History-making referee Hollie Davidson partners with five star recovery partner

RECOVERY and resilience are in focus in Edinburgh as one of Scotland’s most pioneering rugby referees begins a new personal collaboration with one of the city’s leading spas.

The new partnership will see Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa collaborate with Hollie Davidson, the trailblazing female Scottish official who continues to break new ground in global rugby. The collaboration will support her recovery both on and off the pitch.

Hollie Davidson,  the trailblazing Scottish official who continues to break new ground in the global game, is working with Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa as part of her wider focus on wellbeing alongside the physical and mental demands of elite officiating.

In February 2026, Hollie made history as the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match, taking charge of Ireland v Italy. The year before, she officiated a men’s All Blacks Test- another landmark moment in her career and in the evolution of professional rugby.

A former scrum-half, Hollie moved into officiating after her playing career and has since established herself as one of the most respected officials in the professional game, recognised for her fitness, authority and calm decision-making under intense global scrutiny.

For Hollie, prioritising recovery and balance away from match days is essential to sustaining performance at the highest level.

“Elite officiating demands the same physical conditioning and mental sharpness as playing at the top level,” she said. “You’re constantly moving, constantly analysing, and expected to make split-second decisions in front of millions. Taking time to reset and look after yourself away from the pitch is an important part of that.”

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, which celebrated 40 years in the capital in 2025, is home to the award-winning One Spa, widely recognised as one of Scotland’s leading urban wellness destinations, offering state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities, thermal experiences and tailored treatments designed to support both relaxation and performance recovery.

The collaboration reflects the hotel’s commitment to wellness and personalised guest experiences, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for business and leisure travellers seeking both luxury and restoration in the heart of Edinburgh.

Fiona Young, Spa Director at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: “Hollie represents dedication, resilience and professionalism at the highest level of sport. The physical demands placed on international referees are immense, and recovery is not optional, it is integral to maintaining peak condition.

She continued: “At One Spa, our 19m heated indoor infinity edge pool, rooftop hydropool and thermal suite are designed to improve circulation, ease muscular tension and support overall wellbeing. Partnering with Hollie allows us to demonstrate how those facilities can play a meaningful role in elite athletic preparation.”

That sustained pressure makes structured recovery essential, from muscular rehabilitation to mental reset, aligning closely with the spa’s holistic approach to wellbeing.

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Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa blends contemporary Scottish style with five-star hospitality, offering luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and modern conference facilities alongside its flagship wellness offering.

To find more information, please follow: https://www.onespa.com/

Published by

davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer