Irene Forte, founder of Irene Forte Spa within the family-run Rocco Forte Hotels group, has relaunched the spa at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, UK, using her new concept based in “nature and science.”

The concept features relating to nature can be seen in both the terracotta and sage green colour scheme and the new Irene Forte Spa skincare. The products are infused with botanicals from the brand’s organic farm at Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy.

The concept’s science elements can be seen in the skincare formulations, used in facial and body therapies. Informed by 40 years of biomedical research and clinically approved for sensitive skin, the skincare is combined with treatments that incorporate technology.

The new concept is being rolled out across the Rocco Forte Hotels portfolio.

This opening marks a new chapter for wellness at Rocco Forte Hotels, according to Forte: “Wellness is deeply personal. It's about creating environments that make people feel both cared for and empowered. When uncompromising scientific innovation works in harmony with the regenerative power of nature, it lifts your whole being. This launch is the next step in building longevity, vitality and joy into everyday life.”

Irene is the daughter of legendary hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and niece of famed designer Olga Polizzi. Read about the original spa concept Irene first developed for 10 Rocco Forte properties in Europe in an interview Spa Business conducted in 2016 here.

Facilities

The design for the 1,102sq m spa’s renovation is by DO Studio, creating a contemporary Sicilian retreat that provides a balanced contrast with the hotel’s heritage and traditional interiors.

The spa reception has feature marble mosaics and the treatment rooms and changing rooms have soft curving surfaces, designed to feel cocooning and nurturing. Cork flooring and acoustic ceilings dampen sound to enhance the calming feel to these spaces.

The spa has five treatment rooms, with beds by Lemi.

It also has a sauna, steamroom and a 15-metre indoor lap pool.

There is a Wellness Bar for nutritional food, juices and infusions.

This is the first UK property to launch the concept’s Forte Vita Bar, where guests can experience express beauty rituals.

These include hair treatments and styling, non-toxic nail treatments and fast facials. Furniture for pedicures, manicures and hair styling are by Spa Vision and Aram. Brand partners for lifestyle and beauty include Lyma Laser Pro, Davines, Manicurist and La Bonne Brosse.

The Base Facial at the Forte Vita Bar uses EMS, radio frequency and LED and is said to enhance skin tone and elasticity in 50 minutes.

Add-on optional treatments include oxygen infusions, peptide sheet masks and collagen-boosting Dermalux LED red-light therapy. Each add-on can last between five and 15 minutes.

Longer treatments involve a 3D skin analysis for tailored targeted protocols. One such anti-ageing treatment is the Phytomleatonin facial that uses buccal massage, LED therapy and a hyaluronic acid sheet mask and microcurrent radio frequency.

Other technology on offer at the spa is by Dermalux Flex, Omnilux LED, Sculptra Desee Pro, Oxyjet Go and Endospheres.

There is also a fitness centre with equipment by Technogym.