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9 Saunas in Edinburgh That’ll Melt the Stress Away
My first encounter with an Edinburgh sauna was as accidental as finding a £20 note in the pocket of an old pair of jeans—a surprise and a delight, I’m telling you. No joke—I’d stumbled upon a wee oasis warmer than a Scotsman’s wit after a few drams of whisky.
Now, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill, sweat-it-out-and-leave saunas. Nope, I’m talking about charm-loaded, stress-busting havens that might just make you forget why you were so cranky in the first place.
So, if you’re like me, always on the hunt for the next best chill-out spot or simply curious about where you can sweat your troubles away without someone asking, “You okay, hun?” every five minutes, stick around.
One Spa
Website: http://www.onespa.com/
Address: 8 Conference Square
Contact details: +44 131 221 7777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
Cost: £-££
If you’re looking for a spot where you can do more than just sauna, One Spa is pretty much where it’s at. Seriously, their sauna hits different notes with ranges like hammam, crystal steam, and dry salt room that totally transform your typical sauna experience.
Plus, they throw in a rooftop hydro pool, which isn’t something you see every day. Now, when you’re not steaming it up, you can check out their range of spa treatments, from massages to facials.
It’s a bit pricier than some spots, but hey, you definitely get what you pay for here.
Pro tip: Make sure you plan a visit during the weekdays if you can; it’s not just cheaper, but you’ll dodge the weekend crowd too. Also, you can enhance your experience or treat someone by exploring the option of One Spa’s gift vouchers.
Soul Water Sauna
Website: http://www.soulwatersauna.com/
Address: Brunstane Rd N, Portobello
Contact details: +44 7891 956906
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost: £-££
Soul Water Sauna is a legit wood-fired sauna right by the sea. Here, it’s all about that bracing contrast of heat on the inside and stepping out to the cool breeze that kicks the relaxation and rejuvenation up ten notches.
Plus, the views are unbeatable—there’s something special about sweating it out with the ocean right there. Now, Soul Water has this whole vibe going on with outdoor seating where you can chill between sessions and just soak in the seaside aura.
And since it’s in Portobello, you’re in a great spot to explore the beach area or grab a bite at the local eateries.
Pro tip: Booking a spot at Soul Water needs a bit of planning. Slots open up a month in advance, and they can fill up pretty quick because it’s such a hot (pun intended) spot.
Also, keep an eye out for their “Hot Seat” voucher. It’s a cool way to score some sauna time, and it makes for a cracking gift.
The Club Gym & Spa
Website: http://www.theclubedinburgh.com/
Address: 24 Milton Rd. E
Contact details: +44 131 344 7373
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
So, if you’re all about getting fit and then chilling out like a boss, The Club Gym & Spa is your jam. They have a sauna, a steam room, and even a Jacuzzi that’s just top-notch for a post-workout sweat session.
The vibe here is ‘get your burn on, then relax hard’. Throw in a spa or a decently equipped gym, and you’ve got yourself a sweet combo for both torching calories and maxing out on relaxation.
Pro tip: They’ve got some member perks that are worth looking into. Like, discount packages when you commit for the long haul—and let’s be real, a little commitment never hurts anyone.
Yu Spa
Media credit: momentsbyleils
Website: https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/edinburgh/spas/yu-spa/
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Pl.
Contact details: +44 800 049 8304
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost: ££
Alright, Yu Spa is a hit for a bunch of reasons, and I’m not just talking about the sauna, though that alone is worth the trip. You’ve got this whole Japanese-inspired setup that’s all about Zen and making you forget you’re even in Edinburgh.
Besides the sauna, they’ve got a pool, a hydro spa, and some serious aromatherapy vibes happening.
Pro tip: If it’s your first time, ask about introductory offers. They sometimes have deals that can get you a taste of the good life for less.
Drumsheugh Baths Club
Website: https://www.drumsheughbaths.com/
Address: 5 Belford Rd.
Contact details: +44 131 225 2200
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Cost: £-££
Drumsheugh Baths Club is like a secret club with a Victorian twist—except it’s more swimming caps than top hats. Their sauna is the real deal if you’re into something a bit more old-school.
Not just the sauna, though; you’ve got a full-on Turkish bath here and a historic pool that’s like taking a dip in history.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to make this your regular haunt, consider getting a membership. The up-front cost might give you a wee fright, but it works out cheaper in the long run, and the exclusive vibe is kind of nice.
Bannatyne Health Club & Spa
Website: http://www.bannatyne.co.uk/healthandfitness/edinburgh-newcraighall-rd
Address: 89 Newcraighall Rd.
Contact details: +44 131 657 6800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Cost: £-££
Bannatyne’s—you’ve probably heard the name, and yeah, it’s as fancy as it sounds. Their sauna is just one part of this fitness empire.
But it’s a good part, and after you’re done there, you’ve got options, like a splash in the pool or a go on their state-of-the-art gym equipment.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to look out for off-peak times or specials on joining fees; they pop up quite often. Joining then is a smart move, because who doesn’t love a bargain?
Radisson Blu Hotel
Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-edinburgh
Address: The Royal Mile, 80 High St.
Contact details: +44 131 557 9797
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: ££
Radisson Blu’s sauna is totally on point—it’s all about that heat, of course, but they also nail the vibe. It’s got that no-nonsense setup where you can just kick back, sweat out the stress, and feel like you’ve hit reset on your whole week.
They keep it super tidy too, which is a big deal when you’re looking to unwind. So besides the sauna, the place packs a punch with its whole wellness scene, since there’s a pool and a gym if you’re keen on getting some reps in.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an ear to the ground for any sauna deals they might throw out. Radisson Blu can drop some sweet package specials that bundle the sauna with other perks.
Waldorf Astoria Spa
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ednchwa-waldorf-astoria-edinburgh-the-caledonian/spa/
Address: Princes St.
Contact details: +44 131 222 8836
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Cost: ££
The Waldorf Astoria Spa is where luxury meets chill-out. The sauna here is all about soaking up the heat in style.
You get this whole vibe of being pampered without even trying too hard. Besides that, they’ve got steam rooms and an extensive list of spa treatments that are all about giving you the royal treatment.
And, of course, there’s a nice, relaxing pool and some top-notch gym equipment too, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye out for their spa day packages. Sometimes you can score a deal that includes meals at their fancy restaurants, which is, you know, a nice cherry on top.
The Balmoral
Website: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/
Address: 1 Princes St.
Contact details: +44 131 556 2414
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: £-££
The Balmoral’s sauna and spa set-up is just solid, since they’re rocking a Turkish steam room and a Finnish sauna that are just top-tier.
I mean, whether you’re in the mood to stay long in the steam room or get that deep, dry heat in the sauna, they’ve got you covered. Now, besides the whole steam and sauna deal, The Balmoral doesn’t skimp on the wellness goodies.
There’s a full spa setup if you want to level up your relaxation game with a massage or a facial. And for those looking to keep active, they’ve got a prepped and ready fitness centre.
Pro tip: Their spa gift vouchers can make a great present. Plus, buying these can often come with a bonus or two, like a free drink or a discount on your next visit.
