Why Dalhousie Castle and Aqueous Spa provide the perfect chill out experience in Midlothian!

We all know the feeling - winter blues and the anticipation of spring time. The solution here in the very heart of Midlothian beside the green landscape and River Esk is 'Dalhousie Castle and Aqueous Spa'! Recently I had a luxurious and relaxing day spent there which I would like to share and highlight as I was blown away by the quality of the Spa treatment and rather delicious afternoon tea!

As a local who frequently passed this awesome and historical Castle it has always held a special place in my heart as a visual image of beauty and mystery within the region. Locals may associate it with tourists flooding in during the summer months and particularly the festival which

is indeed the case, after all it epitomizes the many components of Scotland and how it is viewed in the world. From functions to weddings to weekend getaways - it has it all and more! The focus here is to give a summary of how local 'lassies' (and lads) can use the Spa facility quite easily, feel relaxed and invigorated in super surroundings and with the knowledge that it does not have to cost the earth!

The package included: a full body massage lasting one hour and fifteen minutes, two hours usage of spa facilities and an afternoon tea.

I opted for the full body massage first - the therapist noted my tension quite rapidly and focused on these areas. Oriental music completed the atmosphere which oozed relaxation and calmness. Although previous treatments have included facials and hot stone massage, the full body was a new experience and it honestly placed me in such a state of deep relaxation that I started to drift off. As often happens following an intense treatment I felt a strong thirst which had to be quenched quickly and so aiding the detox and eliminating process. The skin products used are by YTSARA - these products are vegan friendly and feel refreshing, non greasy and are enhanced by French science. The ingredients are from rare Asian plants incorporating wisdom from Eastern and Western holistic practices.

Once I got myself out of the deep relaxation and almost trance like feeling, I ventured into the Spa area which is impressive visually - the Hydro pool was full of clients sampling the various water functions. This pool was the first of its kind in the whole of Scotland! The foot spa, although basic with a stone base and taps is the ideal place to start from. It is also a social feature with two places for clients.

The Spa which is within the Castle basement also hosts two bathing features: A Roman style sauna and a Turkish inspired steam bath. Personally, with a slight niggling in my lower back these facilities proved beneficial with heated seating. For those who love a very hot steam room or high temperature sauna - it may feel somewhat cooler however it is perfect for longer use as it is very bearable and won't leave you too overheated for what may be the next step: The relaxation room - this room, especially with the sun beaming through the windows is like the ultimate conservatory! You can have a herbal tea, some water and sit with a magazine, chat with your spa friend or simply enjoy the stunning view...

Photo: P. Smith

Afternoon tea is served in the 'Orangerie' and as seen from the photo above - it is beautiful, elegant and has an ambiance which enhances the continued relaxation experience. There were a mix of customers including couples enjoying the escape which this wonderful room offers. The staff team consist of locals and foreign waiters/waitresses who blend in and were discreet although making sure you were comfortable with the seating arrangement. Just when it could not get any better - afternoon tea arrived, or afternoon coffee in my case. Wow!

Delightful display and warm scones....

Afternoon tea does not disappoint in any shape or form...from the light sandwiches to the crab mini rolls to the warmly baked scones - scrumptious with vast choice however not too filling and leaving some appetite for macaroons and chocolate samples. The staff were only too pleased to offer coffee refills.

The only complaint and in a positive sense - the sunshine melted the chocolate layered cake! On the up-side I saved some calorie intake and had the pleasure of a rare sunny Scottish day in February which must be embraced by all means! Especially in such a setting.

Over-all a day well spent, well enjoyed and it more than met expectations in terms of a relaxing chill out experience. Would I return - Yes! Especially now I have discovered the packages on offer including a very reasonable £15 package of two hours of Spa facility use

(depending on availability). Other packages on offer which caught my eye are:

Skin Drink - 60 minutes for dry skin.

A Relax Spa Day - 30 minute treatment and 2 hours of Spa use.

Contact details: info@dalhousiecastle.co.uk

midlothianmadam-scotland.com

would like to thank

Dalhousie Castle and Aqueous Spa

for their warm hospitality and quality Spa Package.

Photo credit - P. Smith and vipworldwideTV