TTKS Tries: Maycroft Retreat, a relaxing hen do in Scotland

Think hen parties have to mean pink sashes, sore feet and hangovers? Think again.

Tie the Knot Scotland’s Emma and Eve headed to Maycroft Retreat in rural Perthshire to try a wholesome, wellness-inspired escape made for modern bridal parties. 

With spa treatments, bell tent tea, feel-good farm vibes and an all-new countryside sauna, this getaway is an ideal way to not only gather your best gals – but ensure you all leave feeling less stressed than when you arrived. As a busy bride-to-be, what more can you ask for?

Where is Maycroft Retreat and who runs it?

Glorious sunshine and the greenest grass we’d seen in months greeted us as we rolled up to Maycroft Retreat in the Perthshire countryside, just outside the tiny hamlet of Path of Condie.

Assistant editor Eve and I had been invited to experience what a pre-wedding getaway might look like at this peaceful wellness venue – and by the end of the day, these two city gals were practically floating.

We were warmly welcomed by co-owner Denise Millar, who runs the retreat alongside her partner, Grant. A qualified spa therapist with over three decades’ experience – and a former NHS palliative care team leader – Denise is the calm, beating heart of the business.

Her energy is gentle and generous, and it shows in every inch of the soulful space she’s created.

Why is Maycroft perfect for a wellness hen do?

As we toured the grounds, pausing to pet the horses and greet the goats, chatting with Denise and hearing her story, it was consistently clear how committed she is to providing every guest with the best possible experience.

She emphasises that Maycroft is designed to encourage visitors to breathe deeply and reconnect – with nature, with one another and with themselves. That’s something she has found to be more and more sought after for hen-dos – or zen-dos, if you will.

“It’s so important to me that each and every experience is just right,” she tells us, “especially as I know just how much effort it takes to get a group of girls together.”

What’s included in the hen party spa package?

A short walk from the retreat’s animal enclosures, past the flower-adorned horse-box dry bar and boho-styled loo trailer, you’ll find the Boutique bell tent – a sweet and spacious hideaway for groups to gather.

Brides and their besties might enjoy an afternoon tea in here, or use the tent as a base for games, crafts or workshops during their stay. (Team TTKS love a crafty day out – see our visits to Craft Pottery and Splatter Art Studios.)

Booking the Bridal Party Spa Retreat package gives you exclusive use of the entire site, so you’re free to structure your days in whichever way you please.

What kind of accommodation is available?

There are two glamping-style accommodation pods: Heather, which sleeps four, and White Clover, which sleeps six.

The latter, with its more generous outdoor space and kitchen, tends to be the central hub for larger groups.

Both have their own wood-fired hot tubs, filled with water drawn from the retreat’s private borehole and treated with oxygen-based sanitiser rather than chlorine – a more natural, skin-friendly alternative. A few drops of aromatherapy oil give an added sensory touch. 

Denise makes a point of greeting all guests on arrival and showing them how to get the tubs going themselves, but she’s always on hand should you need anything. “I’d rather people ask questions,” she told us with a smile. “I want them to get the most out of their stay.”

What’s the price and what’s included?

As well as exclusive use of the entire site, bridal groups will enjoy plush robes and luxe linens, a treats hamper, an afternoon-tea service and a 30-minute organic spa treatment each – all from £2,500 for two nights (for up to ten people).

Additional activities, like pizza-making or external catering, can be arranged on request.

Balloons aren’t the done thing out here, but Denise is happy to dress the bell tent with paper decorations and bunting instead, and has even been known to chauffeur guests to the nearest gastropub.

There’s no alcohol licence at Maycroft, but you’re welcome to bring your own fizz.

What treatments can hens enjoy?

We began our day with a tranquil treatment in the Meadowsweet Spa, a cosy, light-filled sanctuary where we were lucky enough to experience a treatment at Denise’s hands: a soothing foot soak and scrub followed by a Gaia Jade facial.

The natural Gaia products were softly massaged deep into the skin, using jade crystal wands to stimulate lymph drainage and blood flow.

The combination of the heated bed, skilful touch and the distant bleating of lambs beyond the open spa door left our heads in a lovely state of zen and our skin feeling wholly refreshed.

If this zen spa environment sounds like something you might enjoy – why not also try the Highlands treatment at the new Lush spa in Glasgow 

What about food and drink?

Afternoon tea in the bell tent followed, prepared and served by local company Heaven Scent.

We perched on velvet-blanketed hay bales, still in our robes, of course, and tucked into tiered stands of homemade sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes, and scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam.

Tea can be swapped for your own prosecco if you prefer. 

What new wellness experiences are available?

Before heading home, we had the chance to be the very first guests to test Maycroft’s latest wellness addition: a lavish new sauna overlooking the countryside.

We indulged in a two-step Rasul-inspired treatment: first exfoliating and applying mineral mud, before stepping into the sauna to let it dry and do its thing.

There’s easy access to an outdoor shower just outside the sauna, so you can rinse off the mud mask without fear of making a mess.

And if you’re a fan of a classic hot-cold circuit, Denise told us a cold plunge bath is due to be installed shortly in the same space to expand the sauna experience.

What makes Maycroft Retreat so special?

Maycroft’s evolution has been slow and considered, and there’s a sense that Denise isn’t done yet.

Since moving to the site during lockdown, she has worked to build something both meaningful and magical – a reflection of her own love of camping (specifically in her family’s vintage VW campervan) and her deep understanding of holistic healing.

Her background also includes time as a veterinary nurse, which might explain the retreat’s charming menagerie of rescue animals.

Guests are encouraged to connect with the creatures – three horses (Confetti, Tilly and Barry), a Shetland pony (Jinty), two mischievous pygmy goats (Verity and Tulip), more than 20 hens, a cockerel and a sheep called Tempest, raised in the family home as an orphan lamb. 

Apparently, if you’re up for it, the hens are surprisingly cuddly.

Can you explore the surrounding area?

If you feel like stretching your legs, a 30-minute walk will take you to a set of fairy pools (Denise can provide a map), but if you’d rather stay put, there’s plenty of peace to be found without straying far.

“There’s something so special about spending time out here, especially at this time of year,” she said of our spring visit.

“With all the newborn lambs around and the swallows returning, the season’s transitions are clear to see. It all continues on, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. I see that same similarity in brides-to-be.

"You’re getting ready for that next season of your life, you can’t stop it, but you can take the time to reflect and breathe. And that’s what Maycroft Retreat is all about.” 

Looking for more hen do inspiration?

If you're after more inspiration for your pre-wedding celebrations, Tie the Knot Scotland have got you covered – explore our selection of ideas, activities and themes to plan the ultimate send off for the bride-to-be.

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