Relax and indulge this winter

When the winter chill sets in, there’s no better time to embrace comfort, luxury, and relaxation—and the South of Scotland has some truly unique places to do just that. Picture yourself melting away stress in a steamy sauna, rejuvenating in a lavish spa, or savoring a decadent afternoon tea! Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat with friends and family or indulging in a little solo pampering, make your winter getaway unforgettable, here where Scotland starts.

Soothe your soul in spas and saunas

If you are looking for a sauna with a difference look no further than Cedar Hus. This Nordic luxury sauna moves from location to location around the Scottish Borders every four to six weeks. Each location offers unique experiences including fitness, nature, food, craft and wellbeing, and each activity includes a sauna session. The sauna can be booked for exclusive use, or just a single space depending on your needs.

Those wanting a more traditional spa experience can head to Schloss Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course near Kelso. Its stunning indoor spa overlooks the outdoor heated infinity pool. Do a few lazy laps before you head to the aroma sauna. For the hardy, there is a plunge pool for a refreshing cool down! There is a range of treatments to choose from and the hotel has fine cuisine and luxurious modern rooms – not to mention a championship golf course – making it an ideal winter getaway.

In Dumfries, the Cairndale Hotel opened its new spa earlier this year. The two-storey spa facilities include a spacious thermal pool, an aroma steam room, herbal steam room, Himalayan salt sauna, infrared sauna, herbal lounge, hammam and private bathing suite – you will be spoilt for choice! A dedicated café and juice bar is available to spa guests, and singles or couples treatments can be enjoyed in their private rooms. Elevate your experience and book in for a spa day package with a welcome refreshment and a choice of lunch or afternoon tea.

Wrap yourself in woollen delights

The Borders region of the South of Scotland has a long tradition of wools, weaving and tweeds. Visit this season to find your ideal winter outfit or accessories to keep you warm on those walks along the coasts and through the woodlands. In Hawick you will find a multitude of options with specialists in cashmere, tweed, woollens and knits of the finest quality. You can discover for yourself what fashion houses and designers have known for more than a century and buy yourself a wonderfully luxurious reminder of your visit from its source.

Under the banner Famously Hawick, four of these knitwear specialists offer the chance to see the magic first hand. Hawico offers a viewers’ gallery and factory outlet discounts on its gorgeous cashmere. Discover the original Home of Tweed at the Lovat Mill while gorgeous knitwear awaits at William Lockie. Finish your tour at the heritage centre, and coffee shop of Johnstons of Elgin.

A new exciting knitwear range has been launched by Merrick Blackface Knitwear. The only luxury knitwear company run as a social enterprise, it comes from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Working with wool from sheep raised within the biosphere, the partnership teamed up with one of the UK’s leading knit designers Jo Storie. The first garments in the range are available online and if you keep your eyes peeled while you are walking or cycling through the Biosphere you are sure to see some of the lovely Blackface sheep who are providing the wool!

Seasonal shopping

And if the shopping bug has truly hit, don’t miss out on a trip to Caledonia Park Designer Outlet to check out the wealth of shops offering discounted prices on goods ranging from Superdry and Ralph Lauren to Radley and Swarovksi. Christmas decorations are up already to get you in the seasonal spirit and if you take a photo and post it online, you can win a £100 Lindt gift hamper – just tag @Caledonia_Park and #CaledoniaParkChristmas. With late night Christmas shopping every Wednesday until 8pm from the 27^th November, there is plenty of time for a little indulgent shopping.

Indulge in afternoon tea

If you are looking for a treat to sweep away the late winter blues, don’t worry. The Annandale Distillery offers afternoon tea year round – pre-booking essential – which can be a luxurious as you wish, with a glass of whisky or champagne a possible add-on to have along with your delicious treats.

Schloss Roxburghe Hotel is offering a festive afternoon tea for December through the new year so indulge in the tempatation to enjoy the surroundings and scrumptious scones and cakes. Relax by a roaring fire and sample treats such as winter spiced loaf cake with whipped gingerbread ganache.

Branxholme Castle near Hawick offer afternoon tea in their Orangery cafe every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Extend the afternoon for a day of bubbly bliss and make use of their exculsive spa – up to 7 friends can join you, making this the perfect friends experience. Or if you fancy some romance, indulge yourselves and extend your stay by checking in to one of the sumptious bed and breakfast suites.

You can have afternoon tea at any time of day at Abbey Cottage Tea Room adjacent to Sweetheart Abbey south of Dumfries. The tearoom is open Wednesday to Sundays and serve a full afternoon tea throughout the day. If you are planning a walk, you can even order Afternoon Tea in a Box to take with you and eat at the summit of the hill while you take in the stunning views around you.

For a more traditional approach, book in for tea at Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick on the Rhins peninsula. This 10-bedroom former Victorian hunting lodge has stunning coastal walks nearby which could offer the perfect way to work up an appetite before sitting down to enjoy their afternoon tea and the stunning views across the Irish Sea.

Self-catering in style

Having the space and freedom of a self-catering property appeals to many, but sometimes you also want the convenience and services of a hotel. The gorgeous Dabton House offers some luxurious touches that will allow you to truly switch off and relax. Cosy robes await you for a trip to the sauna, and spa style treatments are also available – book in advance. As a large group you may want to hire the executive chef for one or more meals during your stay. It is possible to have a guided tour of the walled gardens with the head gardener, and there are a multitude of activities available from bagpipers and musicians to entertain you to e-bike hire. All of these will offer a truly bespoke experience and allow you to truly chillax by the fire or head out to enjoy the stunning surrounding countryside, knowing everything is under control.

Erriff, an attractive terraced hosue in Glencaple with stunning views of the River Nith, Criffel and the Solway estuary is just a five minute drive to Caerlaverock Castle, WWT Caerlaverock, and Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. The house can sleep up to 10 and for a small charge, you can have a food delivery prior to arrival to be sorted and put away for you. Flowers, champagne, chocolates, cakes and other treats for special occasions can be arranged giving you the peace of mind of knowing all will be taken care of on your arrival.

Over in the Borders, the award-winning, luxurious Five Turrets in Selkirk has four bedrooms and works with the best local businesses to offer guests a range of exciting personalised packages. From a personal chef to archery in the garden, it’s covered and this is the stay of choice for smaller family groups.

Meanwhile, Airhouses in Lauder won Best Luxury Experience at the National Thistle Awards 2023 and offers 5 star self catering lodges and glamping pods to house groups of all sizes. Located on an organic hill farm, Airhouses offers fantastic experiences for all ages including a range of animals from ponies, donkeys and alpacas to pet pigs, lambs and Apple the resident Highland Cow! There are private hot tubs, a Play Den for under 7s, slippers and robes and stunning views of the Scottish Borders Countryside.