Well well well, treatments on trains! There have always been wellness centres on cruise ships and YSL’s MONKEY ISLAND resort, on an island between two branches of the River Thames just west of London has a two-room treatment barge moored right to hand. Girlahead can personally attest to the extra soothing effect of being massaged with the gentle rocking caused by the waves outside.
Now this gorgeous sensation is being transposed to railways. Belmond, part of the magnificent LVMH stable, is working with a sibling. As a result, BELMOND ROYAL SCOTLAND train will, from Monday – 10th April – have an onboard Dior Spa (image above, Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior). Yes, a Dior Spa, just like the superb one in HOTEL PLAZA-ATHENEE, PARIS
In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland – where he famously hosted his much acclaimed fashion show in 1955 – the new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman will be housed in one of the train’s plush carriages. Two dedicated lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif, will offer three Dior-devised tailor-made treatments.
Body massage D-TBravel (30 minutes or one hour) will purify the body of toxins and release tension through deep, slow and soothing movements that ultimately relieve muscular pain. Inspired by the Scottish landscape, the D-Elements full body treatment (one hour) begins with the application of semi-precious hot stones on the back to create a sense of warmth, followed by massage strokes that simulate a cooling breeze. Bain Dior body mist and hot oshibori that recreate the country’s drifting mists end the treatment on a calming note. For those seeking a rejuvenating facial, the D-Highlands (one hour) is inspired by Kobido facial massage techniques and thanks to the application of Dior Prestige line, it sculpts the face’s features and improves the skin’s appearance.
The train has really interesting itineraries for its 2023 season. Highland Survival Adventure, 30th June – 3rd July, for instance, has onboard curators former Royal Marines Sergeant, George MacHardy, and survivalist, Eliza Brown. It is Edinburgh to Edinburgh via Fort William, a Royal Marines Commando Assault Training programme, abseilling down a cascading waterfall, wild swimming – and superb dining.
On which subject, Tom Kitchin is onboard 4-6 September. A Taste of Scotland with Tom Kitchin is a gastronomic, two-night journey through the Scottish Highlands. Edinburgh to Edinburgh via Boat of Garten, Inverness and Dundee. All along he will be showcasing the best of Scotland and and its waters.
