Whether on a busy city break, an exciting rural escape or exploring an island adventure, Scotland offers something for those seeking wellness and well-being. Check out some exciting options for a feel-good break in Scotland, this summer and into the autumn, whatever the type of holiday.
New for this year, Wild Hebridean Swimming is offering adventures on the Isles of Mull & Iona. Swimming outdoors year-round for all its health and wellness benefits, Emma MacDonald and her team take guests to enjoy dips at sunrise and sunset and adventure swims off the beaten track in some of the idyllic beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Foodie visitors looking for that grounding experience can attend one of the “Wild Pizza Nights” at Gartur Stitch Farm in Stirling. They can try sourdough pizzas made with ingredients foraged and grown on the farm or learn the basics of foraging by taking one of their seasonal walks in the Scottish countryside. The team at Gartur Stitch Farm has partnered with Lucy Pattinson of The Fodderation to create Fodder + Farm, offering immersive culinary events, workshops and retreats that showcase the best of local produce and traditional cooking methods. Pattinson is a private chef who specializes in open-fire and game cooking, and a passionate advocate for local food and sustainability.
Established in 2018 and located in Edinburgh, WanderWomen Scotland facilitates outdoor experiences for women (or mixed groups) in a mix of mindfulness and adventure in and around Edinburgh.
Everyone knows that counting sheep is supposed to help with sleep, but what about meditating with sheep? Starting September, travelers can have “sheepy sleepovers” during wellness weekends combining mindfulness and sheep in Gartmore village, Stirling. They can de-stress with pet Herdwick sheep, practice mindful calming interaction, including sound healing, yoga and forest bathing. They can also discover hidden gems of Scotland and “coorie” in with a wood-burner, sunsets and stars.
With more people looking to spend some of their holiday time giving something back to the local community, Scotland offers plenty of voluntourism opportunities. For instance, the Scottish Crannog Centre in Perthshire encourages locals and visitors to get involved, including helping to build the new Iron Age village at Dalerb (preparing to reopen in 2024). Visitors will help to present and preserve Scotland’s heritage, while understanding and appreciating what life was like in Iron Age Scotland.
Scotland also caters for those wanting to spend a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. For instance, Schloss Roxburghe, situated in the Scottish Borders, has opened new spa facilities following an extensive expansion. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor infinity edge pool, plunge pool, aromatic sauna and an embedded Finnish dry sauna.
Another new addition to the health and wellness arena is The Gin Spa, the first-ever gin-inspired botanical day spa in Merchant City, Glasgow. It combines a detailed understanding of botanical ingredients with a range of bespoke spa treatments.
For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com.
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