Five-star Scottish hotel Crossbasket Castle has appointed Zoe Douglas as Director of Spa and Wellness ahead of the opening of Four Angels Spa this autumn.
Douglas joins as the historic castle enters the next chapter of its transformation, following the opening of its 40-bedroom hotel and entertainment-led restaurant, Trocadero’s, last year.
Originally from Edinburgh, Douglas brings 25 years’ experience exclusively within five-star hotels and luxury wellness destinations.
Her international career spans Europe, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.
Douglas originally trained at the Scottish School of Massage in sports and remedial massage before working aboard Seabourn Yachts and with Six Senses resorts in the Maldives and the Dominican Republic.
She later worked with W Hotels in Barcelona and Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh before leading the pre-opening launch of House Spa at Dormy House Hotel in the Cotswolds, where she spent more than five years as Spa and Wellness Manager.
Douglas later became Spa Director at Fletcher’s Cottage Spa, Archerfield.
Most recently, she spent five years as Spa Business Development Manager for the UK and Ireland at Natura Bissé.
In 2017, she was named Black Diamond Spa Professional of the Year at the FORUM Hotel & Spa Awards in Paris.
Douglas said: “Spa and wellness for me is about intuitive connection, ensuring an intentional bespoke journey to heighten the experience between therapist and guest.
“This is a very exciting opportunity to help shape and launch a truly unique concept, and for that I’ll need an exceptional, intuitive team around me to create it.
“I’m passionate about setting new standards for wellness and hospitality in Scotland.”
Opening this autumn, Four Angels Spa will offer a ritual-led wellness sanctuary inspired by the estate’s natural surroundings, specifically its Four Angels Waterfall.
At its core will be bespoke Hebridean spa products, crafted using organic ingredients from the Isle of Harris by Amanda Saurin, founder of A.S Apothecary.
All products will be developed exclusively for Crossbasket Castle, creating a spa offer unlike anything else currently available in Scotland.
Treatments are being created by Beata Aleksandrowicz, an international specialist in massage, facials and spa treatments.
Aleksandrowicz is known for her approach to touch, deep-healing therapy, training and wellness.
Working in partnership with Crossbasket Castle owner Alison Timoney and Douglas, Aleksandrowicz has developed a suite of signature rituals designed to bring depth and connection to every treatment at Four Angels.
The new spa will feature four treatment rooms, thermal facilities and dedicated relaxation spaces.
The experience has been designed to encourage guests to unwind, reconnect and restore.
Alison Timoney, owner of Crossbasket Castle, said: “Zoe brings an exceptional level of experience, creativity and passion to the role. Her international experience, combined with her background in holistic wellbeing and people development, makes her the perfect person to lead the team.
“As we prepare to welcome guests later this year, we’re excited to work alongside Zoe to create something distinctive for Scotland, where every guest leaves feeling restored and inspired.”
Alongside the new spa, 12 timber cabins will open along the riverbank.
Inspired by the Hebridean product range, the Crossbasket Cabins will pair refined interiors with an architectural approach that respects their natural surroundings.