ST ANDREWS – Scotland’s Home of Golf – is recognised across the globe for its prestigious university, medieval cobbled streets, and, of course, its ten golf courses. However, the quiet historic town has become an increasingly popular hotspot for those embarking upon wellness journeys, and when one visits Fairmont St Andrews, it’s easy to see why.
Since opening in 2001, Fairmont St Andrews has garnered an impressive reputation for its sparkling resort & spa. The hotel boasts 520 acres of verdant green land, cliff-top views of the North Sea, and two world-class golf courses, allowing guests to absorb some of Scotland’s charming scenery.
Fairmont St Andrews
Lobby of the Fairmont St Andrews
After reaching the hotel following my early morning Loganair flight, I was eager to explore its facilities – and have a quick coffee. Upon entering the lobby, the hotel’s interiors immediately reflect its stately allure. The bustling lobby area leads to the hotel’s spacious atrium, where timber floors meet plush carpets and a 60-metre lighting sculpture titled Zephyr by George Singer.
Despite the atrium’s scale, the space is warm and inviting, perhaps thanks to its various dining venues. At the bottom of the grand staircase lies the Squire Restaurant – aptly named after golfing legend Gene “The Squire” Sarazen – where a Scottish buffet breakfast is hosted every morning.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the room lies the Atrium Lounge – the Fairmont St Andrews must-visit afternoon tea space. Harnessing the power of local ingredients and fresh produce, the menu features traditional finger sandwiches, pork stuffing sausage rolls, pumpkin and ricotta puff pastries with spiced maple syrup, plain and fruit scones with homemade compote & clotted cream, and a variety of beautiful sweet treats.
Afternoon Tea at the Atrium Lounge
St Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grull
Additionally, the hotel houses two further restaurants: the St Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill and La Cucina. The first concentrates on seafood produce, whereas La Cucina taps into traditional Italian gastronomic customs.
However, if one wants to truly make the most of being by the Scottish seaside, Fairmont St Andrews has partnered with East Neuk Seaweed – a local business offering seaweed foraging experiences. Helmed by Jayson Byles, East Neuk Seaweed aims to educate and empower with wild cooking ecology.
During my stay, Byles took us down to Kingsbarns Beach to explore the different types of seaweed in the region. After snipping a fresh piece of seaweed off a rock, Byles exhibited his cooking skills with a kombu broth, smoked dulse muffins and a carrageen pudding. Packed full of umami and nutrients, the seaweed-infused cuisine showcased the beauty of Scotland’s organic produce.
And the seaweed explorations didn’t stop there. At the spa, I enjoyed the hotel’s signature Escape To The Hebrides treatment – a bespoke ritual created by ishga for Fairmont St Andrews. Ishga is an award-winning Hebridean organic skincare brand that utilises four different types of seaweed, tapping into the plant’s undeniable healing power.
At the spa, guests can also enjoy treatments from ESPA, a luxury holistic skincare brand. A standout offering is the brand’s Strength and Resilience treatment, where careful reflexology techniques stimulate white blood cell production and strengthen one’s immune system – a particularly appreciated benefit with the looming onslaught of the winter months.
Fairmont St Andrews Spa
The hotel provides many other wellness experiences, including pilates and yoga classes in the spa’s studio, spin classes in the gym, or, for the braver guests, sunrise swims in the sea. Guided by experts from Wild Scottish Sauna, swimmers can enjoy a cold plunge in the North Sea before running to the safety of the nearby cosy sauna.
Despite taking only two hours by flight from London, Fairmont St Andrews allows you to appreciate the country’s astonishing nature offerings whilst still showcasing the brand’s leading position in luxury stays. And with the sea breeze providing an extra dose of vitality, one is certain to leave feeling refreshed, content and revitalised.
by Sophie Richardson
To book a stay or for more information, please visit here. Rooms start from £259 per night, including breakfast. Fairmont St Andrews is also offering a special price of its Manor Homes at £1000 per night until 15th December.
East Neuk Seaweed workshops cost £60 per person, with children under 16 going free when accompanied by an adult. Wild Scottish Sauna offers Social Sauna Sessions at £16 per person for one hour, or a ninety-minute private group session costs £360.