The Best Destination Resorts in Scotland and Ireland That Offer Unique Wellness Experiences
From beautiful green scenery and rich history to charming castles and majestic estates, Scotland and Ireland are two of the best vacation spots in the world. Just 12 miles apart at their closest points, both destinations feature awe-inspiring splendor with rugged coastlines, stunning nature, archaeological attractions, luxurious hotels and spas.
If you’re looking for a memorable vacation with unique wellness experiences, Scotland and Ireland are home to some of the best destination resorts—many of which are located in stunning castles and manors that will make you feel like royalty.
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Among our favorites are Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, which launched in 2021 and are a collection of bespoke upscale hotels that are located near some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. Their properties embraces the harmony between sea and land, while paying homage to local tradition by restoring historic landmark properties and transforming them into distinctive locally-inspired properties set in high-culture environments.
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Read on to discover our list of the best destination resorts in Scotland and Ireland that offer unique wellness experiences, including some of the best spas and golf courses.
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Adare Manor (Ireland)
Adare Manor is a historic award-winning castle resort located on the banks of the River Maigue in Ireland.
Adare Manor is an award-winning castle resort set in the storybook village of Adare, Co. Limerick in Southwest Ireland, located on the banks of the River Maigue. The former family home of the 2nd Earl of Dunraven, the 840-acre estate borrows its name from a nearby village called Adare, which is known for its thatched roof cottages, antique shops and pubs.
The vast property is surrounded by parklands, walled gardens, formal French gardens, medieval ruins, mature trees and winding woodland paths. In the 1830s it was transformed by the 2nd Earl of Dunraven from a Georgian manor into a masterpiece inspired by Europe’s great houses and cathedrals. It is also home to 111SPA/CLINIC at Adare Manor, which reflects the spirit of the property’s heritage and elegance to offer guests a unique spa experience that includes 111SKIN’s results-driven face and body treatments. View the spa profile on 111SPA/CLINIC at Adare Manor here.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond (Scotland)
Dating back to the 15th century, Cameron House is a five-star hotel situated on 400 acres of Scottish countryside along the banks of the Loch Lomond lake. The baronial state, which celebrated its 200-year anniversary in 2023, is home to a world-class spa that includes various hydrotherapy facilities and a treatment menu with a wide range of facials, massages, and full-body treatments.
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Cameron House also offers unique wellness experiences including a Naughty Sheep experience, which is an ethical animal encounter famr that is focused on holistic wellness experiences. Guests can attend an exclusive monthly retreat that includes a yoga flow session with views of the countryside, a guided sound meditation experience with sheep-themed blankets and pillows, and afternoon tea in the garden.
The afternoon tea experience includes a visit from the farm’s naughty sheep who seek cuddles and treats, and their funny table manners create a whimsical and entertaining experience. Guests will also get the chance to feed fresh milk in bottles to the lambs.
Carton House (Ireland)
Carton House is an 1,100-acre luxury estate in Ireland.
Located just 20 minutes from Dublin, Carton House is a 1,100-acre luxury estate with a history that spans more than eight centuries. The resort, which counts Princess Grace, Prince Rainier and Peter Sellers among its former inhabitants. The property includes a historic mansion, two championship golf courses, an events center, tennis courts and a gymnasium.
Carton House Spa is nestled within the walls of the estate and offers breathtaking views along with a curated menu of spa treatments provided by highly skilled therapists in a serene setting. Click here to view our spa profile on Carton House Spa.
Dornoch Station (Scotland)
Dornoch Station is a stunning hotel on four acres near the first fairway of Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland.
Set to open in Summer 2023, Dornoch Station is a hotel located on four beautiful acres a short walking distance from the first fairway of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, the Scottish Highlands’ crown jewel of golf. Dornoch is a small and charming seaside destination in the historic county of Sutherland, accessible along Scotland’s popular North Coast 500 driving route.
The hotel is near attractions like Dornoch Beach, the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral, Glenmorangie distillery and Dunrobin Castle. In addition to comprehensive renovations and expansion of guestrooms, public spaces, exterior and grounds, the hotel also underwent an installation of a putting green, fire pits and additional outdoor amenities. It will reopen as the fifth property in the collection, supporting the brand's expansion vision in the world's most desirable golf destinations.
Marine North Berwick (Scotland)
Marine North Berwirk is located in one of Scotland’s most treasured seaside towns and overlooks the 16th hole of the historic West Links course at North Berwick Golf Club.
Located in one of Scotland’s most treasured seaside towns, Marine North Berwick is an 84-room property also known as the “Grand Old Lady” that as been restored to her former glory as a luxury landmark on Scotland’s Golf Coast. The hotel overlooks the 16th hole of the historic West Links course at North Berwick Golf Club and also offers scenic views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
Aside from golf, the property also includes a pool, fitness center, and The Spa at Marine North Berwick—which partners with French skincare company Caudalie to offer treatments inspired by the vineyards. A dedicated team tailors the spa experience for each guest, and the property also regularly hosts seasonal wellness events for locals and guests alike.
Marine Troon (Scotland)
Marine Troon offers unobstructed views of the breath-taking Ayrshire coastline, the Isle of Arran, and the legendary Royal Troon Golf Club.
Marine Troon opened in June 2022 and overlooks both the Ayrshire coastline and the legendary Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club, Marine Troon. The 89-room boutique golf hotel offers unobstructed views of the breath-taking Ayrshire coastline, the Isle of Arran and the legendary Royal Troon Golf Club, a nine-time host of The Open.
The hotel also has a fitness center, squash court, nail bar, indoor pool, exercise room, hot tub and steam room, and The Spa at Marine Troon, a luxurious sanctuary that offers a wide range of wellness and leisure accommodations. It carries a line of natural products by luxury Scotland skincare partners ishga and Made For Life Organics for invigorating facial and body treatments.
Rusacks St Andrews (Scotland)
Rusacks St Andrews is a 123-room hotel set along the legendary “Old Course” in a renovated iconic 1800s building.
Rusacks St Andrews is a historic property in Fife, Scotland that is set along the legendary “Old Course” in a renovated and iconic building from the 1800s. The 123-room hotel stands as a living museum and monument to golf and its founders, and two of its three restaurants and bars overlook the first and 18th holes of the Old Course at St Andrews and the North Sea. It also has a rooftop putting green and Eden Mill gin-making experience with the hotel's own Gin Concierge.
Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland)
Slieve Donard is nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne and stands among six acres of immaculate private grounds with a beach on one side and a golf course on the other.
Also coming in Summer 2023, Slieve Donard will reopen after undergoing a complete transformation. Nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the property spans six acres of immaculate private grounds and is bordered on one side by a beach while the Royal County Down golf course is on the other side.
In addition to 180 stylish guest rooms and suites, the hotel will also be home to one of Northern Ireland’s finest resort spas. The destination is also popular for hiking and offers a variety of activities including forest and beach walks, cycling and rock climbing, and golf.
[Photos courtesy of individual resorts]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk