how it compares to the big hotels in London! The Spa is down in the lower level but as the elevator doors opened, the bright and shiny décor and warm smiles that greeted me made me forget we were underground. The staff were friendly, attentive and professional and had their priorities right: Step 1 — Welcome the guest with a big smile; Step 2 — Offer a glass of water or hot beverage; Step 3 — Fill out the Health Questionnaire before use of facilities and treatments. As a massage therapist myself, I know the importance of the health consultation — it will make sure that my health won’t be adversely affected by the use of the equipment or by the massage, and it will help the therapist give me the most beneficial and individual treatment for my needs; I was also checked for medical concerns when I booked, to save disappointment on arrival.
Next, I was given a full tour of the spa area before heading to the changing room which was smaller than some of the spa hotels I have visited on my travels but I think this was a positive indication that they must restrict the number of members and/​or bookings to provide and exclusive, quiet, calm experience. The area was clean, minimal, elegant and not too opulent (a.k.a. gaudy). I looked around and did a quick checklist; although small everything you could need seemed to be here, hair dryer, moisturiser etc.
So arriving at 12 — what was there to do for the 3 hours before my treatment? LOTS! I had complete access to the gym with it cardio and weight equipment; I could chill out at the classical Grecian/​Roman styled poolside seating area with a complimentary self serve bar for water, tea, coffee; get comfy reading the magazines on the lounge chairs and sofas; l could even order food and have it sent down to eat at one of the poolside tables while still in my robe and slippers.
Instead, I decided to make use of the pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub… but wait — where’s the hot tub? I had a quick look ’round but nope — no hot tub; and really no space for one either so it was off to the pool which was I told was a cosy 31C!
The sauna/​steam rooms were just alongside the pool with a fully tiled alcove of shower heads for a quick rinse between zones — one with the ominous label ‘COLD WATER SHOWER’ — I’m not that brave so it was a quick warm rinse, a cup of cold water from the conveniently placed water cooler — and into the Sauna.
I’m ready for more heat so it’s off to the Steam Room. As soon as I open the door it’s obvious this is one of the best steam rooms I’ve been in! So much steam I could barely see past my nose. The mentholated steam was refreshing, hygienic and cleansing. I curled up into a corner, and just relaxed — deep breaths of the aromatic steam opened my lungs and a mix of sweat and condensation formed from head to toe.
I have no idea how long I stayed but eventually I ventured back out for my last few laps in the pool — and then it was time to head back to the changing room and get ready for … THE MASSAGE!
For the next hour I was totally blissed out. The smell of the oils was amazing and transported me to a tropical paradise. The bed was comfy and I’m pretty sure it was heated. My therapist’s technique was flowing and deep, she skilfully used her hands and forearms to compress and stretch my muscles and release the tension. The clicking and creaking coming from my shoulders was a clear sign that the massage was working! A lot of time was spent on my back but there was plenty of time to ensure my legs, feet, hands and arms also received attention and provided more surface oil for the oil to be absorbed. Following the massage, I was given time to myself to get dressed and gently come back to reality. My experience ended with being cocooned in soft blankets on a lounger in the dedicated relaxation suite, sipping lemon water and just being totally in the moment…
All in all a great deal (thanks to an offer with I-​on magazine). The lack of a hot tub did take it down a star — only in comparison to other similar hotels. But what they did have was top notch.