Where Sicily Meets Scotland: A Luxurious Retreat at The Balmoral’s New Irene Forte Spa

A Sicilian Secret in the Heart of Edinburgh

For my 50th birthday, I took a step away from the everyday and into a world of calm with my two sisters. Hidden deep within The Balmoral Hotel, the new Irene Forte Spa is a capital city secret that feels like an escape to Sicily itself. Designed in soft terracotta and sage, with hand-painted lemon murals and the scent of orange blossom in the air, this serene space is where Mediterranean warmth meets Edinburgh luxury.

Slow Time by the Pool

We began our day by the peaceful indoor lap pool, easing into gentle swims before lounging with herbal teas in hand. The gym may beckon some, but for us this was about slowing down. The sauna and steam room proved the perfect spot for quiet sisterly chats — the kind you rarely find time for, yet mean everything.

The Brightener Facial

We were whisked away to our tranquil treatment rooms for the day’s highlight: our facials. I chose the Irene Forte Brightener Facial, designed to revive dull, tired skin. After a detailed skin analysis, my therapist treated me to a cleanse, exfoliation, mask, and the brand’s signature double massage technique. The products — vegan, clinically backed, and infused with natural ingredients — enveloped me in fresh, uplifting scents. Somewhere between the soothing touch and the citrus notes, I drifted off. When I emerged, my skin felt plump, taut, and truly glowing. Quite simply, the best facial I’ve ever had.

Nourishment Inside and Out

Reunited by the pool, we rounded off our experience with a two-course lunch that nourished body as much as soul. I chose bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and aged balsamic, followed by a sticky rice bowl layered with kimchi, avocado, seaweed, and seasonal vegetables. Just as my skin had been fed by Irene Forte’s award-winning formulations, my body was refreshed with flavourful, wholesome food.

Sustainable Luxury, Sicilian Ethos

This spa is not only a retreat but also a philosophy. Every treatment is rooted in Mediterranean wellness and guided by Irene Forte’s ethos of high ethical standards. Her skincare range is vegan, sustainable, and certified with both B Corp and the Butterfly Mark for excellence. From advanced therapies using volcanic stones and quartz, to cutting-edge technologies like the LYMA Laser Pro, the spa blends natural science with innovation in a uniquely luxurious way.

SPA Packages

For those tempted to experience this Sicilian sanctuary, packages range from a Spa & Lunch (£160 weekdays / £170 weekends), Spa & Afternoon Tea in Palm Court (£190 weekdays / £200 weekends), and a Facial Spa Day (£170 weekdays / £180 weekends), to a Day Pass (£45 weekdays / £55 weekends). Whether it’s a milestone celebration or simply a pause in the rhythm of life, Irene Forte Spa at The Balmoral is the gift of time — to rebalance, restore, and glow.