The Strong Rooms at Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh – A Stylish City-Centre Spa & Wellness Retreat
Since the Gleneagles Townhouse opened in 2022, I’ve been wanting to visit for more than just a meal in their Spence restaurant, thinking that in order to use their wellness facilities you either needed to be a hotel guest, or a member of their members club. That said, I’ve now found out that they have opened up their treatments to non-residents or non-members; but there is only one treatment suite and one therapist.
Having the opportunity for a couple of nights away (a friend had wanted to try out dog-sitting) we took the chance to book a night at the Townhouse, followed by a second night at another hotel I’d wanted to visit for some time, Fingal - the floating hotel in Leith.
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A nod to the building’s history, this impressive vault door welcomes you into a world of wellness.
Why choose The Gleneagles Townhouse for a spa break?
A Boutique Wellness Escape in the Heart of Edinburgh
I would definitely choose here for another stay, but if you’re looking for an amazing spa break with all of the usual facilities I would definitely head to the main Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder - you can read my full spa review of that here.
That said, if you’re looking for a city centre break with a wellness/fitness focus then the Townhouse could be exactly what you’re looking for. Read on to find out more about the facilities at the Townhouse - which they call The Strong Rooms - and indeed find out the history as to why they are named thus.
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Unwind in the soothing warmth of the infrared sauna, designed to promote relaxation and circulation.
“Down in the bank’s former vault, house guests and members have access to our dedicated treatments and therapy space. Expect curated experiences for holistic wellness and innovative technologies including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna.”
The Strong Rooms at The Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh: The Important Details
📍 Location – 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
📞 Contact – +44 (0)131 370 8900
📅 Opened – 2022
💆♀️ Treatments – A curated selection of massages, facials, body therapies, and restorative spa experiences, incorporating high-end brands like Tata Harper and Dr. Barbara Sturm.
💰 Cost – Prices vary depending on the treatment, typically starting from £85+ for massages and facials.
⏳ Time – Treatments range from 30 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on selection.
🌐 Spa website – https://gleneagles.com/townhouse/wellbeing/
🏨 Hotel website – https://gleneagles.com/townhouse/
🧘♂️ Wellbeing facilities – Includes infra-red saunas, a cryotherapy chamber, showers, a gym, Reformer Pilates studio, a multi-functional fitness classroom, and a small wellness lounge.
📆 Visited – March 2025
A warm yet sophisticated entrance sets the tone for this exclusive spa experience.
Spa treatment selection at The Strong Rooms
A Bespoke Approach to Wellness – Tailored Treatments for Every Guest
The wellness selection is split into five areas, Gleneagles Treatments, Express Treatments, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Tata Harper, and Additional Therapies. Initially I had wanted to choose The Long Exhale, one of the Gleneagles Signature Treatments, but with (I now realise) just one therapist and one treatment room, we just couldn't get this booking to tie in with our stay.
Instead, I opted for an 80 minute ‘Be in the Moment’ personalised massage:
“Every day is different. Everyone is unique. Our body tells us what we need. Experience a sensory journey and your therapist will curate a massage honoring your individual needs. This treatment blends holistic bodywork to remedy any areas of concern and return you to equilibrium. No two treatments will ever be the same. Depart feeling relaxed and restored.”
The longer 80 minute version was £135, a shorter 50 minutes was available at £95, all treatments have an optional service charge of 12.5% applied. I would say this was really good value for money, the treatment was excellent and facilities (though limited as I’ve said) were excellent.
Strengthen and tone in this beautifully designed Pilates studio, complete with state-of-the-art equipment.
The Gleneagles Townhouse, The Strong Rooms Spa Review
Luxury, Wellness, and Design – My Experience at The Strong Rooms
I made the appointment by filling in a short form on the website, and I was soon contacted by email to confirm availability. Engagement was excellent throughout, and when I arrived I was met by one of their wellness advisors, Naimh, who was really great about explaining where everything was, what the options were for class bookings etc. and even showed me around the cryotherapy room, albeit this is something I was previously medically advised wasn’t for me.
Once I was ensconced in my robe and seated in the small reception area waiting for my treatment, there was a short consultation form to complete, and I liked that the business card of the Wellness Manager was clearly visible in the folder, I guess in case a guest has any issues or complaints. In my case, I will forward Tessa this blog to commend both the standard of the facilities and the staff that I met during my stay.
Experience the rejuvenating effects of cryotherapy in this sleek, modern chamber designed for deep recovery.
Changing facilities
Once Naimh had arranged one of the oversized and super-luxurious dark green Gleneagles bathrobes (and slippers which were also super-padded), she showed me into the men’s locker room area. Both the male and female changing areas are in the original bank vaults, so to access them you walk through the massive secure steel doors. Don’t worry, this does not feel oppressive, and I’m told the doors are now welded open, so no risk of you being trapped in the vault. If you were a guest in the hotel, it was generally accepted that you would reach The Strong Rooms in your hotel robe, for any treatments.
The well-appointed changing rooms offer seamless access to the cryotherapy chamber, available from both men's and women's areas.
Though not massive, the changing area was superbly appointed with an open area at the entrance used as both a towel-store and coat wardrobe, before the next section opened up into a locker area. These were all accessible with either your member’s card or a room card; I had neither (checked in but room wasn’t yet available) so Naimh sorted me out with a temporary card.
A beautifully designed spa space with refined details, offering access to the infrared sauna and relaxation amenities.
As well as having the infra-red (two-person) seated sauna in the centre of this changing space (with colour-changing neon highlights) there was a large vanity area at the back with four well-appointed shower units.
The spa treatment room
This was large and well-appointed, adjustable lighting and perfectly cool. The massage bed, very comfortable (though it did take me a little while to adjust to the head position as it was extremely flat/almost felt sloping down) and was heated. I was warm from just having done a workout in the gym, then a warm shower, but it was a perfect combination of feeling warm but not overly hot, and being cooled by the air-conditioning breeze.
My therapist checked what I wanted from the bespoke treatment, and I confirmed deep pressure, and whether there was any part of the body she should concentrate on more, or avoid. The treatment throughout was really excellently performed and there were regular check-ins about the level of pressure, room temperature, music etc. Highly, highly recommended.
Enjoy a bespoke treatment in this serene and elegantly designed therapy room.
Food & Drink
Unlike the main Gleneagles Hotel with its own spa restaurant, there really is nothing at The Townhouse, albeit there was a small kitchen area (as with everything, stylishly designed) with a water dispensing machine, a fruit bowl, and a fridge with chilled towels.
The Gleneagles Townhouse: My review of the hotel
A City-Centre Retreat with the Signature Gleneagles Touch
A striking blend of heritage and luxury, Gleneagles Townhouse stands proudly in the heart of Edinburgh.
You can read my full review here. This is so completely different from the Auchterarder Gleneagles, but I really loved it. WIth only 33 rooms across the two buildings, in four different categories, this really felt like an uber-luxury townhouse stay. It’s in a perfect location right on St. Andrews’ Square and within easy walking distance to all of the main sites, and with shopping and dining options right on the doorstep. A really lovely stay, and I’m only sad that it was just the one night.
The Strong Rooms: The Highlights
Top Reasons to Book a Spa & Wellbeing Stay at Gleneagles Townhouse
This spa experience had plenty of standout moments, but here are some of the key highlights that truly made it special.
Location - now that this has opened up to the public, it’s a perfect central location and so easy to get to. The tram stop is literally right outside.
My treatment - I find a spa therapy can never be too long, but the 80 minutes was an excellent massage, and I definitely felt taller afterwards.
The Strong Rooms - I love when buildings are repurposed. This was a beautiful design throughout the lower floor which accommodated the wellness area, and cleverly built out of the original bank faults.
Equipment - Technogym equipment is always excellent to use, and everything here was the latest and really good to use.
Move Room Two - although I have had a ‘The Reformer’ session before (actually at Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy), there wasn’t time on this trip but something I would love to go back for.
People - Naimh on reception was a delight to engage with, and the same with my massage therapist. Both were clearly passionate about delivering an excellent service from The Strong Rooms.
Areas for improvement
What Could Enhance the Experience Even Further?
I always focus on the positives when visiting a hotel or spa, but there are times when small details could have made the experience even better. Of course, this is personal preference, but here are a few areas where I think improvements could be made.
Probably nothing I would add here, other than (by personal preference) I would have liked a steam room and some hydrotherapy treatments.
There is only one therapist and one treatment room, so some more availability would be good, but I do recognise that they keep portraying this as a wellness facility, not a spa.
I would have liked a longer stay in the hotel, to have more time to try out some of the classes, especially a Reformer session in their dedicated room.
Relax with a cold towel or herbal tea in this inviting refreshment lounge.
Final thoughts on The Strong Rooms at The Gleneagles Townhouse
Is This the Best Boutique Spa Experience in Edinburgh?
I know there can be sometimes disappointment if you build up too much expectation, but that was not the case here with either The Strong Rooms or the Gleneagles Townhouse hotel either. The facilities aren’t as extensive as the wonderful experience I had at Gleneagles (main hotel) but still a hugely positive visit and a great addition to an excellent central hotel, with the usual high Gleneagles standards.
✨ Want to experience Gleneagles Townhouse with exclusive VIP perks? Book through The Private Traveller for complimentary benefits like room upgrades, $100 hotel credit, and more. Enquire now at ThePrivateTraveller.com
Have you stayed at The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder or the Townhouse in Edinburgh before? I’d love to hear your own thoughts and opinions on it as well as your impression of either as a holiday destination.
Comment below to share your thoughts and opinions.
Let me know which spa or hotel I should review next!
The Strong Rooms at Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, blend luxury spa treatments with cryotherapy, Reformer Pilates, infrared saunas, and a state-of-the-art gym. Read my full review & discover how to book with VIP perks via The Private Traveller.