The Retreat Linlithgow, Scotland Review
The Retreat
Linlithgow, Scotland
Reviewed by Dawn Watson
The Retreat Linlithgow is a new beauty salon recently opened in the historic town of Linlithgow, West Lothian, not far from Edinburgh. This is the sister salon to the well-established West Calder Retreat.
I was delighted to be chosen to review it as I am a big fan of Espa beauty products but had not had a treatment using their products in a salon before.
On arrival at the salon I was warmly welcomed and offered coffee while I filled in their health questionnaire – sitting in the beautiful surroundings of warm purple hues and lit by lots of candles you immediately feel at ease. In the main room was also a stunning marble nail bar.
My therapist, Abby, came and chatted through my answers and discussed any niggles or pains I had or any skin concerns before taking me through to my treatment room.
WOW! My room was stunning, sumptuous and a mini haven. Again just lit with beautiful candles and soothing music playing I couldn’t wait for my treatment to start. Abby explained what would happen through my treatment and again discussed areas of massage she would concentrate on.
A first for me too was the sensory test – where she put on my wrists various Espa oils she would be using both for my facial and massage – this she explained allowed me to personally tailor my treatment to me – letting my senses choose my favourite smells. I can totally see why this was done, (having never before been given this opportunity I realised how I’ve had a facial before but really didn’t like the smell!).
My treatment began with a Abby checking my skin through a special lamp designed to show her where any areas of concern were, dry patches, age spots etc… allowing her to then again tailor the oils and type of cleansers she would use in my facial to specifically help my skin.
Following this my treatment began with my back being exfoliated with Espa’s gorgeous spearmint oil exfoliator, and then Abby began using Espa’s renowned massage techniques targeting specific areas all to help relax you. Gosh what can I say, I nodded off it was just simply amazing. The pressure used by my therapist was just right, she had checked beforehand, I do like to ‘feel’ a massage and this was perfect, with the oils warming on your skin it was fantastic. My facial was amazing, with a triple cleanse and exfoliate my skin was left feeling clean and fresh. I loved the warm towels used to remove product. And what can I say about my scalp massage? I could literally feel my stress levels falling and feeling very sleepy and relaxed. A special pink hair mud was used during the scalp massage which I left on for most of the day, leaving my hair feeling soft and nourished.
Following my whole treatment which lasted approx. 85 minutes of pure luxury I truly felt the most relaxed I had felt in a very long time. I was left with a cool glass of water and left to gently come round.
The whole experience was truly stunning from the gorgeous surroundings to the fragrances of Espa and to my wonderful therapist who left me totally relaxed but wanting more. I will definitely be back.
The Retreat Linlithgow offer lots of other beauty treatments, including reflexology, Shellac, Biogel nails, and make up using Bare Minerals make up and lots more. A full list of treatments is available at The Retreat Scotland website. As well as the two salons in West Lothian they also have a stunning house where you can book in for a spa day!
Limited parking is available outside the salon in Linlithgow with disabled parking there too. However give yourself an extra five minutes as these spaces will probably fill quickest… you can park in the local car park opposite, which is free.
The Retreat also has a VIP list offering discounts off both treatments and products. And I joined their ‘late list’ which will email me daily any appointments available for the next day – giving a discount of 30% off!
The Retreat is a little gem of a salon and one I will be recommending and visiting from now on.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to make a booking visit www.retreatscotland.com.
The Retreat Linlithgow. 213 High Street Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7EN
