Spa Canada Magazine

Rocco Forte

Rocco Forte
By James Knight

Standing at my suite window on the fifth floor I can let my mind drift back to the 1950's, the age of steam engine; when Sir Richard Greasley, a well-known steam engine would travel from King's Cross Station in London to Waverley in Edinburgh. The hotel has this romantic charm, and I am standing there with a wee dram in my hand, seeing the smoke over the station, those were the days. . .

IT'S VACATION TIME AGAIN
This winter when you are looking on-line or through the brochures for your next trip abroad, Europe could well be your choice.  Visiting London, Paris and off course, the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Last Fall I travelled to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, for the first time to try out the Scottish hospitality.  Scotland is a part of the British Isles, it has a long standing tradition and with it’s own identity, it is very different from the rest of the British Isles.  Scotland has always been very mystical to me; from the Mountains of the Highlands, the  legendary stories of the Loch Ness Monster, the ancient city of Edinburgh and of course the mystery of what Haggis is?

My journey started from Heathrow airport to Edinburgh Airport (it is about 1 hour air time) Upon arriving at the airport a limousine from the hotel collected me for the short journey to the hotel.  Another way to arrive is on the night sleeper from Kings Cross Station in London, to Edinburgh Waverley Station next to the hotel.  There was originally, a passage way from the station directly into the hotel; but it has long since been closed and oddly enough, rail travelers still ask about the passage.  It most certainly is a wonderful journey by train along the East Coast of England into Scotland, via Durham and Newcastle.  The station was opened in the 1840's and named the Waverley after the novels by Sir Walter Scott, (the great author) and is set in the narrow valley between the Medieval Old Town and Princess Street.  The station is the second largest railway station in the Britain area, only to be matched by Waterloo in London.

The galleries are there to explore and I most certainly would recommend you visit the National Gallery.  This is where I chose to spend a warm balmy September afternoon.

The Balmoral Hotel was my destination.  When you arrive, you are greeted by a Scotsman dressed in the traditional uniform, a kilt and Tammy Shanter, (which is a type of beret) and the sound of bag pipes.

Through these revolving doors of Scottish hospitality, there is no shortage of staff on hand.  The ratio is over two to one…staff to customers.  The staff straight away take the stress away of the travelling you have undertaken at the Tartan reception with anything can do attitude.

COFFEE & CREAM WITH SHADES OF BROWN
The reception colors are a kaleidoscope with shades of browns, creams, coffee and other shades from the brown color spectrum.  It is not an intrusive color scheme and makes you feel relaxed, it's traditional and also modern, most of all you feel at ease when entering the reception area.

The Balmoral is one of thirteen, in the Rocco Forte Collection of first-class hotels, with three new hotels due to open within the next three years. All of the them are very different, with first-class service and rooms to meet your expectations.  They include Browns in London, Lowry after the well-known Manchester artist in Salford Manchester and the latest being Verdura Golf & Spa in Sicily.  Also worth noting, is the Le Richemond which is in the picturesque city of Geneva.  All have their own distinctive culture and the same luxurious image of Rocco Forte properties.

SHAPES AND SIZES OF SCOTLAND
In March 2004 the hotel completed a £7 million refurbishment program.  Olga Polizzi the designer responsible for the design, Through many different shapes and sizes, they are very specious and comfortable.  It is difficult when designing a Scottish hotel to fall into the usual cliches of tartans and hold Highland prints.  She says she has given a subtle hint of checks and tartans in the contemporary polished cotton fabric of the blinds and curtains, the striped carpets and paint colors in the bedrooms. All of the artwork has been selected to reflect Scottish themes such as Donald Campbell and his Bluebird, the Skerrymore Lighthouse and Circular Tour of the HIghlands by Richard Long.  The blankets at the end of every bed, are exclusively designed for the Balmoral by Johnston's of Elgin in Scotland.

There are 188 bedrooms, including 20 suites.  Many of them have views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town and surrounding hills.  I had a view from my suite of the old town and could see the Firth of Forth in the distance.  Truly a wonderful view.  The room was a collection of modern and traditional, like the reception area.  Very much a designers contrast of styles.  Some of the suites have working fireplaces; when it’s cold, it makes for a very cozy stay, enjoying the warmth of The Balmoral. There are number of suites with great Scottish names, one of which is the Doune Suite, after Doune Castle; a magnificent late fourteenth century courtyard castle, situated in Perthshire.

The scone and Crombie Suite (Presidential Suite) Scone Palace is located in Perthshire, and also the home of the Earls of Mansfield, A major attraction from which visitors from all over the world come to see. The Glamis Suite, Glamis Castle is the official site of the home of the Earls of Strathemore and Kinghorne, near the village of Glamis in Angus region. This was also the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth.

Then there is also the JK Rowling Suite.  The author, JK Rowling famously completed her last Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in the room in 2007.  Most certainly in keeping with the hotels high standards.  And let me no forget to include Sean Connery, 007 fame.  He also is honored in the rooms with pictures and paintings of his great adventures in the Bond Movies.  There is a plaque in the reception area noting him opening the revamped hotel.

CASTLE TO GUARD EDINBURGH
There is so much to tell of Edinburgh Castle, it is hard to know where to start.  It is a beacon over the city, and takes a day in itself of exploring the ancient castle and grounds.  (I could not possibly go into depth in this article about the castle….it is just so vast.)  While visiting Edinburgh, on top of your tourist agenda should be a trip to Edinburgh Castle.  The castle is the city's most popular attraction with more than 1.25 million visitors a year. In 1999 it became a part of the Edinburgh Old and New Town World Heritage Site.  The history goes back to 638 AD, which Anges captured Din Eidyn and renamed in Edinburgh.  In 1574 the castle was rebuilt with the Half Moon Battery and Portcullis Gate re added to reinforce its defenses’.

In 1650 Oliver Cromwell invaded Scotland and captured the castle. In 1623 King James VI attempts to establish a Scottish colony called Nova Scotia (New Scotland), setting out from Edinburgh, at the time the Scottish fleet sailed to Panama to establish the Scottish empire; but were almost destroyed by disease they thought they would never encounter.  They also packed with them winter coats expecting cold weather, instead they found a sub-tropical country, and with disease rampant the expedition was lost.

CHAMPAGNE CHEERS AT THE BOLLINGER
The Bollinger Bar at Palm Court is Scotland's only Bollinger Champagne Bar. This is the ultimate Champagne Bar and a must to visit while you stay at the hotel.  Extensive ranges of single malt whiskey and vintage champagne and innovative cocktails are served. The Bollinger Bar features a sparkling glass dome and a stunning Venetian glass chandelier, it is chic and stylish.

TWO FOR TEA SCOTTISH STYLE
The Palm Court is the place to visit if you like afternoon tea.  While I was staying at the hotel I noticed that it was always packed with visitors and special parties.  Looking for an afternoon treat, many wonderful sandwiches, cream cakes, traditional Balmoral shortbread; which Scotland is famous for, a must for afternoon tea enthusiasts like me.  It has a beautiful lounge with columns and old wooden floors restored, in keeping with the original design of the building.


NUMBER ONE FOR DINING
You are spoiled for choice of excellent dining.  Number One is an Edinburgh's culinary landmark.  It is the city's only Michelin starred hotel restaurant. Executive Chef Jeff Bland supported by Head Chef, Craig Sandle places emphasis on creative dishes while promoting the best of Scotland by using only the finest and freshest Scottish ingredients.

The award-winning menu includes highlights such as Smoked and Cured Foie Gras Roulade with Air-Dried and Squash Puree, Perthshire Venison Loin with Pomme Croquette, Red Cabbage and Salsify and Banana Creme Brulee with Chocolate Brownie and Malted Banana Ice Cream.  It makes my mouth water even now!

HADRIAN'S HAS A BUZZ ABOUT IT!
I had my meal also in the chic buzzy brasserie.  It really is a favorite among the guests and locals alike.  Offering a mix of Scottish dishes and innovative European cuisine.  (A great steak can be had here.)  Diners from all age groups come here, giving the restaurant a really good feel.   

A SCOTTISH DISH OF HISTORY
For anybody reading this article…..I mentioned Haggis early on; I will give you a definition from my English point of view of what that dish is.  It is a dish containing a sheep's pluck heart, liver and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt mixed with stock. The Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish mortalized as the national dish of Scotland by Robert Burns.  A poem Addresses Haggis in 1787. A wonderful dish you must try on your visit to Scotland.


EDINBURGH HOSTS THE LARGEST ART FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD
The Edinburgh Festival of Art is one of many international festivals in the City.  It is the number one in the world for art.  There is something for everyone from theatre, comedy, music, dance exhibitions and much more.  Also, the number one tourist attraction in Britain.  Many people come from Canada and America to enjoy the creative festival in August each year.
If you are looking to Book a Festival on your tourist card, look no further than the Edinburgh International Festival in August.  Also, it is the world's largest public celebration of the written word, hundreds of events, debates and workshops, jam packed into 17 days of written learning. Over 800 authors take part in the event, with authors from 45 different countries attending.  Over 200 Scottish writers plus talent from the Creative Writing Schools of Scotland, which has lead to many best sellers.


A GREAT VARIETY OF TREATMENTS DELIVERED BY A VERY PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Sandra Ellstrom; Spa Manager, whom I had a meeting with, spent a considerable amount of time talking about the two very distinctive brands and how they compliment one another, and give excellent choice to the clients of the spa.  She also spoke to me about how she is trying to blend a team to cater to the international clientele.  Martine who undertook my treatment use to work on cruise liners and had plenty of experience knowing what the hardened travelled requires from a spa.
The Balmoral spa is found on the lower level.  When you arrive via the elevator to the basement floor you are immediately in reception room. The reception is a relaxing environment and again, there are a number of staff offering to help you in any way. Five treatment rooms are available all very comfortable and well design with relaxing color schemes.

YTSARA MEANING FREEDOM IN THAI
Asian wisdom is looked upon as an alternative way of treating various alignments and helping the body to de-stress.  It gives you a fresh out-look on life.  (Using traditional, natural beauty secrets.)  Self-indulgence is the core of their beauty philosophy and spa programmes. Sandra Ellison said the treatments should achieve radiant skin, healthy bodies and total well-being with down-to-earth solutions for those who want to main purity, nurture their skin and rejuvenate their souls. Ytsara was developed exclusively for leading resorts and day spas, for clients who require excellence.

The herbs, roots, flowers and fruits are cultivated on an organic farm in Thailand, or picked by hand in the forest, taking care to preserve the environment. When wild harvest is not possible, chemical free fields are selected and all waters that come into the fields are checked to see whether they show any traces of herbicides or pesticides. When growing the crops, no insecticides and fertilizers of any kind are ever used. Ytsara ingredients are delicately blended only after products have been ordered to ensure that maximum potency and freshness are retained. All products are certified 100% natural.

This company was founded in 2001 for the spa industry.

I had the NUAT NAMMAN BODY OIL CEREMONY
It is most certainly an experience I would recommend.  The healing effects of Asian aromatherapy in a relaxing and restorative massage that combines the sense of tropical smells with the soothing value of acupressure massage.  The massage is at what pressure to suit you. Individually chosen to suit your personal requirements, the essential oils rebalance your vital energies, restoring harmony and calm to your body and mind.
Absolute wonderful bliss &  relaxation.

The wonder treatments are of Na Plai, Recovery Head Massage 45 minutes of pure heaven.  A soothing yet energizing back, neck, shoulders and head massage focusing on vital energy points for a total mind and spirit experience. The treatment starts with the application of a hot herbal poultice, to ease tension and restore vital tranquility. Next, touch paradise while a rejuvenating blend of Rosewood is gently massaged on to your face to stimulate Maram points, promoting total recovery and balance.

Manao, Head and Face Treatment for Men 1 hour
You can enjoy a deep exfoliation to remove impurities and help lift ingrown hairs, followed by a quenching facial mask to re-hydrate the epidermis. This advanced treatment incorporates a vital energy point massage through the application of cranial herbal poultice over the back, neck, shoulders, and head, easing away stress and tension. Finally restore health and vitality to the face with a floral elixir and a hydrating gel, enhancing muscle tone leaving the skin fresh and supple.

MOHOM, INDIGO ART OF HEALING
How about experiencing the ancient healing art of Hmong Shamans?  A  treatment to ease aches and pains. A steamed indigo herbal poultice, filled with pure remedial ingredients is thoroughly pounded over the body, then surrender to a deep tissue massage using palms, thumbs and elbows to loosen muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Indigo, the symbol for the Buddha of Medicine, is said to improve muscular tone and drain away toxins, while Eucalyptus, Clove and Black Pepper essential oils dissolve muscular tension, embracing you in an aura of calm and harmony.

Another brand which is well-known internationally is E'Spa, with all their brilliant products and treatments. I can say without a doubt the spa is leading the way in Eastern treatments in a modern Western format and brings to Edinburgh a very unique menu of treatments.
There is a swimming pool, it is compact but a great place to wind down.  The same applies to the spa relaxation area, which is designed in browns and creams and is large for a city spa.

IS THERE A GHOST IN MY STABLES?
In the depths of the building two floors where the public cannot venture down to.  Here are the remains of where the horses were kept in the stables, before the invent of the car.  The rich and famous would arrive by horse and carriage, (at present there are no plans to restore the two floors) a mystery would unfold I am sure if you were to venture down the stairs to the stables!

TIME WILL ALWAYS BE ON OUR SIDE
The Clock Tower at the hotel is most certainly an unusual feature.  It is always set to be three minutes fast, enabling railway travelers to always get to their train on time.  To quote the hotel "nobody ever did".   Only on New Year's Eve are the hands moved forward to celebrate the New Year on time.


Going back through the revolving doors, I passed on to Princes Street during my car ride back to the airport.  My thoughts at the airport were; The Balmoral the hotel that offers the Canadian/American visitors service with a Scottish smile of hospitality.
I could hear the sound of bag pipes in the distance as I made my way out of the city.
**Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, it is as manageable as a walking city and easy to find your way round, as people say in Edinburgh  “It is one big village.”


A TARTAN MILLIONAIRE
Scotland can pride itself on the birth of the most wealthy man in the world in 1835,in Dunfermilne, near to Edinburgh. He was Andrew Carnegie who left Scotland in 1848 to find his fame and fortune in America.  Without a penny to his name to become the richest man in the world.  He sold his business for then $480 Million Dollars.  He was a real Victorian philanthropist, giving vast sums to charities in Canada and the USA.  
Carnegie Hall bears his name in New York, he was part of the industrial revolution to sweep across North America. Andrew was also made an Honorary Freeman of Edinburgh for his services to industry.

I would like to thank Harry Fernandes Resident Manager, Ivan Artolli General Manager, Jane O'Neil Sales, Manager and Sandra Ellison Spa Manager for their great help with research and innovative story lines.