Well Intentioned: A Winter Wellness Guide to Edinburgh
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or as a couple, the Scottish capital sets the scene for a spa break with a side-serving of comedy and soul food.
With its history-soaked streets and eye-catching skyline, Edinburgh is a showstopper of a city. It’s wrapped up in red bows come Christmas and aglow over New Year’s for the barn-storming Hogmanay. Come January and February, sightseeing crowds thin out – but those who do brave the frosty winter weather will find plenty of ways to stay warm. From sipping Scotch by an open fire to stretching out at a hot yoga class, here are some of the best ways to stay calm and cosy in the Scottish capital.
The Balmoral
Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel, Luxury
Aaand relax. Everything’s taken care of at this grand, royalty-ready hotel – from the opulent high-ceilinged rooms (many with views of Edinburgh Castle) to the Michelin-star food (hand-dived scallops, anyone?). All you need to worry about is whether to get a Hebridean sea-salt body scrub or Swedish massage after a few laps in the indoor pool, or which of the 500 varieties of Scottish whisky you’ll be trying at the bar before sinking into bed.
Hot Yoga Edinburgh
Yoga Studio
No one likes jogging in ice-cold rain. Even swimming lacks appeal when the weather’s this chilly. But what if your workout felt like a warm hug? Infrared panels on the ceiling heat this yoga studio to anywhere between 26C (79F) and 39C (102F) – depending on the type of yoga and time of day. Work up a serious sweat at a power vinyasa class, or release muscle tension and prepare for sleep in a slow-paced warm yin session.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonian
Hotel, Luxury
The Stand Comedy Club
Theatre
Comedians cut their teeth at Edinburgh’s world-renowned Fringe Festival each August, but there are jokes to be heard all year round in this comedy-loving city. After all, laughter is the best medicine, and those belly laughs hit differently when it’s grey and miserable outside. Visit the Stand comedy club to watch mood-boosting sets by big-name comics, or opt for pot-luck at Red Raw, the weekly open-mic night for newbies.
Kimpton Charlotte Square
Boutique Hotel, Luxury
Set across seven Georgian townhouses, a stone’s throw from Princes Street, this is a fine place to retreat from Scotland’s winter chill. Rooms feel homely – all aged leather and warm lighting – and the plant-filled, glass-roofed Garden restaurant serves up healthy comfort food, such as cauliflower fritters, beetroot hummus and babaganoush. Don’t miss the wellness centre, where you can relax in the pool or steam room post-pilates, and treat yourself to a spot of CBD reflexology.
Seeds for the Soul
Restaurant, Vegan
Whether you’re trying to reduce your meat intake or are totally plant-based, you’ll find a dish for you at this welcoming 100% vegan cafe in buzzy Bruntsfield. Chow down on a hearty Beyond burger stuffed with mac ‘n’ cheese and smoky “facon”, or up your vitamin intake with a fresh veg-filled satay bowl or kale and ginger smoothie.
Float Philosophy
Spa
According to floatation fans, spending one hour floating in just 10 inches (25cm) of magnesium-rich salt water could change your life. The new-age treatment is said to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, improve sleep quality and increase feelings of wellbeing. Fancy giving it a go? Book your own zero-gravity pod experience at this luxury float centre in Edinburgh West.
National Museum of Scotland
Museum
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.