(SP)AMAZING!

A 15-second point-of-view video featuring a rejuvenating outdoor spa experience in Perthshire has become VisitScotland’s most viral social media post to date, sparking a boost in bookings for the featured business.

Filmed by national tourism organisation’s social media team, the short video showcases the Hotbox sauna and going down the Loch Tay slide at Taymouth Marina.

To date it has attracted over 5.6 million views across Instagram and TikTok, almost 27,000 saves and helped generate increased interest for the Perthshire business.

With more and more people seeking travel inspiration on social media, the video is part of VisitScotland’s ongoing efforts to promote Scotland as a year-round destination, supporting businesses and events during the winter month.

In recent years there has been a growing demand for wellness experiences. VisitScotland research reveals that 26% of visitors cite “getting away from it all” as a key reason for traveling to Scotland, while nearly 60% agree that their trip enhances their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The national tourism organisation recently identified “Outdoor Therapy” as one of Scotland’s top travel trends for 2025. The trend reflects the rising appeal of wellness in nature, with Scotland’s outdoors offering abundant opportunities for mind and body rejuvenation.

Drawing on a wide range of sources*, the VisitScotland report highlights the experiences and interests’ visitors to Scotland will be looking for this year and the opportunities these present for tourism and events businesses.

The Outdoor Therapy trend reflects the rising appeal of wellness in nature, with Scotland’s outdoors offering abundant opportunities for mind and body rejuvenation.

It includes experiences such as outdoor yoga classes, water wellness, stargazing and outdoor or wild saunas.

Jill Walker, VisitScotland’s Director of Marketing and Digital, said: “Scotland’s breathtaking scenery and landscapes attract visitors from around the world—not just for their beauty but for their calming, restorative effects on the soul, mind, and body.

“Our recent viral video from Taymouth Marina and our 2025 trends report highlight the continued interest in combining Scotland’s Great Outdoors with wellness experiences that help visitors unwind and recharge.

“Through social media we can inspire our audiences through creative video content and imagery to bring to life the amazing experiences you can enjoy in Scotland. It’s a crucial way to position Scotland as a must-visit, year-round destination.”

Stacey Ives, Head of Sales and Marketing at Taymouth Marina, added: “We’ve been blown away by the positive response across platforms and how quickly this has translated into an increase in reservations and the growth of our audience. It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Visit Scotland- the creative back-and-forth with the team is what makes working together to highlight authentic Scottish experiences with this organisation so impactful.”

Wild saunas have become increasingly popular, with searches rising by 639% since 2023 with a range of experiences to be found across the country. These include:

Taymouth Marina, Perthshire

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Loch Tay in Kenmore, Perthshire, Taymouth Marina’s award-winning HotBox Spa features an aspen-lined sauna with panoramic loch views, a steam room, and Scotland’s largest hydrotherapy pool. For the adventurous, a slide leads directly into the invigorating waters of Loch Tay. Guests can also enjoy bespoke self-catering accommodations, many equipped with private hot tubs, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty

Haar Sauna, Shetland

Nestled on Shetland’s stunning St. Ninian’s Beach, Haar Sauna offers a rejuvenating escape with its mobile, wood-fired sauna. Founded by Callum and Hannah Mary, this award-winning experience blends Nordic wellness traditions with breathtaking coastal views. Guests can enjoy deep relaxation in the heat before plunging into the refreshing North Sea., Haar Sauna provides an unforgettable, nature-immersed wellness retreat.

Wild Sauna Scotland, Fife

Located on Kingsbarns Beach in Fife, Wild Sauna Scotland provides a unique opportunity to unwind amidst Fife’s natural beauty. After immersing in the soothing heat, guests can invigorate their senses with a refreshing dip in the North Sea. Whether seeking solitude or shared adventure, Wild Scottish Sauna offers a rejuvenating escape that harmoniously blends wellness and nature

Soul Water Sauna, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s first mobile, wood-fired sauna can be found on Portobello Beach. This traditional sauna offers a serene space to reconnect with your body and the coastal elements. Guests can enjoy 60 or 90-minute sessions, alternating between the soothing heat of the sauna and refreshing dips in the North Sea, embracing the rejuvenating practice of hot-cold therapy.

Eastwood Forest Sauna, near Glasgow

Situated at Newton Mearns near Glasgow, this alpine forest is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Upon arrival, head to the ice water barrel to help revitalise the mind and body. The cold won’t last long though—step inside the sauna to sit and watch the world go by in 90-degree heat. For those into yoga, it’s a great place to meditate and release toxins from the body.

West Coast Wellness, Loch Fyne

Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne in Scotland, West Coast Wellness offers guests the chanced to join yoga sessions within a geodesic dome that provides panoramic loch views. The hand-built Lochside Sauna is complemented by invigorating dips in the sea or a river-fed freshwater plunge pool. Day retreats feature a combination of yoga, wild swimming, and nourishing seasonal foods, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation. For a more immersive experience, stay in a cosy hut designed for self-retreats.

For more inspiration about where to enjoy outdoor saunas in Scotland visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/wellness/outdoor-saunas