Nominee Summary
A Wild Spa Retreat.
What makes your nominee stand out?
Maycroft Retreat is a strong candidate for a Tourism and Visitor Management award, offering a truly distinctive and sustainable experience rooted in wellbeing, nature, and accessibility. Branded as the “Scottish Wild Spa,” the retreat is led by Denise, a therapist with over 30 years of experience, whose deep understanding of mental and emotional health underpins every element of the guest journey. Located just an hour from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee, Maycroft provides an accessible escape into the heart of Perthshire, where guests are encouraged to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with themselves in a stunning natural setting. The retreat features wild spa experiences, mind health retreats, bespoke glamping pods, natural plunge pools, wood-fired hot tubs, and quiet spaces ideal for star gazing—enhanced by the site's commitment to minimal noise and light pollution.
Changes that have been implemented
Maycroft Retreat has embraced several key changes to stay ahead in a fast-evolving tourism and wellness landscape. At the beginning of this year, the retreat underwent a full rebrand, shifting from a glamping-focused offering to a holistic retreat experience. This transformation reflects Denise’s keen awareness of industry trends and guest expectations. Recognising that traditional hot tubs were no longer enough to stand out, she introduced cold dip tanks and a sauna. In addition to wellness, Maycroft Retreat has also expanded its services to include intimate weddings, positioning the retreat as a beautifully secluded venue for couples looking for a unique and natural setting to celebrate their day.
Overcoming challenges
At Maycroft Retreat, challenges are a daily part of the journey, but they are met with adaptability, hard work, and a commitment to growth. Denise, who manages most of the operations herself, places great value on speaking with others and gathering different perspectives to help shape the retreat’s direction. Recognising that the glamping market had become increasingly saturated, she made a strategic decision at the beginning of the year to rebrand as Maycroft Retreat—shifting focus toward wellness, mental health, and immersive nature-based experiences. This bold move not only helped the retreat stand out in a competitive space but also aligned more closely with Denise’s background in therapy and her vision for creating a deeper, more meaningful guest experience.
