A new era of luxury wellness has arrived in Scotland as Irene Forte Spa opens its doors at The Balmoral in Edinburgh. The celebrated Italian brand, known for its fusion of bio-innovation and Mediterranean philosophy, is bringing its signature balance of “natura e scienza” to one of the city’s most iconic hotels. The result is a space where scientific precision meets soulful indulgence.
Founder Irene Forte describes the launch as the realisation of a vision to make wellbeing both luxurious and meaningful. “At The Balmoral, we’ve combined everything I love: the science of high-performance skincare with the soul of Mediterranean living to help people feel uplifted, instantly and enduringly, in one beautiful and restorative space,” she says.
The spa’s facilities are thoughtfully designed to create a sense of calm and renewal. Guests can unwind in five treatment rooms or the thermal suite featuring a sauna and steam room, and swim in a serene 15-metre indoor lap pool. The space also includes a Technogym-equipped fitness centre and a movement studio for Reformer Pilates and fitness classes. The Wellness Bar serves nutritious dishes, juices and herbal infusions, offering the perfect pause between treatments.
Skincare and treatment innovation
Every ritual at Irene Forte Spa is rooted in science. Treatments use Irene Forte Skincare, a line developed with botanicals from the brand’s organic Sicilian farm at Verdura Resort and informed by over 40 years of biomedical research. Vegan, dermatologically tested, and clinically approved for sensitive skin, the formulations deliver proven results without compromise.
Highlights include 3D skin analysis to personalise every facial, advanced treatments such as the Phytomelatonin Facial with LED and hyaluronic acid mask, and the Peptide Power facial combining microcurrent and radio frequency. The LYMA Laser PRO facial offers medical-grade rejuvenation, while targeted body therapies like Endosphères deliver contouring and lymphatic drainage through micro-compressive vibration.
Massages are crafted to meet a range of needs—from tension release and prenatal comfort to energy restoration with volcanic hot stones or Scottish Cairngorm quartz for grounding and balance. Every therapist is extensively trained in Irene Forte’s evidence-based protocols, ensuring precision and care across all treatments.
The Forte Vita Bar
A highlight of the new opening is the debut of the UK’s first Forte Vita Bar, a space dedicated to express beauty rituals. Guests can enjoy non-toxic manicures using patented LED polish, professional hair treatments, and quick facials powered by the latest technology. The Base Facial, combining EMS, radio frequency and LED, revitalises the skin in under an hour, with optional add-ons like oxygen infusions and peptide masks for instant luminosity.
Design and atmosphere
Created by DO Design Studio, the 1,102-square-metre spa embodies modern serenity while paying homage to Scottish heritage. Soft terracotta and sage tones evoke the warmth of Sicily, while curved lines and natural materials promote stillness and comfort. Cork floors and acoustic ceilings enhance the sensory calm, making each space feel deeply restorative.
Retail and future vision
The spa also introduces the first Irene Forte Skincare boutique in Scotland, alongside curated selections from brands such as Davines, Manicurist and LYMA Laser PRO. Each product has been handpicked to align with the spa’s ethos of sustainable luxury and lasting results.
Looking to the future, Irene Forte sees this opening as a milestone for Rocco Forte Hotels’ wellness evolution. “When uncompromising scientific innovation works in harmony with the regenerative power of nature, it lifts your whole being,” she says. “This launch is the next step in building longevity, vitality and joy into everyday life.”
