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Stacked slate tile defines the hearth of Skibo Castle’s spa lounge.
highland heaven In Scottish Gaelic, “skibo” means “place of peace,” and that is exactly what you’ll find at this magnificent castle in Scotland’s Highlands. Overlooking Dornoch Firth and 7,000 stunning acres of scenic countryside dotted with towering evergreens, Skibo Castle is blessed with remarkably fresh and pure air. And its new spa aims to bring the tranquil outdoors in. Many of the materials used to construct the spa (the green slate around the fireplace; the oak beams framing the lounge) were left in their natural state, and the sage, heather, and thistle tones throughout mirror the hues of the Castle’s gorgeous grounds. Staying true to the earthy theme, treatments are by Sodashi, an Australian company with a line of organic products free of any chemical or synthetic ingredients, featuring instead only therapeutic-grade plant essences and extracts. The most remarkable aspect of my Thermal Infusing Facial (about $175, 140 minutes) was a circulation-stimulating self-heating clay masque that reached body temperature solely through the interaction of its component minerals. Also included: a rejuvenating masque powered by gotu kola (a plant oil that stimulates collagen production), and a facial massage. With such irresistible amenities, Skibo promises a Highland fling to remember. ELLIN STEIN THE CARNEGIE CLUB, SKIBO CASTLE, SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND, +(44) 1862-894600, CARNEGIECLUB.CO.UK
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men who have a lot to learn when it comes to spa savvy, the Gentleman’s Surrender program at the acclaimed Montage Resort & Spa offers sybaritic salvation. After a thorough lifestyle assessment prior to arrival, Montage therapists and trainers choreograph an ideal spa experience ranging from two hours to two weeks. The goal is to submit to the experts for greater restorative awareness. And, boy, does it work. For my day of Surrender, I enthusiastically acquiesced to the signature Laguna Beach Kur, designed to bolster the immune system. The treatment began in a 100-jet hydrotherapy tub infused with powdered mustard and eucalyptus (to relieve sore muscles and enhance circulation) while a high-powered hose located pressure points I didn’t know existed. It finished with a remarkably soothing iced sheet and blanket wrap to eliminate toxins. After a decadent Dead Sea salt scrub and two life-altering workouts with resident fitness gurus, I retreated to the gentleman’s courtyard and began the spa’s water circuit — a sensuous study in contrasting hot (Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room) with cold (54-degree plunge pool) followed by lounging in the sun — and repeated often. At day’s end, I gave in to a transcendent 60-minute hot towel facial and yielding to the theme of the day, succumbed to sleep. But then, surrender is what Spa Montage is all about. VIJU MATHEW MONTAGE RESORT & SPA, SPA MONTAGE, LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, (866) 271-6953, MONTAGELAGUNABEACH.COM
COURTESY OF THE CARNEGIE CLUB
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