Honey, mango, yoghurt, sea salt and seaweed

You might think these ingredients form the basis of a freakishly healthy breakfast but it's actually a body wrap treatment at the Cowshed Spa in The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh.

Putting ourselves in the capable hands of Melani, our bubbly South African therapist, we were vigorously brushed down to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation. Then the scrub was applied - an interesting concoction of honey, mango and sea salt. This was followed by a detoxifying seaweed wrap.

While the wrap encased us, Melani gave a scalp massage using jojoba oil. Next came the body contour cream made of grapefruit. As Cowshed products are 100 per cent organic, we felt pampered and virtuous. After the 70-minute treatment, we were escorted into the relaxation room and covered with a warm blanket.

The detoxifying effects of the body wrap treatment were much appreciated after a previous night indulging in the Scotsman's North Bridge Brasserie. Along with a few glasses of red wine, we savoured a starter of seared scallops with creamy parsnip puree and crunchy smoked bacon, followed by a main of tender rump of Perthshire lamb.

The Scotsman Hotel is an architectural delight with its romantic turrets, marble staircase and wood panelled walls. The former home of The Scotsman newspaper has 56 guest rooms and 13 suites. We stayed in the Publisher's Suite, which had its own separate drawing room and dramatic views of the Edinburgh skyline. It was certainly a view and a spa treatment to remember, which we highly recommend for a romantic getaway.

Cowshed Wrap, £75 for 70 minutes. The Leading Hotels Of The World offers stays at The Scotsman from £150 per room per night. Call toll free 00800 2888 8882 or visit www.lhw.com.

We travelled by train with National Express East Coast. Advance returns booked online between London and Edinburgh start from £33 Standard Class or £95 First Class. Book via www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com, or call 08457 225225.