CONNOISSEURS SCOTLAND’S LUXURY HOTEL SPAS

EXCITING NEWS AND NOT-TO-BE-MISSED PACKAGES FOR 2009

Edinburgh, Scotland, April 2009 – ConEXCITING NEWS AND NOT-TO-BE-MISSED PACKAGES FOR 2009 noisseurs Scotland, a distinguished collection of 23 Scottish luxury properties, has announced enticing spa deals and news from four of its world-renowned hotels: The Gleneagles Hotel; The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa; Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa; and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa.  Each of these upscale resort spas follow their own unique treatment ideology to soothe the body, mind and spirit – as well as offer state-of-the-art exercise facilities, world-class golf courses, stunning grounds and scenic surroundings, and gourmet dining to provide a well-rounded experience.

The Gleneagles Hotel, referred to by newspapers as “the eighth wonder of the world” when it opened in 1924, has announced a new Spa Essence Package for May through September.  The package includes accommodations in a Classic Room, full Scottish breakfast, table d'hôte dinner, 55-minute spa treatment and full use of the club's leisure facilities; price is from £555 ($730*) per room, per night, valid Sunday-Thursday.  Situated on 850acres of rolling countryside in Scotland's heartland, the Spa by ESPA combines modern techniques with ancient therapies for a holistic approach to its treatments, and has been named by Condé Nast Traveler as 2009 Favorite Scottish Hotel Spa.  The hotel and spa's amenities are modern and extensive, including crystal steam rooms, tropical showers, chilling ice rubs and a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie – serving French cuisine with a Scottish twist – famous for its signature dish of smoked lobster.

The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, an elegant 5-star hotel set on 11 acres of beautiful wooded grounds in Aberdeen, has two compelling – and easy to combine – discounts.  Its Sunday Suite offer comes with a full a la carte menu, bed and breakfast in a junior suite, and a bottle of Pommery Champagne upon arrival, priced at £325 ($478*) for two people sharing, inclusive of VAT and service charges.  On the Monday morning, guests are invited to take advantage of the “Spa Offer,” a 20% price reduction on all treatments every Monday and Tuesday.  With multiple treatment rooms and extensive services ranging from manicures and pedicures to the Baleno Therapy Room – a hydrotherapy bath relieving muscular tension and arthritis, unique to Scotland – there is a choice to fit every need.  For those seeking local sightseeing and other activities, the Marcliffe is minutes from Aberdeen's city center, dozens of golf courses including the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, established in 1780, 50 castles and 30 malt whiskey distilleries.

Overlooking the sea in northern Scotland is the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa.  Their Kohler Water Spa, whose health and relaxation treatments are based on the healing properties of the earth’s mineral-rich waters, takes pride in announcing the recent addition of Sara Maciver as Spa Director.  Sara plans to use her 22 years of experience – at prestigious establishments including One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas, Atlantis Spa on Paradise Island and Westin Resort and Villas in the U.S. Virgin Islands – to introduce innovative signature services.  Managing director Debbie Taylor believes Sara’s “extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm are set to take the spa to new levels of success.”  Kohler Spa is currently offering the 24-hour Spa Escape, which includes a one-night stay, full Scottish breakfast, 25-minute Kohler Massage, 25-minute Burst of Radiance Facial, a two-course spa lunch and unlimited use of the Kohler Waters Spa facilities; cost is £300 ($441*) per room, per night.

In Edinburgh, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa would never be mistaken for a hotel chain; its stunning design – a translucent six-story, colored glass building – and the amenities of its ONE SPA health and fitness complex give it the cachet to match any other five-star establishment.  And it is now one of only five spas in Scotland to offer the new Super Active treatment from ESPA.  The 80-minute treatment, using ESPA's scientifically formulated products,  is tailored specifically to each client's skin’s needs; calming and soothing while repairing and restoring skin – including aging, dehydration and environmental stress – and costs £120 ($177*).  This new treatment joins 17 other treatment offerings as well as a state-of-the-art gym, 19-meter pool, Finnish sauna, thermal suites and hydrotherapy pools.  Located within Scotland’s bustling capital city of Edinburgh, the Sheraton is perfectly placed for those seeking entertainment or a glimpse of Scottish culture – from world-class galleries and museums to charming restaurants and lively bars.

Connoisseurs Scotland represents the most exclusive luxury hotels in Scotland. Their 23 members include four of the world's finest golf resorts including Gleneagles and Old Course, Inverlochy Castle - recently voted the best hotel in Europe, six outstanding city centre properties, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel, a 19th-century castle health spa, a collection of intimate country house hotels, the Royal Scotsman luxury train, two exclusive use properties and three properties set in scenic coastal locations.  Four properties boast Michelin-starred restaurants.  More information on Connoisseurs Scotland and its member resorts can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk. 

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