Bressay spa wins top award from VisitScotland

The Northern Lights Holistic Spa in Bressay has won a prestigious award from VisitScotland.

The guest house recently received a Gold Star award from the organisation’s quality assurance scheme, which was this month extended to include guesthouses and B&Bs and is in recognition of exceptional quality and service.

The spa is among 40 other “accommodation providers” in Scotland to have won the award, all of which display genuine enthusiasm for the hospitality they offer and a real commitment to service and customer care in everything they do – from the welcome and friendliness on arrival, to the quality of breakfast, to the final farewell.

Owners Paul and Vee Parsons opened the spa, which is the only residential purpose built facility of its kind in Shetland, in 2007. It focuses on holistic treatments and offers a wide range of treatments, from massages and body wraps to complementary therapies such as reiki, crystal and colour therapy, not forgetting the Turkish steam room, sauna and flotation tank.

As well as the treatments, the Northern Lights also boasts four luxurious double rooms for guests who wish to take full advantage for the chance to relax and stay overnight.

Mr Parsons is on hand to cook meals for guests and breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available, produced from locally sourced ingredients and produce.

The spa has proved popular with both Shetlanders and visitors to the isle, both for special occasions and or a treat. Mrs Parsons said they were “absolutely delighted” to have received the award.

She said: “It means a lot that we’ve been recognised for the service we do, especially considering [the spa] is so unique to Shetland.

“We’re also delighted that the Shetland folk have supported us and that it’s taken off so well as it was designed with Shetland people in mind.”

Mr Parsons said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and have the certificate framed and on display already! This is a glowing endorsement of all that we’re trying to do, so I’m delighted our efforts are paying off.

“It can be hard to differentiate yourself in the current competitive market, but I’m confident this Gold Star will help give us that ‘edge’ guests are so often searching for.”

VisitScotland’s head of quality and standards Tony Mercer said: “Guesthouses and B&Bs have a key role to play in bringing millions of visitors and billions of pounds to our economy, so it’s important that the effort and commitment of these local businesses are recognised in this way.

“The Gold Star rewards will be reaped not just by the accommodation providers, but also their customers and by extension Scottish tourism as a whole, as we work together to encourage our visitors to stay longer and spend more.”