Highland Indulgence

Picture the scene. You’re meandering past pristine Highland scenery. Beyond the picture windows, landscapes of brilliant wildflowers, mirror-calm lochs and misty mountains pass by. But you’re in a cocoon of luxury, soaking up the aromatherapy fragrances as you enjoy a massage or rejuvenating body scrub.

This is the unique experience that awaits at the Bamford Haybarn Spa aboard the luxury Royal Scotsman. It broke records when it launched, becoming the first spa experience of its kind aboard an overnight rail journey in Britain.

Crafted in natural woods and with pure white furnishings, the spa carriage is a cosy but faithful replica of the flagship Haybarn Spa at Bamford’s Daylesford farm. There, in England’s Cotswolds countryside, guests are wrapped in the softest robes and sumptuous scents such as geranium, lavender and peppermint.

Haybarn founder Carole Bamford explains that her growing collection of spas offer natural, sustainable products crafted by artisans. The treatments themselves are inspired by ancient wellness rituals and Ayurvedic principles.

What brought Bamford and Royal Scotsman together?
I have always loved travelling and am inspired by all the beautiful sights, sounds and scents along the way—so much so that they often find their way into our Bamford range of products. It was very exciting to take the Bamford Haybarn Spa on board a train that is synonymous with luxury, relaxation and innovation; Royal Scotsman shares our philosophy and so many of our values.

How are your visits to Scotland brought to life in the spa carriage?
When I think of Scotland, walks in the Highlands, fresh air, rushing streams and beautiful heather-covered hillsides come to mind. At Bamford, nature is our greatest inspiration with its seasonally changing hues, scents and textures. These natural elements feature in the interiors of each of our Haybarn Spas and all our body and skincare ranges.

What distinguishes the Bamford Haybarn Spa Experience?
At the Bamford Haybarn Spa, we offer a holistic approach based on our heartfelt connection with nature, and this is no exception on board Royal Scotsman. I love the idea that as you travel through the beautiful Scottish countryside, you feel a part of the surroundings while enjoying a treatment using our organic botanical products.<.p>

After a day of exploring the Highlands, guests can enjoy a deeply relaxing experience in the calm and tranquillity of the spa. The two treatment rooms have been designed using sustainable wood from Scotland and the Cotswolds, inset with our signature heart motif. They are spaces for reflection and rejuvenation.

What's the inspiration behind the creation of your body and skincare products?
I always say that what goes onto the body is as important as what goes inside. We make all our products for the Haybarn Spa at Daylesford organic farm in the Cotswolds, using natural fragrances and ingredients. We work hard to ensure that the majority of our products are certified as organic by the Soil Association, the most rigorous testing of its kind in the UK.

Could you tell us about some of the treatments guests can anticipate?
We are delighted to offer guests on board Royal Scotsman all the treatments we created for our original Haybarn Spa, with some slightly adapted for the train environment. It is very important that guests enjoy the full experience, and therefore all the therapists have had extensive training at the Haybarn Spa. Guests can choose from de-stress and deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials using our award-winning skincare products, as well as manicures and pedicures.