Convinced Edinburgh is one of the most underrated wellness destinations in the UK, Evelyn Richards shares her guide to relaxing in the Scottish capital.
I’ve visited Edinburgh multiple times over the years, but it wasn’t until I stayed outside of the winter months that I properly appreciated its wellness appeal.
On a recent May trip, the city was basking in an unexpected 23C heatwave, and it felt completely transformed. Terraces overflowed onto pavements, people lingered outdoors long into the evening and every green space seemed filled with runners, readers and groups stretched out in the sunshine. There was an almost continental energy to Edinburgh in the heat — albeit with tartan-clad window displays and the distant hum of bagpipes.
While the Scottish capital is rarely uttered in the same breath as traditional wellness destinations such as Copenhagen or California, it arguably offers something far more appealing: a slower, more liveable form of wellbeing.
I left Edinburgh feeling noticeably calmer than when I arrived — something that increasingly feels like the real marker of a successful city break.
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What to do in Edinburgh
If you only do one activity while you’re there, make it a sunrise or sunset walk up Arthur’s Seat. The extinct volcano sits within Holyrood Park and offers panoramic views across the entire city. It’s surprisingly accessible from the centre and instantly makes you feel removed from urban life.
For something gentler, Calton Hill is another essential walk. It only takes a few minutes to reach the top, but the views over the city skyline are some of the best in Scotland — particularly in summer when daylight stretches late into the evening.
I also love walking through Dean Village and along the Water of Leith. Despite being in the middle of a capital city, it feels incredibly peaceful: leafy pathways, stone bridges and quiet residential streets that encourage you to slow your pace completely.
Another thing I think people underestimate about Edinburgh is its proximity to the coast. On warmer days, I’d really recommend walking down to Portobello Beach, where locals spend the day swimming, running along the promenade or sitting outside cafes overlooking the sea.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve done there was a local folklore walking tour I booked a few years ago with storyteller Alice Fernbank. Edinburgh’s history is filled with centuries-old myths and ghost stories, and hearing them while wandering through hidden closes and old streets made me appreciate the city in a completely different way. It’s a slower, more immersive way to explore — and something I’d absolutely recommend adding to a weekend itinerary.
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Where to eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s food scene has evolved dramatically over the past few years, and it now feels perfectly suited to a modern wellness weekend: ingredient-led menus, excellent seafood, beautifully designed spaces and plenty of outdoor dining during the summer months.
One of my favourite spots in the city is Sushisamba Edinburgh. The restaurant blends Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences, with lighter seafood, vegetable and sushi dishes. The vegetarian tasting menu, at £65 per person, feels like exactly the kind of balanced-but-luxurious dining experience that suits a wellness-focused weekend.
For lazy breakfasts or light brunches, Hula Juice Bar & Cafe is ideal for smoothie bowls and juices, while for lunch or dinner, The Little Chartroom offers beautifully executed seasonal Scottish dishes centred around fresh produce and seafood.
During summer, Edinburgh’s outdoor dining culture really comes into its own. The moment the sun appears, terraces and rooftops fill up across the city, creating the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay outside for hours.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
There are plenty of Airbnb and hotel options in Edinburgh, both in the Old Town and New Town and further afield, too. But for a wellness weekend that feels elevated and luxurious, I’d book a stay at W Edinburgh.
Located near Edinburgh Waverly station, the hotel brings a contemporary energy to the city’s historic landscape, with sleek interiors, sweeping skyline views and one of the best rooftop vantage points in Edinburgh.
The rooms are intentionally calming — oversized beds, soft neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the city feel cinematic, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
One thing I especially liked was how easy it is to maintain a wellness routine while staying there. The hotel’s gym — which is fitted with Technogym equipment — is open 24/7, so you can fit workouts into your day.
Not staying in the W? Book at table at the hotel’s W Deck rooftop bar to see views of Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, the Firth of Forth and the city’s rooftops stretching towards the coast — particularly beautiful on clear summer evenings when Edinburgh seems to glow gold.
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The best spa experience in Edinburgh
No wellness weekend in Edinburgh feels complete without a proper spa treatment, and one of the most memorable I’ve experienced there was at Lush Spa Edinburgh.
The Highlands treatment is genuinely worth planning your trip around. Inspired by Scotland’s rugged landscapes, the 60-minute hot stone massage uses heated stones, grounding scents and an immersive Gaelic soundtrack to create an experience that feels both deeply relaxing and unexpectedly transporting.
Afterwards, I’d recommend intentionally slowing the rest of the day down: wander through Princes Street Gardens, browse independent shops in the New Town or head back to the hotel for an early evening spent reading in a robe before dinner.
How I’d spend the perfect wellness weekend In Edinburgh
Friday Evening
Check into your accommodation and then head up to the W Deck for sunset views before settling in for dinner overlooking the skyline at Sushisamba Edinburgh.
Saturday
Start the morning with a workout in the hotel gym or an early hike up Arthur’s Seat before breakfast. Spend the afternoon at Lush Spa Edinburgh before slowing things down with dinner and drinks outdoors in the evening sunshine.
Sunday
Walk through Dean Village or up Calton Hill before heading towards Portobello Beach for coffee by the sea and a final slow morning before travelling home.
Feature image: Canva
