A kilted doorman greets visitors to the legendary Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.

Golf, whiskey, haggis, poet Robert Burns, designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the windswept moors—these are the images I had of Scotland before visiting for the first time last week. What I discovered in a whirlwind tour that took in fabulous hotels in and around Edinburgh, the Glasgow countryside, and St. Andrews, fulfilled those expectations and also held some surprises—chief among them, the spas.

A heads-up for planners of high-end meetings and incentives: Spacious and contemporary hotel spas offer the high level of pampering your attendees have come to expect. Spa facilities might be integrated within historic icons, such as at the legendary Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh, originally built in 1902 (and host to such famous guests as J.K. Rowling, who finished the final chapter of the Harry Potter series in what is now the J.K. Rowling suite). Imagine your attendees arriving after a trans-Atlantic flight, being greeted by a kilted doorman, getting settled in a luxurious guest room that juxtaposes up-to-date amenities such as flat-screen TVs with views of Edinburgh landmarks, then repairing to the spa for a relaxing swim, steam, and spa treatment. Spa facilities feel tranquil, although it’s tempting to take advantage of the cappuccino machine while relaxing. Treatments begin with a mixed berry or strawberry smoothie, and therapists are attentive to individual needs. All spa products are natural, including a new organic skincare line from Thailand called Ytsara.

Treatment rooms at The Balmoral Spa are posh and relaxing.

Also in Edinburgh is the One Spa at the Sheraton Grand: a gorgeous, 36,000-square-foot destination spa connected to the hotel via an elevated glass walkway. It would be easy to spend the good part of a day here, even without a treatment. Throughout, the atmosphere is airy and bright. There’s a big, infinity-edged swimming pool; a rooftop warm-water pool that extends to the outdoors; and a floor of heat-treatment rooms (typically called a thermal suite) that includes five different types of steam and sauna, warmed lounge seating, and scented showers.

Outside the city, we looked at a small sample of spas in the Scottish countryside, including a fabulous new spa at The De Vere Cameron House, located on the banks of Loch Lomond, about 20 minutes from Glasgow International Airport. The spa—and golf course—is a short drive or boat ride from the hotel. Expansive facilities include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor hot tubs and whirlpools (typically called hydro pools), steams and saunas, a mud therapy chamber, and posh relaxation couches. As in all the Scottish spas we visited, natural and organic products are used for treatments, including the Carita and Kerstin Florian lines.

Also close to Glasgow is Mar Hall Hotel and Aveda Spa. The Rolling Stones, Hot Chili Peppers, and other rock groups frequent this storied Gothic mansion, which is available for group buy-outs. The spa philosophy here is holistic, integrating Ayurvedic philosophy with the therapeutic benefits of Aveda products. It is impressive that all the practitioners are massage therapists, so if you choose a body treatment such as a scrub or a wrap, you can also get the benefit of some spot massage therapy.

A view of golfers on the famous Old Course and the sea beyond from my room at the Old Course Hotel

Finally, our trip took us to St. Andrews. Who knew that the home of golf is also home to luxury spas? We stayed at the famous Old Course Hotel, with views to die for and the beautiful Kohler Waters Spa, an oasis of “bathing experiences” that opened in 2006. (In 2004, Kohler Co. purchased the resort.) Visitors can happily spend an afternoon relaxing here. There’s a waterfall in the large swimming pool, a rooftop deck with a big hot tub and relaxation space, and cold and hot plunge pools near the steam room and sauna. Another nice touch is the steam room located in the men’s and ladies’ locker rooms—in Scotland, these facilities are typically coed.

A view of the famous Old Course and the St. Andrews cityscape from my room at the Old Course Hotel

New to the spa scene is an expansion of the spa at the Fairmont St. Andrews. It is part of a comprehensive renovation taking place throughout this grand oceanfront golf resort that uses warm, earthy colors and signature Scottish touches in the design. Due to open later this spring, the spa will have a total of 12 treatment rooms, luxurious relaxation facilities, and a private “spa in a spa” signature experience. The renovated fitness facility includes 28 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment, new locker rooms, and a studio providing a wide range of classes such as spinning and yoga.

The Fairmont St. Andrews sits on the rugged east cliffs of Scotland, with spectacular sea views.

The fitness facilities and lap pools typically found at Scottish spas also come in handy for visitors who wish to work off the tasty cuisine. A plethora of fresh seafood includes not only Scottish salmon, but local mussels, oysters, halibut, and haddock. Scottish beef, game, lamb, and cheeses are also delicious, and planners can work with banquet chefs to create menus that highlight regional specialties.