Irene Forte Spa opens at the Balmoral

Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel has revealed its new Irene Forte Spa.

The first so-branded spa to open in the UK , its philosophy is centred around uniting the latest science with Mediterranean traditions, offering bio-innovation, clinically-proven skincare and Sicilian inspiration.

Facilities include five treatment rooms with therapy beds by Lemi, a thermal suite with sauna and steam room, and a 15m indoor lap pool.

Guests can expect a contemporary Technogym-equipped gym plus a movement studio for reformer Pilates and a Wellness Bar serving food, juices and infusions.

Located at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street, the Balmoral is one of 14 individual properties owned and operated by Rocco Forte Hotels.

Irene Forte said this opening marks a new chapter for wellness at Rocco Forte Hotels. “Wellness is deeply personal. It’s about creating environments that make people feel both cared for and empowered,” she explained.

“When scientific innovation works in harmony with the regenerative power of nature, it lifts your whole being. This launch is the next step in building longevity, vitality and joy into everyday life, however long you spend with us.”

Design and atmosphere

Designed by DO Design Studio, the 1,102sqm spa is a contemporary retreat. Interiors transport guests to the heart of Italy with an earthy colour palette of soft terracotta and sage, in harmony with Irene Forte Spa’s Sicilian roots. It’s calming, soothing and serene welcome from reception to the treatment rooms.

Each treatment room ahas its own changing area and feature a curved, cocooning design. The spa has cork flooring and acoustic ceilings to enhance its sensory quality.

“Marking a significant yet natural enhancement to our offering, this partnership strengthens our dedication to deeply personalised service, meaningful guest relationships and experiences that are both restorative and unmistakably Balmoral, further cementing our position as a modern icon of Scottish hospitality,” said the Balmoral’s general Manager, Andrew McPherson.

Spa refurbishment

The refurbishment of the spa and gym was completed in stages, with the changing area closed in September 2024, the full spa in December 2024, and reopened by June 2025.

The project included expanding from five small treatment rooms to five larger ones, including a double room with two showers.

The gym was renovated in 2023 with a fresh, vibrant design. The spa now has 60 members, with a capacity for 100. It attracts a significant number of external guests and sees a high influx of American guests in August and September.

Skincare and treatment innovation

All bespoke facials and body therapies use Irene Forte Skincare, with botanicals sourced from the brand’s organic farm at Verdura Resort in Sicily.

Facials begin with 3D skin analysis to ensure treatments are precisely tailored to individual needs.

The offering includes the Phytomelatonin facial with buccal massage and a LYMA Laser Pro facial, which uses a clinical-grade laser to trigger transformation deep within the dermis.

Non-invasive body therapies include Endosphères body or legs, using micro-compressive vibration for contouring and lymphatic drainage. Locally inspired rituals use Scottish Cairngorm quartz, renowned for its balancing properties.

Spa technology partners include Dermalux Flex, Omnilux LED, Sculptra Deesee Pro and OXYjet GO. Spa furniture is supplied by Spa Vision and Aram. Spa linens are supplied by BC SoftWear.

The Forte Vita Bar

The Balmoral is the first hotel in the UK to have a Forte Vita Bar, offering express beauty rituals including hair treatments, non-toxic nail treatments and a range of fast facials.

The Base Facial, with EMS, radio frequency and LED, enhances skin tone and elasticity in 50 minutes.

Optional add-ons include oxygen infusions, peptide sheet masks and collagen-boosting Dermalux LED red-light therapy.

The spa also introduces the first dedicated Irene Forte Skincare retail space in Scotland. Selected wellness and beauty brands include Davines for hair, Manicurist for nails and the LYMA Laser PRO.

Receive our newsletters directly to your inbox – sign up here