Wellness - Autumn/Winter 2015

Wellness Making the most of your spa time Autumn/Winter

On the Red Carpet Where the Stars Spa

6 Sublime

Swiss Spas Mind Over Matter The Secret Life of a Spa Spy What your Therapist won’t tell you Skin That Sparkles

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

54

58 On the cover

96 58 30

Red Carpet Treatments

Sublime Swiss Spas

10 98

What your therapist won’t tell you

Spa Exotica

Editor-at-large

Daphne Metland (Sybaritic Spy)

Features

8 12 16 20 24 28 32 54

Spa Trends

Come Home Relaxed Demystifying Thermal Suites The Science of Your Skin

Skin That Sparkles What to Pack in Your Spa Bag

The Product Bible

Mind Over Matter

12

The Secret Life of a Spa Spy

70 73 76 80 86 88 92 94

Editor

Caitlin Dalton (Summer Spy)

Feed Your Skin

Winter Masks

Spa + Food Choosing the perfect body treatment

Spa School How to Spa with a Bump Recipe: Wild Mushroom Risotto

Deputy Editor

Lucy Etherington (Savant Spy)

Contributors

Rose Ingrams (Scarlet Spy) Anna Hubbard (Supreme Spy)

Publisher

Dean Withey (Suave Spy)

Design

Matt Dettmar

Cover image

Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel and Spa

Published by

Good Spa Guide Rouen House Rouen Road Norwich NR1 1RB info@goodspaguide.co.uk +44 (0)1603 692296

The Bubble Ratings 4

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W ELL N ES S

What is Wellness?

W

ellness is everywhere.

of feeling fabulous. Spas that focus on

Wellness: a breakdown

It’s starting to enter our

wellness often employ a team of experts

If you make a list of wellness attributes

everyday vocabulary the

to help you design your own personal

and rate them one to ten, you may

way detox once did. We’ll soon be

wellness package, from nutritionists to

find that some need attention. That’s

seeing wellness drinks and wellness

look at your diet including allergies, to

normal. Wellness is a state of being, like

foods. Who knows, we might even start

life coaches and therapists to explore

Enlightenment – you’ll only achieve it in

wellnessing our wardrobes.

lifestyle options. Or they may just run

this life if you’re a god, but you’ll benefit

Wellness packages are popping up

yoga and meditation classes as well

from trying. These are the main six.

in spas all over the world, while certain

as being more environmentally and

people have even named their spa

nutritionally aware.

therefore it’s not just about exercise

magazine Wellness!

But what exactly is this thing called wellness? Is it a New Age fad?

An umbrella term for alternative medicine, health foods and yoga?

A pet food? A load of hokum? Or the answer to all our emotional and health issues? The answer is probably yes to all of the above (even the pet food).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) wellness is “a state of complete physical, mental, and

Physical: Physical wellness is holistic, and eating less, but eating foods that

Wellness can be physical, spiritual, emotional, social, enviromental or intellectual

are good for us and the planet. Ditto whatever we put on our skin. Products such as ila and Bamford are not just organic and natural, but sustainable.

Many spa menus carry superfoods, raw foods and smoothies, and more and more offer bespoke nutritional advice from in-house experts. More spa pools are ozone-friendly, with yoga classes and outdoor exercise rising in popularity.

Emotional: Recognising the link

social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” Very

What is really different about the

between emotion and physical health

simply, in order to feel the best we can,

wellness trend, as opposed to detox, is

is something our GPs don’t have the

we need to focus on all aspects of our

the concept that spas aren’t just places

time to cope with, but that spas have

lives: emotional, intellectual, spiritual,

where you escape the stresses and strains

embraced. A good wellness spa will

social and environmental, instead of

of everyday life, but where you can begin

have been designed to feel nurturing

just the physical. Wellness from a spa

to make changes that will help you

and safe, especially the post-treatment

perspective is a more integrated way

manage those stresses beyond your visit.

relax rooms with cocoon pods where

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

you can curl up. Aqua Sana spas also

how the mind matters when it comes

educate and inform us in the ways of

have experience rooms for meditation

to health and wellbeing (see page 54).

living a better life, be they nutritionists,

or colour therapy. Many spas such as

Environmental: In studies carried

dermatologists, therapists, or out-and-

Bamford Haybarn and Ribby Hall carry

out by mental health charity MIND,

out gurus. Wellness is about being aware,

yoga and meditation classes, both of

our relationship with our environment

informed and empowered to make our

which have been shown to relieve stress,

also has positive consequences for our

own choices about what we eat, what

anxiety and depression. Eastern massage

sense of wellbeing. Spas with beautiful

treatments to have, which products to

techniques claim to find inner balance as

views, outdoor spaces, or that creatively

use, and how we respond to and affect

well as sooth aching massages: whatever

bring the outdoors in (or vice versa)

our environment. If wellness isn’t a

their claims, a great massage (especially

are inspiring as well as calming or

philosophy, what is?

reflexology) can unblock difficult

uplifting. Some spa menus are plucked

emotions. It’s normal to have a little cry.

direct from their own organic gardens,

aspects of our wellbeing is in our

Social: One of the most important

Spiritual: By spiritual we mean

many have non-chlorinated pools, solar

relationships and happiness. Use a spa to

whatever taps into the part of you

heating and sustainable credentials –

enhance your marriage and friendships,

that is inexplicable, beautiful even,

and all this makes us feel extra good,

or join one of the classes on offer and

and somehow makes you feel able to

especially while sipping champagne

meet like-minded spa-istas.

cope with things better. You must have

in an outdoor hot tub.

noticed meditation classes springing

Intellectual: While spa and academia

If you are still with us and haven’t wandered off to pour yourself a large,

up all over the spa world. Hence, we’ve

seem a tad oxymoronic, a wellness

dry Martini, try our Wellness Quiz to see

written a piece in the magazine about

spa will rally a team of experts to

which parts of your life need a boost.

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W ELL N ES S

The WELLNESS Quiz EMOTIONAL

SPIRITUAL

When I am faced with a difficult problem I…

The meaning of life is…

a) Open a bottle of wine.

a) To have a good time while we’re here.

b) Call a friend and discuss about it for an hour, weeping.

b) I don’t know – ask God.

c) Try to solve the problem and get annoyed with anyone who

c) To achieve my absolute potential.

doesn’t see the solution.

d) Whatever we decide it is. Everything is interpretation.

d) Take a moment. Accept that there is no perfect solution

e) “You will never live if you search for the meaning of life” –

and that I can only do my best. Think of other times when

Albert Camus.

a similar problem arose, what helped and what didn’t.

Decide which of my friends gives good advice or support

ENVIRONMENTAL

and call them. Listen to what they say and balance it with

Global warming is…

my own thoughts.

a) Increasing the alcohol content in most of the world’s wines.

e) Google it.

b) Not as bad as people make out, otherwise the government would be doing something, surely…

PHYSICAL

c) A problem to be solved.

I discover I’ve put on a few pounds after a holiday. Time to…

d) Something we should all take into consideration,

a) Switch to white – fewer calories.

whatever we do.

b) Call a friend and weep about it for an hour, then console

e) Becoming an industry.

myself with chocolate and/or getting my eyebrows threaded. c) Go on the (insert my perfect diet), eat lots of (latest food fad)

INTELLECTUAL and SOCIAL

and tell everyone else how great it is and how no other diet/

You’ve heard of fantasy dinner party guests? What about

food fad is as good.

fantasy spa partners?

d) Start eating mindfully. Pay attention to making food that I

a) A bottle of Moet. Oh OK, Ryan Gosling..

love and really enjoy each mouthful. Notice when I am full and

b) The cast of TOWIE.

when I am hungry or just thirsty. Dehydration often has the

c) Arianna Huffington.

same physical effects as hunger.

d) Andy Puddicombe (a fomer Buddhist monk, he invented

e) Discussions about diets and foods are pointless: one minute

the Mindfulness app Headspace and is now worth £25 million),

something’s good for you, the next it causes cancer or obesity,

Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Klein and my best friend.

or vice versa.

e) Frederic Nietzsche.

Mostly A You’ve discovered the perfect avoidance tactic, but pretty soon it’s going to impact on your wellbeing, if it hasn’t already. Wine can be very compassionate at night, then bitterly cruel in the morning (usually 3am).

A healthy spa break may inspire new ways to wind down and relax, as well as give your physical health a kick-start.

Mostly Bs Relying on other people to help you out has become a habit. You may have lost touch with yourself and faith in your own capabilities. Focus on

emotional and spiritual wellness. You might like to try mindfulness or life coaching classes.

Mostly Cs You rely too much on yourself and think everyone else is not quite with it.

Could you be a bit of a perfectionist?

Perhaps spending time with others and asking their opinions, or even reading novels or going to art exhibitions, will help give you a less rigid and more flexible multipleperspective on life. Social spa-ing, meditation and yoga classes may help you feel more balanced.

Mostly Ds You are so on the wellness wagon, you’re practically Gandhi. Maybe focus on pampering and social spa-ing.

Mostly Es You approach any lifestyle trends with a raised eyebrow, but behind that sceptical front you’re intelligent enough to separate the wheat from the chaff and know what’s good for you and what’s just hype.

Perhaps take a spa break to get in touch with your senses – the effects shouldn’t harm your really very focussed performance on Pointless.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Spa trends The latest launches in the world of spa.

Spa at Ramside

Spa and Leisure at Portavadie

County Durham

Argyll and Bute Newcomer to the Scottish spa scene, the minimalist designed Spa and Leisure at Portavadie has stunning views from Loch Fyne across to the Isle of Arran from every facility.

Just under 2,000 square metres of spa facilities include an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, an outdoor infinity pool on the beach, a hydropool, two Scandinavian saunas, steam room, gym and relaxation area. Product houses include Ishga and Decléor. Try Ishga’s hot poultice massage as a perfect winter pick me up. Extend your spa time with an overnight stay in a range of holiday accommodation, from a studio apartment to an eco-lodge. You can even arrive by yacht: moor up at Portavadie Marina before drifting over to the spa. Spa at Portavadie opened in August. Find out more at: www.portavadie.com/spa-experience.php

One of this year’s most awaited spa openings, Spa at Ramside’s facilities include five pools, herbal sauna, Himalayan salt steam room, aroma steam room, tepidarium, a ‘sunken amphitheatre sauna’ and drench showers. Head to the treatment suite and you’ll find 14 treatment rooms, a sleep retreat, rasul and a beauty snug.

We love the relaxation balcony with its own infinity pool and a hammock big enough for two.

Treatments use product houses ESPA, Salt of the Earth, nail brand Morgan Taylor, and make up by Mii. Ramside Hall is an AA four star property with a championship golf course and a much-loved steakhouse. More at: www.ramsidespa.co.uk

Mill Wheel Spa Staffordshire Mill Wheel Spa, which opened in March, is part of a new breed of spas that offer unusual or interesting facilities beyond a standard sauna and steam. The Beach Hut is one of the quirkier offerings, where you can lay back on warm sand and experience artificial sunlight from sunrise to sunset in a 25 minute cycle. A brightening treat for the winter blues. Also at the spa, you’ll find a brechtelbath-style sauna, a stonebath, rasul, plunge pool, hydro pool, two relaxation areas and the Mill Wheel Shower. The shower plays on the heritage of the building, with alternate hot and cold water tipping from the ‘shovels’ of the wheel. Product houses in the spa include Heaven by Deborah Mitchell and alpine pioneer Kurland.

Find out more at: www.3shoesinn.co.uk/millwheelspa

The Thermal Village at Galgorm Resort and Spa County Antrim While the main Galgorm spa has been open since 2006, the Thermal Village Spa is brand new and launched to great fanfare in September. The latest facilities sit on the edge of the River Main in County Antrim. Get super romantic by booking into the Signature Suite, which has a private outdoor hot tub on the banks of the flowing river. Inside the new facilities you’ll find a pool, spiral showers and water beds. There’s also a snow cabin, caldarium, ‘celtic ritual sauna’, relaxation room and café. Outdoors there’s a riverside steam room and relaxation house, sunset lounge and several hot tubs. Find out more at: www.spa-galgorm.com

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W ELL N ES S

Spa-inspired product launches Simply sublime

Nourish your winter skin

The perfect sleep aid

Comfort Zone’s new Sublime Skin

Dry skin suffers in the colder winter

When winter nights bring you down, try

range includes treatments and home

months, but aromatherapy skincare brand

the Lavender Dreams Body Collection from

care products to support your natural

Decléor has two new products to protect

Kerstin Florian to set you up for a good

radiance and prevent your skin from

and hydrate. The Hydra-Nourishing Duo

night’s sleep. The collection includes best

degenerating with age. The range

Mask is a two-step treatment; a hydrating

sellers Turkish Body Scrub with Eucalyptus,

draws on the properties of dermatology

gel and a rich oil packed full of argan and

Lavender Body Spray and a plush eye

treatments, such as fillers, to boost

cranberry oils. The Luxuriant-Nourishing

pillow. The Turkish Body Scrub will cleanse

skin with hyaluronic acid and brighten

Lip Balm uses marjoram essential oil,

and tone your skin before the Lavender

the complexion with paeonia albiflora

shea butter and macadamia oil to protect

Body Spray calms and moisturises.

extract. One to try before thinking

and restore dry, chapped lips. If you love

about going down the medi-spa

beautifully-scented. natural products,

Overnight beauty

treatment route.

these are the ones to try.

Natural skincare brand Elemental

Banish your oily skin

Simplify your morning routine

Resurfacing Cream to its Vital Glow

Organic brand Voya has launched a new

If you are a firm believer in looking after

range. The cream is rich in plant

oily skincare range designed to help

your skin, but want a simplified skincare

extracts, natural AHAs and essential

clear blemishes and gently rid the skin

routine, Murad may have answer. The

oils, and aims to improve the skin’s

of unwanted shine. The products use

Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, which

texture, appearance and boost its

Himanthalia Elongata seaweed which is

launched in July, is a moisturiser, SPF and

natural radiance. The much loved Vital

high in vitamin A, C and E and essential

primer in one. The product has an SPF of

Glow range targets skin experiencing

amino acids to naturally balance the skin’s

30 and is non comedogenic so great for

environmental damage and the early

moisture levels. We love ‘Porefection’, an

those who have blemish-prone skin. The

signs of aging.

antibacterial gel toner using plum oil and

Spa Spies are queuing up!

Herbology has added the Overnight

Your flawless face base

chamomile to reduce excess sebum and minimise the look of open pores.

Spa-style cosmeceuticals

Part of Temple Spa’s Red Carpet range,

Marine skincare specialist Thalgo has

Velvelutto is a base with a difference.

launched a new skincare brand – MCeutic.

The primer is rich in anti-aging and

The cosmeceutical skincare range supports

anti-inflammatory ingredients, including

The Rénovation Radicale, a facial treatment

pomegranate fruit extract to brighten

which includes a renovating peel and two

the skin, and salicylic acid to reduce

masks, one a “bio-regenerative infusion”

redness and help heal

and the other to regulate and resurface

blemishes. It can be used

the skin. The treatment can be followed

as a makeup base, or a

with the homecare range which has

standalone finish for a

cleansers, serums, a peel

light make up day and is

and a factor 50+ day cream.

perfect when you have

Perfect for protecting your

a post-spa glow. We

skin post-treatment.

can’t wait to try it!

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Confessions of a Spa Spy Savant Spy explains when you have the world’s greatest job, you need a little karma to bring you back to earth. hen I first signed up as a

W

The worst massage I ever had was in

As much as I wanted to walk out,

Spa Spy™, I envisaged a

Bali with my husband – a reluctant spa

I couldn’t bring myself to leave him with

working day lounging in a

companion at the best of times. Dual

this dangerous creature. At the same time,

hot-tub sipping champagne, occasionally

massages are supposed to be bonding

her friend was clearly trying to disable

reaching for my pen to write “temperature

and sensual, as I believe I wrote in various

my feet so I couldn’t go anywhere. I felt

perfect”. OK, it’s not quite that easy –

reviews, so we lay on our respective tables

a bit like James Caan in Misery. Later my

there’s more writing and less lounging

and prepared to enter a world of bliss. Our

husband told me he had been trying not

– but it seems churlish to complain when

masseurs then proceeded to attack us.

to scream in pain or burst into tears in

you visit so many fabulous spas for a living.

They stabbed us with their fingers, jumped

case I thought he was being a wuss.

As jobs go, it does occasionally feel

on our backs and forced our bodies into

like something I made up. There are

inelegant and agonising positions.

I dread to think what we must have done to deserve that! Hopefully a spot

moments when I wonder if I am lying in

of volunteering at the soup kitchen

a coma somewhere and this is all just a

over Christmas will prevent such things

dream. Occasionally, I like to kid myself that I had a past life working for Medicins Sans Frontier and this is my reward.

Clearly I have a karmic frame of mind, which is why when things go wrong, I assume it’s just the universe redressing the balance. If I have too much fun in a steam room somewhere wonderful, the universe will send me a therapist from the underworld the following week, and thus balance will be restored.

Once I had a therapist throw up on me.

It’s easy to end up turning into the kind of nit-picky spa customer that is a spa’s worst nightmare

Another time, my masseur slipped on

happening again.

Mostly, though, the downsides are relatively mild, albeit the sorts of things that would send a Spa Prima Donna into spasms of rage: a slightly tepid steam room, a small hole in the spa robe, or reclining on a pool lounger only to have an aqua-aerobics class disrupt my calm with tinny disco music and the nails-scrapingacross-blackboard voice of the teacher.

However, these are the sorts of things that Spa Spies have to notice, as they can mark the spa down and spoil an

some massage oil and fell on top of me.

They also didn’t seem to understand

I’ve had a fire alarm go off in the middle

the concept of modesty. At one point I

expensive) treat. It’s easy to end up

of a muddy rasul and ended up in the

was lying on my back completely naked

turning into the kind of nit-picky spa

street in my robe looking like an extra in

(as you will see in our feature on body

customer that is a spa’s worst nightmare.

a terribly un-PC 1970s TV show. I’ve had

treatments, therapists never expose body

This is why, when feeling a bit grumbly

buckets of hot and cold water thrown at

parts they’re not working on, especially

about the lack of product in the changing

me for an hour, and nearly killed myself

boobs). At another, my husband had his

rooms for example, I make sure I pinch

running through London in a heatwave

foot behind his ear (this is a man who can

myself. Because if I don’t, the universe

trying to catch a train, my oiled feet

barely bend down to pick up his hanky)

might send one of its ninja masseurs

skidding out of my sandals.

and a woman lying across his groin.

to slap me back into the real world.

otherwise luxurious (and usually quite

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W ELL N ES S

The Spa Spies A Spa Spy™ is a committed, professional journalist or spa expert at The Good Spa Guide who is passionate about all things spa.

From Jacuzzis to the gym, massage to mud wraps, there is nothing we won’t try to find the pinnacle of pampering perfection.

We’re all different shapes, sizes and ages with our own expertise and interests, but work together to find spa nirvana.

Sybaritic Spy

Savant Spy

Luxury, luxury, luxury. As a founding

A journalist, writer and mother of

member of The Good Spa Guide,

two teenagers, Savant Spy recently

Sybaritic Spy has had more

retrained as a psychotherapeutic counsellor and is loving the spa

spa experiences in the last few years than most people

wellness movement.

have in a lifetime.

“My ideal spa integrates

“Spa to me is synonymous

mind, body and senses

with sensuality. I want to hear,

while being thoroughly

smell, feel and experience

decadent. I like smart and

everything. Fragrances to

ethical therapists, beautiful

intoxicate, warm treatment

design, creative nutrition,

beds and unexpected treats

inspiring outdoor space

make me happy!”

(preferably with a pool or two). Oh, and glass of

Summer Spy

bubbly wouldn’t go amiss!”

Summer is most likely to be found

Suave Spy

dipping her toes into spa water facilities and trying out alternative

Our singular male, Suave Spy

treatments. She’s so laid back

ensures we don’t neglect all things

she’s almost horizontal...

manly. Suave is always on hand to

until it comes to bad

try whatever treatment, product or

customer service!

experience is reserved as “Just for

“I love trying new and

Men” (although his hair colour is

interesting treatments,

all his own, you understand.)

experience rooms and spa

“When it comes to the world

classes. Give me a little bit

of spa, I like truly great

of luxury, good food and

treatments and flawless

helpful, friendly staff and

customer service. To

I’ll be your fan for life.”

top it all off, I like to be greeted well and

Supreme Spy

seen off in style.

With a wealth of spa industry experience,

If I miss out on the

Supreme Spy has high expectations

proper theatrics of

for customer service, treatment

a spa experience,

excellence and a customer

I leave disappointed.”

journey that naturally flows from one stage to the next.

Find out more about the Spa Spies at:

“I love a warm welcome

www.goodspaguide.co.uk/spa-spies

and a tour of the spa, knowledgeable therapists that personalise the treatment, and those little touches that make your experience memorable. I don’t want to feel like I am on a spa conveyor belt!”

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Come Home Relaxed Good spas are dedicated to the art of removing all your stress and worries, creating an oasis of calm in your busy life. If only you could bottle that relaxed feeling and take it home with you…

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W ELL N ES S

T

he artist Gustav Klimt once said:

‘bad’. Yet a study in 2014 showed that

blood pressure – which is why your

“True relaxation, which would do

relaxing in front of the TV and playing

therapist may get you to inhale some

me the world of good, does not

video games can have a powerful

essential oils before the treatment.

exist for me.”

He’s not alone. Unless you are stressed

restorative effect.

Take it home: Although it may prove

The same study suggested that

difficult to persuade your masseuse to

out to breaking point, most of us find it

guilt affected a person’s ability to relax

come home with you, you could buy

hard to permit ourselves a bit of time off,

in front of the TV. So, if you believe

a bottle of massage oil and ask your

and even if we did, we wouldn’t know

(as many people do) that television is

partner nicely. Failing that, you can give

what to do with ourselves.

bad for you, forcing yourself to watch

yourself a gentle hand and foot massage.

it in order to relax is going to have the

One tried and tested way of relaxing your

opposite effect.

body is to slowly tense and release each

Studies show that being able to relax regularly is vital for physical health, improving memory and focus, and

If couch-time makes you instantly

controlling the mood swings that are

twitchy, here are some other ideas to

symptomatic of too much stress. It’s also

help you feel calm.

part, working your way from feet to face, or vice versa.

Thermal facilities

rather good for our looks – you’ve heard of ‘worry lines’ and ‘beauty sleep’ – as well

Take inspiration from a spa

Any alteration in body temperature

as weight loss, since most of us overeat to

Spas are churches of relaxation, places

mutes the sensitivity of the nervous

combat stress or exhaustion.

where we can find guidance on how to

system as the body focuses on dealing

Yet stress and workaholism (one

de-stress. Book a package and absorb

with being too hot or cold. The sustained

a major contributor to ill health, the

everything you can from your treatments,

heat of a sauna or hot tub relaxes

other a pathology) are celebrated in

therapists, and the spa environment.

muscle tension as the blood carries

our culture, while relaxation is seen as

Then come home and carry on practicing

the heat deeper into the tissue. Heat

something of a selfish indulgence, or at

all you’ve learned about R&R in your

and ice slows your heart rate and blood

worst a slippery slope to Benefit Street

daily life.

circulation. Also never underestimate

and the end of civilisation as we know it.

the power of the massage jets, especially

For the sake of our health and wellbeing, however, we really need to learn to chill the heck out.

What is relaxation?

The dictionary definition of relaxation is “the state of being free from tension”.

It sounds so easy, and yet when are we truly tension-free?

This depends on the individual.

from the swan pipes onto the shoulders,

For the sake of our wellbeing we really need to learn to chill the heck out.

You may feel utterly serene when you’re

those harbingers of stress.

Take it home: A hot bath with essential oils helps relax tense muscles.

Read a book if you need to distract your overactive mind. If you’re lucky enough to have a shower with a massage jet, you’re way ahead of us.

Environment and design It’s not just about scented candles,

lying in a warm bath, or walking along

Treatments

muzak and mood lighting. Spas are

a beach. Or you may be unable to do

You can book relaxing facials, body

getting creative with colours, textures,

either without thoughts of work and

massages, Indian head massages,

sounds and the use of their gardens or

what you should be doing whirring

reflexology, hot stone massages,

grounds. Many spas nowadays focus

in your head. It’s not just about being

aromatherapy – pretty much anything

on being green, from ozone friendly

physically tension-free, but emotionally

as long as it’s not too stimulating

pools to natural or organic products,

and psychologically relaxed too.

or painful.

showing that we can feel virtuous

If you are the sort of person who

In massage, a caring, safe touch

while being utterly indulgent. Good

feels guilty or anxious if you’re not doing

is an invitation to relax, provoking an

news for the guilt-ridden. Think about

something useful or productive, give

involuntary ‘relaxation response’.

how much environmental damage

yourself permission to relax. Tell yourself

Your heart and breathing slow down,

work and productivity has done since

that without regular spaces of calm, you

your blood pressure decreases along

the industrial revolution. Relaxation is

are in danger of burning out. If you want

with stress hormone production, and

good for you and the planet!

to perform at your peak,

your muscles relax. And while the jury is

Take it home: Spas are often great

you need time to recharge.

still out on the physical and neurological

sources of design inspiration. Really look

There’s a hierarchy of relaxation

effects of aromatherapy, if you like a

at the relaxation rooms and spa gardens

techniques that reek of snobbery. Yoga

smell, you breathe in more deeply,

and steal their ideas. Taking in your

and meditation are ‘good’ relaxing, TV

instantly lowering your heart rate and

environment is a great way to ground

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yourself if you are anxious. Be aware of

while some spas offer meditation or NLP

Sleep

smells, touch the soft furnishings and

classes to exercise your grey matter and

Many spas have treatments designed

notice the effects in your body. Why

still those anxious thoughts.

to induce sleep and relaxation. They

not create specific relaxation areas in

Take it home: We all join classes

will probably include chamomile

your home and garden? Big, soft, comfy

and gyms with the best intentions, but

and lavender essential oils, which

chairs facing a window or a painting

the key to long-lasting wellbeing is to

aromatherapists claim are good for sleep,

instead of the telly, or a hammock in

make exercise a regular habit. Even a

as opposed to the more ‘invigorating’ oils

the garden. Organic scented candles or

simple 20-minute walk can clear the

such as mint and citrus. At the very least,

essential oils may also help trigger an

mind and reduce stress.

they will encourage deep inhalation.

instant relaxation response.

A massage with long, deep strokes is

Nutrition

said to slow down your ‘biorhythms’.

Exercise

Food and mood are inextricably linked,

While some say biorhythms are a

It seems counterintuitive, since exercise

and more and more spas are embracing

pseudoscientific term, we have often

triggers adrenalin, yet it also releases

nutritional wellbeing. Trying creative and

had a snooze during a massage!

tension and makes us feel positive and

colourful spa salads will give you ideas

Take it home: A little spa-like ritual

energised. Aerobic exercise reduces levels

on how to spice up your own cooking.

before bed can work. Begin with a warm

of the body’s stress hormones, such as

Avoid a heavy lunch: you want to relax,

bath with your favourite essential oils

adrenalin and cortisol, while stimulating

not fall asleep and miss the spa day.

to calm and relax your muscles. Turn

the production of endorphins,

Ingenious smoothies, healthy snacks and

off your phone: studies show that blue

responsible for feelings of relaxation and

light, high-fibre, high-protein meals will

light emitting from screens prevent

optimism. With its focus on breathing

give you a slow-release of energy. Feeling

the release of melatonin, the hormone

and balance, yoga is great for achieving

satiated and knowing you have enough

associated with a good night’s sleep.

calm and focus, as are Pilates and Tai Chi,

energy to burn reduces stress levels.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and fatty food,

Take it home: Smoothies are

as all interrupt your sleep cycle. Some

better than processed fruit juices as

sleep experts recommend listening to

they maintain the fibre content, which

an audiobook, relaxation CD or music to

slows down digestion of sugar. Ditto

interrupt those crazy, whirring thoughts

home made soups. Greek yoghurt is a

and let you drift off to the land of nod.

great source of probiotics (good for the immune system, which can be hugely

Get creative and experiment

impacted by stress) and is high in

Everyone is different. What relaxes

potassium, which is linked to elevating

the socks off one person won’t

your mood. Throw in a few berries for

necessarily work for another, so you

an antioxidant and vitamin C boost.

have to find the relaxation techniques

Oatmeal is a complex carb that causes

that work best for you. Be open to trying

your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-

everything, even ideas that make no

good chemical, as do wholegrains such

sense, because you never know until you

as brown rice. There is evidence that dark

try at least once – which is why a good

chocolate lowers blood pressure and

spa is such a great source of inspiration.

reduces levels of cortisol.

Take it home: Psychologists suggest that visualising a calm and beautiful place can help you relax. So next time you feel really stressed, stuck on a rush hour train or about to go into a job interview, simply close your eyes and imagine you’re in your favourite spa.

And… relax…

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Competition

Come home relaxed from a spa break at Rockliffe Hall Win a Neom Sleep Treatment and overnight stay at the Five Bubble Luxury rated Rockliffe Hall

F

ive Bubble Luxury spa hotel Rockliffe Hall is celebrating the launch of its new spa garden and offering a selection of fabulous Neom wellbeing spa treatments.

The four Neom treatments are Energise, Happiness, Sleep

and De-Stress, each one designed to provide therapeutic wellbeing benefits. Both 60 and 90 minute treatments are available, and include meditation, shiatsu, Thai massage, trigger-point and reflexology techniques, all with sumptuously scented Neom products.

To celebrate the launch of the new Neom Sleep treatment, Rockliffe Hall is delighted to offer one lucky reader and a guest the chance to win a luxury spa break which will include: •• Overnight stay in a New Hall Junior Suite Bedroom •• Three-course dinner in the Brasserie •• Two hour experience in the NEW Spa Garden Room •• A 60 minute Neom Sleep treatment each •• Full use of the spa facilities, wellness classes and gym •• Breakfast in the Orangery each morning.

Terms and conditions apply. Please note this prize must be redeemed within 12 months of the winner being drawn, for stays arriving on any Monday and Friday, subject to availability.

Enter now at: www.goodspaguide.co.uk/rockliffe Find out more about Rockliffe Hall on www.rockliffehall.com or call 01325 729963 or download the spa brochure for more about Neom wellbeing spa treatments.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Demystifying Thermal suites What are the benefits of sauna and steam rooms? How long should you spend in the heat?

And what on earth is a tepidarium? The Spa Spies explain all… thermal suite is a series of rooms

A

The concept of moving between

designed to take your body on

different levels of heat and cold dates

records show “sweat bathing” was popular

a wet and dry, warm and cold

back to the ancient Greeks and Romans,

across Europe in the 1500s. There are also

temperature journey. It might consist

and lots of thermal experience rooms

versions of steam rooms, normally known

of saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains,

take their name from these baths. The

as sweat lodges, used by indigenous

tropical and cold showers, and some

laconia was a very hot Greek steam bath,

people in Central and North America.

heated ceramic loungers where you can

the frigidarium was a cool, unheated

relax at the end of your travels.

room in Roman baths.

Fast forward a few centuries, and

The idea is that you use the several heat experiences to soothe, relax and

Murat Reis Ayvalık D-Spa Sauna

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Aqua Sana Woburn Forest Lava Volcano Sauna

detoxify your body, sometimes in

a pleasant experience, and you don’t have

In the UK it’s normal to visit a steam

advance of any spa treatments you have

to be ill to use them! The heat works deep

or sauna in your swimwear. If you’re a

booked, or just as a restorative therapy on

into the muscles to relax and relieve them.

little body shy it may be worth finding

its own to chill you (literally) out. They can

Heat treatments can:

out beforehand what you’re expected to wear. Some spas offer single-sex facilities

also revitalise you.

Heat treatments use wet or dry heat to improve circulation of blood and lymph to the skin, relaxing muscles and soothing

•• cleanse your skin by opening up the pores and drawing out dirt •• stimulate your circulation, boosting

your spirit. At a spa, heat treatments

your immune system and encouraging

usually feature saunas, steam rooms or hot

your body to heal itself of infections

stones – also known as “thermotherapy”.

and scarring

The effect of heat is to cleanse, relax and relieve your body of aches and pains.

Heat treatments offer health and

•• remove calcium deposits from the

will provide towels for you to wear.

There are some things worth knowing should avoid heat treatments if you: •• are, or think you might be, pregnant

down scar tissue

In saunas and steam rooms, perhaps the

easily, helping to relieve headaches

best way to think about it is to compare

and sinus problems

•• have a history of heart or respiratory problems •• have problems with your circulation

•• ease back, rheumatic and muscular

your body’s natural tools for healing itself.

pain, as the heat warms and soothes

In many ways, heat treatments recreate

the muscles and encourages better

your body’s own natural state of fever, and

mobility in your joints

course is that steam rooms and saunas are

wear a swimming costume. Some spas

blood vessels and may also break •• open your airways so you breathe more

offer the same benefits. The difference of

be naked; in others you’ll be expected to

before you visit a thermal suite. You

relaxation benefits for your whole body.

it with having a fever. A fever is one of

and you’re encouraged or welcome to

•• relax you, so stress and tension

•• have diabetes or an infection •• have any other medical condition, or are receiving treatment of any kind •• have had any alcohol •• have a fever.

melt away.

Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa Sauna

K Spa at K West Hotel and Spa Sauna and Sanarium

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Young children and older people are advised to avoid very hot treatments such as saunas. But whatever age you are, you can probably find a heat treatment that you will enjoy.

Drink plenty of water; you’ll sweat a lot, and at the same time as you’re cleansing your skin you’ll also be losing fluid. Keep topping up with fluids to avoid being dehydrated; this will make sure you really flush your system.

Watch the time! Fifteen minutes is the maximum time advised for some steam rooms and saunas. In others (a laconium, for example) you can stay for as long as an hour. If you don’t drink water or listen to your body when it says it wants a bit of cool air, you could end up feeling dizzy or sick. Only stay as long as you are comfortable.

To cool off after, or between heat treatments in the thermal suite, you can try an ice fountain – a room where you rub handfuls of ice flakes over your body – or a cold shower. Cooling brings your body temperature back to normal.

Perhaps finish off with some mist or tropical rain showers, then relax.

Different types of steam room A steam room is exactly what it sounds like: a room full of steam. But they can vary a great deal, from the suite of grotto-like chambers to steaming pools of a full-size Turkish hammam. In some smaller steam rooms, you will sit down

Royal Mansour Hammam

in a tiled chamber/room and relax while the hot wet steam oozes over you.

You’d be wise only to stay for about

There is an almost endless number of

15 minutes as the heat is quite intense.

different kinds of steam room. The most

temperature by pouring water over the

In others, the term refers to suites

common at UK spas are:

hot rocks using a big ladle. Traditionally,

of steam rooms and hydrotherapy

You can usually regulate the

you would complete your sauna

pools where you can stay all day in

•• hammams

experience by running out and rolling in

warehouse-sized baths. Each room

•• rasuls or rhassouls

snow. But there’s really no need for that

offers different temperatures and

•• serails

when there are perfectly good showers

types of water and steam, promising

•• steam baths

and cool pools available in a spa.

different benefits.

•• Balinese multi-steam baths

As with steam rooms, the basic sauna

•• Japanese salt-steam baths.

concept is the same but there are many

Aroma grottos or Tropicariums are mildly-heated tiled steam rooms in

variations on the theme, largely depending

which a scented oil such as eucalyptus

Different types of sauna

or lavender is added to the steam to

A sauna uses dry heat to boost your

help you breathe more easily.

circulation, relax your muscles and

on where in the world the sauna is.

Different types of sauna include:

In many steam rooms there is a cold

soothe your mind. Saunas are generally

•• Tyrolean sauna

tap or hose so you can cool things down

associated with mountainous regions.

•• Finnish/Swedish sauna

by running the water. You can usually

They offer a more extreme, dry heat than

•• Rock sauna

sit or lie down in a steam room in tiled

steam rooms, with very hot rocks placed

•• Bio sauna

seats or alcoves.

in the sauna.

•• Laconium.

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Most popular thermal experience rooms AROMA ROOM An aroma room or aroma grotto is a warm tiled,

LACONIUM A laconium gives a gentler heat than most saunas

or rock-lined room filled with aromatic steam from essential oils.

and is designed to gradually raise your body temperature. It can be more soothing than other saunas, and leaves you feeling

BALINESE MULTI-STEAM BATH This is a gentle, sensual and

pleasantly sleepy. But it still makes you sweat! It’s a good one

very relaxing experience. Steam is infused with subtle aromas

to start with as it’s very mild and gets you “into the swing” of

of jasmine oil, which is believed to soothe the spirit.

sauna-ing.

BIO SAUNA A bio sauna is a cross between a regular sauna,

RASUL/SERAIL

a tepidarium and a multi-sensory room. Wet and dry heat

A traditional

distribute herbal aromas to the sauna, and the whole

Arabian body

experience is made even more relaxing by gently-changing

treatment involving

coloured fibreoptic-lights.

steam and mud.

Slathered in

CALDARIUM A caldarium would have been one of the hottest

mineral-rich muds

in a Roman baths. Heated by the Romans’ cunning and original

of various colours,

under-floor heating system, the caldarium was a steam room

you sit in a tiled

that featured a hot plunge pool.

steam room for

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

around 15 minutes. Afterwards you are either douched by a FINNISH/SWEDISH SAUNA This type of sauna has an

therapist or else shower yourself down in cool water. This is

automatic water spray onto the heated coals. Scandinavians

an unusual, deeply sensual treatment, often followed by an

advise that you follow this hot sauna with a quick plunge

aromatherapy massage with essential oils.

into a pool of cold water, or a roll in the snow if possible. This stimulates your circulation, energises your spirit and brings

ROCK SAUNA A type of Finnish sauna whose walls are rock

your body temperature down all in one go... as you can

rather than wood.

imagine it would.

SALT-STEAM ROOM Salty air is pumped into the room by a dry saline diffuser, which keeps the room at a constant temperature and humidity. The Greeks and Romans bathed in warm salt-water for relaxation, rejuvenation and also to heal a variety of skin conditions. Some people who suffer from respiratory and skin diseases say that halotherapy (salt therapy) gives great results and offers a drug-free chance to feel better.

SNOW/ICE ROOM Snow and ice rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a tiled room with an ice fountain in the middle, to a frozen grotto with icy walls and snow on the floor.

You may want to keep your slippers or flip flops on in here!

Murat Reis Ayvalık D-Spa Hammam

SWEAT LODGE Similar to a steam room, a sweat lodge forms

HAMMAM A hammam can be either one tiled steam room, or

part of an ancient Native American ceremony of purification.

a suite of steam rooms and pools for communal use. In UK spa-

The intense heat cleanses your skin and also brings a clear head.

terms, “hammam” usually describes a single room, with central water taps, and recessed bench-seats, decorated in blue, silver

TEPIDARIUM A tepidarium is a warm seating area where

and gold-tinged tiles in the style of the Turkish Ottoman bath.

you can snooze or relax between treatments. A tepidarium is exactly as it sounds – a dry, tepid room close to the body’s own

ICE FOUNTAIN Either in the centre of the thermal suite, or in its

temperature. You can stay in here for up to 30 minutes, cooling

own room, an ice fountain is a basin full of very small ice chips

down and de-stressing. Many have heated beds to lie on – it’s a

to rub into your skin.

real treat in winter to lay back and just feel the heat radiate.

JAPANESE SALT-STEAM BATH The steam in this treatment

TYROLEAN SAUNA This sauna was established in the Tyrol

comes from gently-heated mineral water which has been

region of Austria. The sauna will be a wood-lined cabin, which

infused with herbs and plants. The gentle heating of this salty

sometimes emits a fir scent for that full alpine experience.

water produces a really bracing, salty, aromatic mist.

Typically the experience is followed with an ice shower. Brr!

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

The SCIENCE

of your

SKIN

“ This exfoliator is all you need for youthful looking skin!”

“This serum is inspired by ground-breaking research!”

“Dermatologists love this cream!”

W

e’ve all seen the claims made in adverts. But with so many companies offering you their version of the Fountain of Youth, how do you find out what truly works? We asked the experts to explain the basics of skin

science, what’s really possible with products and treatments, and how you can get the best out of your skincare routine.

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Skin basics

normal, it is an effective barrier. Some

Dr Nick Lowe is a consultant

over-the-counter creams may allow

as a person ages, and retinol helps to

dermatologist at the Cranley Clinic

a small amount of ingredients to sink

ensure that new collagen continues to

in London. He explains that the skin is

deeper into the skin, but they will have

form,” says Murad. “It has been shown to

formed of three layers: the epidermis,

very little effect. Some ingredients, like

reduce wrinkles and improve the texture

the dermis and the hypodermis. Each

collagen, are just too large in structure

of the skin.”

layer serves a specific purpose.

to penetrate beyond the epidermis.”

“Collagen production may slow down

What about if you’re at a spa? Can

“The epidermis is the outside layer

Ultimately, Lowe explains, when you

that we can see,” he says. “It creates

apply a hydrating cream and your skin

a skin barrier, stopping unwanted

becomes more even and plump, the only

Lowe says: “A good beauty therapist

elements from getting in and out

layer it’s likely to effect is the epidermis.

can really help with advice on elements

of your body. The epidermis can be

treatments do what over-the-counter creams can’t?

of skincare. Non-medical spa treatments

damaged by sun exposure and skin

Products and treatments

can be of some benefit to the skin, while

conditions like eczema.”

Two key ingredients used across the

spa-style treatments can be good for

Lowe warns that some things you do

skincare industry are glycolic acid and

hydration. It’s also a good opportunity

at home can also harm this layer, such

retinol. Both can sound intimidating, so

to sit back and relax.”

as using too much soap, hot water, and

we turned to Californian dermatologist

However, Lowe warns that some

indoor heating in the winter.

Dr Howard Murad for some clarification.

products and technologies misused in

The dermis, the next layer down, can

Glycolic acid may sound more like

a spa can irritate the skin including over-

also be affected by sun damage, as the

something you should put in a battery.

enthusiastic chemical peels and intense

sun causes collagen to break down at a

In fact, Murad explains, it is derived from

pulsed light (IPL) on the wrong settings.

faster rate than normal.

sugar cane and is a great exfoliator.

He has had clients come to his clinic

The final layer, the hypodermis, is

“Dullness is usually a result of a build-

after their skin has been significantly damaged by the misuse of lasers.

where you’ll find blood vessels, nerve

up of dead skin cells on your face,” he

cells and fat cells which make the skin

says. “Exfoliation lifts the dulling film of

appear plump.

dead skin to give you a fresh and more

Making the most of your routine

youthful looking complexion.”

So what can you do at home to make the

You may hear claims about pushing products deeper into your skin,

Retinol encourages skin cell turnover,

most of your skincare routine? Facialist

penetrating the lower layers to achieve

sending signals to the body to make

Linda Meredith says: “Women have

a greater effect. Replacing the collagen

collagen and new cells. It can become

followed the template of cleanse, tone

you lose as you age, for example. So is

unstable in reaction to oxygen and light,

and moisturise for years and think they

this possible?

which is why some people give retinol

still should follow the same routine, but

“That depends on the ingredients

a wide berth, especially in daytime.

this isn’t necessarily so.

and on the skin barrier,” Lowe explains.

But since we lose one per cent of our

“If the stratum corneum [a key layer

collagen every year, it remains a popular

of any skincare regime. The thorough

within in the epidermis] is intact and

anti-aging skincare ingredient.

removal of make-up and dead skin cells

“Cleansing is the most important part

Stratum Corneum Stratum Lucidum Stratum Granulosum

EPIDERMIS

Stratum Sponisum

Stratum Basale

DERMIS

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The five minute skin care routine Linda Meredith says her aim has always been to educate women to think differently about their skincare routine.

“What I hear is ‘I don’t have the time,’” she says. But Linda’s own skincare routine takes just five minutes.

Step 1: Remove make-up thoroughly with cream cleanser.

Step 2: Follow with gel cleanser. “This double-cleanse at night is important to remove topical products like make-up and any lingering SPF.” Step 3: Apply an eye gel.

Step 4: Use a moisturising cream and add two drops of serum before applying it to the skin.

allows other products to work at their optimum level. Cleansers today come in many forms: cream, gel, liquid, wipes and heavy waxy balms. I’m less impressed with the last two. Wipes do not do the job properly and waxy balms tend to leave a residue on the surface of the skin, preventing any other products from being properly absorbed.”

Toners have become less popular over the past few years. Meredith says: “Toners were initially developed to dissolve excess cleansers using a high alcohol content.

If the cleansers are water soluble, there is no need to use a toner.”

So what about serums and oils?

What’s the difference and when should you use them?

“The word serum can be very confusing,” Meredith says, “as it has a different meaning for each skincare company. Some use it to describe thin liquids or gels, others use it to describe an oil. If the serum is a thin gel, then it is normally applied to the skin before the moisturiser. If the serum is an oil, it can either be applied first, or you can add a few drops to your cream”.

Expert advice To sum up, then, what should we ultimately be doing to look after our skin?

Dr Lowe says all the product in the world may have little effect if you’re not taking care of yourself generally.

He says: “If you are looking to make a change to your skin condition, it’s about stopping smoking and using sun protection, including wearing a hat to keep the sun off your face in the heat of the day.”

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

As party season kicks in, we look at skincare products that glisten with precious jewels, silver and gold. Is it mere indulgence, or are diamonds really your new best friend? ou’ve probably seen or heard of

Y

Gold

(a solution which contains tiny particles

blue diamond and Egyptian gold

Cleopatra is said to have worn a

of the element in question).

facials, and perhaps assumed it

mask of gold every night to preserve

was just pampering taken to a new and

her beauty. Skincare companies today

of this is rarer than gold itself. But that

decadent extreme.

The scientific evidence to back up any

claim that gold has powerful anti-aging

doesn’t stop folk in Beverly Hills parting

However, passing fad it is not.

properties. Twenty four carat gold in

with just under two thousand dollars for

Precious elements have been used

modern face creams is said to increase

a Black Pearl Gold Cleopatra Mask, or

in luxury skincare throughout history,

collagen production, boost elasticity and

London’s super-rich paying £265 a pop

and not for entirely spurious reasons.

reduce the appearance of fine lines and

for a gold flake mask at Oro Gold beauty

The Chinese Chou dynasty used gold

age spots. Some product houses say gold

clinic on the King’s Road.

on their skin, a habit taken up by geishas

flakes merely look pretty, but do nothing

True, the properties of gold are not

for 300 years, while the last Empress of

unless broken down small enough to

to be entirely scoffed at – in medicine

China used pearl powder and was

actually penetrate the skin. So if you are

it is given to people with arthritis, and

famed for her youthful appearance.

going for gold, make sure it’s colloidal

currently being researched as a possible

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W ELL N ES S

treatment for cancer. However, this does

for a look of soft splendour.” Generally,

been used as a delivery

not mean it is automatically good for

it’s used in such tiny (nano) amounts in

system for certain cancer

our skin. Some dermatologists consider

beauty products, it’s unlikely to have any

drugs as a way of

gold a serious skin irritant, so those with

visible effects.

shielding the drug

sensitive skins might want to give the 24

Copper peptides, while less luxurious

from the body’s

carat face masks a wide berth. Stick with

sounding, have more positive research

defence system.

the reputable creams that contain other

results to support their collagen-

However, it seems a

ingredients – such as Temple Spa’s Skin

promoting and antioxidant properties

rather big leap from

Truffle (50ml: £85) which contains black

– thus Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing

that to the idea

truffles, grapeseed, champagne, gold and

Cream (50ml: £42) may not actually be

that anti-aging

silk elements, and diamond powder.

overstating its point.

ingredients will

Silver

Diamonds

if sprinkled with

Silver was used by the ancients

Back on earth, albeit in higher echelons,

crushed engagement

to heal wounds and treat ulcers. Today,

some lauded skincare lines are using

rings. Yet it is one that

its antimicrobial and antibacterial

diamonds to achieve visible results;

Yannis Alexandrides, plastic

elements make it a prime candidate

most notably The Natura Bissé Diamond

surgeon and founder of 111Skin,

to treat skin ailments, from acne to

Collection, available in Harrods and

is happy to take.

fine lines and wrinkles. Again more

Liberty, with treatments at Agua Spas in

“We use black diamond microspheres

evidence is needed, but you could try

London, Stanley House and Sequoia Spa

to transport active ingredients including

Kerstin Florian Mineral Wellness Soak

at The Grove.

vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and

penetrate deeper

So, what do diamonds do for us?

arbutin to the deepest layers of the skin,

and salts, as well as hand harvested

Some experts agree that diamonds

where they target cells for regeneration,”

crystals and colloidal silver.

may have light reflective properties that

he says.

(453g: £27.50), which contains minerals

make skin look younger, while diamond-

Melissa Vitalis, the Beverly Wilshire

Platinum

infused products might also work as

spa director has a more realistic view

Colloidal platinum is said to be an

exfoliants. The idea that diamonds have

of the kind of client their Natura Bissé

antioxidant, and researchers in Japan

anti-aging properties or can actually

diamond infused facials attract. “They’ve

found that platinum nanoparticles

penetrate the skin barriers, however,

had a busy year and want a little well-

prolonged the life of worms (make of

does not go down so well in most

deserved pampering and so book the

that what you will). It is also used in

dermatological circles.

best facial that we have on our menu.”

Ultimately it seems, until the

cancer treatments as it has the ability,

Dr Adam Friedman, consultant

in certain chemical forms, to inhibit

dermatologist at the Harley Street

evidence is in, that precious elements

the division of living cells. According to

Dermatology Clinic says, “It sounds

are the rather glamorous icing on the

the blurb on La Prairie’s Platinum Rare

like a good way of spending money

more active, nuts-and-bolts ingredients

(50ml: £724), platinum “helps maintain

for nothing. The reality is that gold and

of products and treatments: something

the skin’s electrical balance”, which

diamonds are completely unreactive.”

to add a little expensive sparkle to the

Many cosmetic chemists point out

festive party season, and hopefully to

apparently “protects the skin’s DNA, and replenishes moisture continuously

that diamonds, gold and platinum have

our skin too.

25

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OFFERS We love getting the most out of our spa pound, but we're not willing to compromise on quality. Our offers include spa days and spa breaks at the best spas in Britain, and they're worth every penny.

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FIND US ONLINE If you want to find out more about what the Good Spa Spies get up to, you can also read our blog, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. If you’ve got a question, or you’d like to chat to us about all things spa, get in touch!

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15/10/2015 11:33

G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

What to Pack in Your Spa Bag While there are some basics you’re likely to want to take with you to any spa, there are a few things you can check in advance to help you plan your packing list.

F

irstly, your spa may send you through what they provide (and therefore what you don’t need to

pack) with your booking confirmation.

Some thoroughly organised spas, such as Ragdale Hall, will send you a joining pack so you will be super informed.

It is also worth checking out the

Cath Kidston’s Painted Rose mid-size grab tote £50 www.cathkidston.com

spa’s Bubble Rating. One of the things we at the Good Spa Guide check out is what amenities are offered at the spa and in the changing rooms. Here’s our rule of thumb.

If you’re going to a Five Bubble Luxury spa, the only thing you’ll need is a swimsuit, make-up and (maybe) deodorant. These spas should have fabulous products in the changing rooms, including cleansers and moisturisers, deodorants, hair products.

Some even have tongs and straighteners.

Five Bubble spas too should meet most of your needs with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a moisturiser. They usually have a decent shop should you forget anything.

If it’s Four or Three Bubble, you might want to check whether flipflops, slippers and robes are provided and whether they are paid for. You may also want to throw in your own cleanser, moisturiser (lightweight and

If you’re pregnant, voluptuous or petite,

the thermal experience areas without

travel size) and a hairbrush. After your

you might want to take your own robe

sacrificing your dry and snuggly robe. If

heat experiences, your skin may feel a

as spa robe sizes are pretty uniform.

you’re staying overnight, or want to try

little sensitive and dry. Five Bubble spas

One of our Spa Spy top tips is also to

the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant,

should have body creams, but Four

take a sarong in your spa bag – it’ll keep

bring some casual eveningwear to

Bubbles might not.

you covered up around the pool and in

change into after your spa day.

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W ELL N ES S

Rock and Ruddle small hairbrush £20 www.rockandruddle.co.uk

Victory Freedom Twist Suit (£77) www.moontide.com

Other things to think about are how

the spa bag itself. Our Spa Spies have

you want to relax after your treatment.

all made the mistake of taking ordinary

Essentials

Do you want to snuggle up with a good

gym bags, or large leather handbags,

• Swimming costume/bikini –

book, listen to some restful music, note

only to place them unwittingly in a pool

down some ideas for your latest novel/

of water in the changing rooms. Bear in

entrepreneurial scheme? Some spas, such

mind that this time of year, everyone will

• Hairbrush

as Agua at the Sanderson, provide TV

be having extra-steamy showers so you

• Make up bag – with travel size

and radio systems, and nearly all spas will

may encounter the odd changing room

cleanser, moisturiser and body oil

have up-to-date magazines – including

puddle. You may also grab your beloved

if you’re at a Four Bubble spa

this one! But before taking your electronic

Mulberry tote from your locker, forgetting

• Deodorant

gadgetry, ask yourself: do you really want

that your hands are smothered in aroma

• Clean undies

to take your tablet in with you and risk

oils. We recommend taking a bag with a

• Purse

getting it wet? Will picking up emails

waterproof bottom – which can, believe it

really help you achieve a state of calm?

or not, be more glamorous than it sounds!

Some spas have great fitness facilities.

The Spa Spies’ Christmas wish lists

maybe both as it’s a good idea to have a dry back-up

Extras • Goggles if you are serious

If you plan to take an exercise or yoga

include Marni’s gorgeous Printed PVC

class, or work out in the gym, take your

tote (£220), perhaps for a visit to Five

gym/yoga kit. If you’re a swimmer and

Bubble Luxury spas such as Pennyhill

there’s a good sized pool at the spa,

or Rockliffe. Cath Kidston is a Spa Spy

take your sporty swimming costume for

favourite: we love the painted rose tote

serious laps, and maybe add a bikini for

£50, which would work just as well in

the heat experiences. It’s a good idea to

down-to-earth luxurious Dormy House

• Book

have two swimsuits anyway, one as a dry

as your local pool. For rocking it at

• Eveningwear for overnight stays

back-up so you don’t have to eat your spa

C-Side or K-West, go for the WAG-tastic

or if you’re planning to visit the

lunch with a damp bottom.

Givenchy Antigona Shopping Bag in

restaurant before leaving

Lots of good country retreat spas

about swimming • Trainers and gym kit, or yoga trousers and top • Outdoor shoes and clothes if you’re staying in a spa with grounds.

printed coated canvas £720. Yoga-istas

have grounds or surrounding parkland to

will love lululemon’s Gym to Win in Ziggy

To check

explore, so pack outdoor trainers or even

Snake Butter (£138 from lululemon.co.uk)

• Flip flops

hiking boots. As the winter draws in, you

which has a locker loop on the bottom to

• Maybe take your own robe if

may need a bigger bag to accommodate

protect from locker room floors.

petite, fuller figured or pregnant.

fleeces, gloves, scarves and hats. Just don’t be surprised if you have to leave this at reception. Some lockers are too small to fit your spa bag, winter coat, boots and a second bag of clothing. Sigh!

Which brings us to that most underrated, yet oh-so important item: Kerstin Florian Multi-Vitamin Day Crème £48 www.kerstinflorian.co.uk 29

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Spa Exotica Baby it’s cold outside, and you haven’t booked your winter break? Never mind… head to your nearest spa for a treatment to transport you to exotic climes.

W

hen abroad, are you the kind of person who loves

treatment, you will have a consultation to determine your

to immerse yourself in local rituals? Do you love

‘dosha’ or body type, and this will inform your massage type.

finding something new to shout about? The good

Shiodhara (pictured below) traditionally involves pouring oil,

news is you don’t have to go far to experience the exotic. Plenty

milk and/or different waters onto the ‘third eye’ (forehead), while

of spas in the UK have absorbed treatments, philosophies,

Tri Dosha uses delicious smelling herbal poultices pressed into

food and décor from around the world, leaving you feeling well

ones marma points. In Padaghata, the therapist uses her feet.

travelled, but without the jet-lag. Here is some of our favourite

The Ayush Wellness Spa also has a café that prepares meals

spa escapism:

according to your dosha, while the Antara Spa has a resident ayurvedic doctor.

Ayurvedic Therapy

Discover your dosha at: The Ayush Wellness Spa at the Hotel

Our Spa Spies were first introduced to Ayurvedic massages in

de France in Jersey, Antara Spa at the Chelsea Health Club in

India and Sri Lanka, home of this ancient Hindu and Buddhist

London, Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall in County Durham.

practice. But you can also experience these sumptuously holistic treatments in many and various forms across the UK, most

Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage

notably at the Ayush Wellness Spa in Jersey, Antara Spa at the

Also known as ‘loving hands’, lomi lomi translates as ‘rub rub’

Chelsea Harbour Hotel and the Scarlet Spa in Cornwall. It is said

in Hawaiian and reflects the broad, flowing strokes of the

to be good for detoxing, cleansing and boosting the immune

therapists fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows. The idea

system, and involves aligning qis and chakras, but we love the

is to rid the body of old patterns and behaviours, which cause

exotic smells of the natural oils, the deep, slow rhythms of the

stresses and strains in the muscles. A traditional massage

massage, and the Ayurvedic teas. In a traditional Ayurvedic

begins with a prayer.

Shiodhara at Ayush Wellness Spa at the Hotel de France in Jersey

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W ELL N ES S

re-balance mind and body, harmonise cells and fine-tune

Say aloha with: Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage (90 minutes, £90) at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Spa, Leicestershire.

Circadian sleep rhythms. There has been no scientific enquiry

Polynesia Spa Ritual (85 minutes, £93) at Donnington Valley

into cell harmonies, let alone their benefits (ditto auras and

Spa, Berkshire. Lomi Lomi Massage (85 minutes, £95) at

chakras). However, if you find the sound soothing rather than

Champneys Tring, Hertfordshire.

annoying, it can be hypnotically relaxing. One for music and meditation lovers out there.

Sunlight therapy

Feel the vibrations with: ila Biorhythm Treatment (105

So, it’s been raining non-stop. You feel like you haven’t seen

minutes, £168) and Kundalini Back Treatment (60 minutes, £99)

the sun for weeks. Each day you head to work in the dark…

at Chewton Glen Spa in Hampshire. Try Tibetan Sound Massage

and it’s dark when you get home! You don’t even remember

(90 minutes, £115) at Rockliffe Hall, County Durham.

what your house looks in the daylight. Check in for some light therapy. In a spa setting, light therapy will take place in

Traditional Thai Massage

a room with a lightbox which emits up to 10,000 lux of light

A Thai massage (pictured above) is definitely an acquired taste,

(20 times brighter than a home lightbulb) encouraging the

for those with a more adventurous spirit who don’t mind being

production of vitamin D and the release of serotonin, the feel

stretched, pummelled and twisted about by a well-meaning

good hormone. Spas normally dress the room to complete

stranger. We absolutely love them, they’re ultimately stretching

the experience, you might find yourself lying on a bed of sand

and will work out all of the crooks in your muscles. Just make

or artificial grass surrounded by a summery scene painted on

sure you have a very well qualified therapist!

the walls. It’s not be quite the same as a far flung beach, but it

The more traditional massages take place on a special

might just lift your spirits.

mattress on the floor, where your therapist will perform a kind

Trip the light fantastic at: The Beach Hut experience at Mill

of intricate choreography of movements, with you as her bendy

Wheel Spa, Staffordshire. The Sun Meadow at K Spa at K West

puppet dance partner. For the massage, you will want to wear

Hotel and Spa, London. Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy at

loose clothing, ideally some Thai pyjamas. Great for those with

Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire.

sedentary jobs: you’ll discover parts of your body you didn’t even know existed!

Tibetan Sound Massage

Make like Thai royalty with: Thai Massage (60 minutes, £78)

Also known as singing bowl massage, the therapy involves

at SenSpa at Carey’s Manor, Hampshire. Royal Jade Massage

putting the bowls on, over or all around the body and ringing

(90 minutes, £200) at Thai Square Spa, London. Traditional Thai

them with a felt mallet to make them resonate and vibrate.

Massage (60 minutes, £90) at The Thai Spa at Lough Erne Resort,

This ancient practice inspired by Tibetan medicine is said to

County Fermanagh.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

The Product Bible How would you choose between a Murad facial and an Ishga facial?

Should your massage use oils from Tri Dosha or Neom? Are you looking for sustainably British or airlifted straight from the mountains of Tibet? Each product house used in spas will have its own history, ethos and a bias to natural and organic or lab-based science. Our product bible will help you decide what products and treatments work for you.

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WELL N ES S

Afyna

Anne Sémonin

Hero products: Night Serum (30ml, £35), Deep Cleansing Oil

Hero products: Exfoliating Mask (75ml, £42), Botanical Milk

(100ml, £35), Relaxing Body Lotion (100ml, £17) all available

(125ml, £33) Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes (254ml, £43)

at: www.afyna.co.uk

all available at: www.annesemonin.com

Standout treatments: Afyna Rejuventating Facial (60 minutes,

Standout treatments: Made to Measure Facial (60 minutes,

£65), Ultimate Relaxation Massage (75 minutes, £75), Cornish

£96) at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire. Le Vintage (25

Body Polish (30 minutes, £39) all at St Michaels Hotel and Spa,

minutes, £40) at Spa Verta, London. Anti-Stress Back Therapy

Cornwall.

(55 minutes, £75) at The Langdale Spa, Cumbria.

Afyna means “to beautify” in old Cornish. Afyna products

The French company was founded in 1986 by Madame Anne

will not only feel beautiful on your skin, they’re also certified

Sémonin who developed a series of treatments representing

organic, ethically sourced and produced (no animal

a personal and holistic approach to beauty. In 2003, Parisian

testing), and won’t contain any skincare nasties such as

Aline Marcadet took the helm and has been the driving force

parabens or SLS. So just as good for your conscience as your

of the brand ever since. A Sorbonne graduate with a passion

complexion!

for the arts, Aline formed Anne Sémonin’s image as an

There’s a full range of facial skincare (we adore the Night

“Haute Couture” spa and beauty brand. Aline also maintains

Serum and Deep Cleansing Oil) and body treats including

the original Anne Sémonin ethos of made-to-measure

super nourishing bath and body oils. Every product is

treatments to cater for each woman’s unique beauty needs.

handmade in Cornwall with simple, clean aromas and

The product range is extensive, as you would expect

textures. And they’re easy to use. There’s no YouTube

from a company which uses ‘tailorable’ as a key word.

tutorials here, just honest products at reasonable prices.

The products are developed in collaboration with top

The product company was launched by Sara Young, a

French laboratories and address facial skincare and body

spa manager, in May 2014 so it’s still quite new and niche.

treats. There isn’t a specialist range for men, but particular

So much so that the company says they often make the

products are recommended for masculine skin. There are

products to order. The ingredients will make it out of

also lots of lovely gifts for people who have been especially

their kitchen in Wadebridge straight to your door – not

good this year!

something you’ll find in many places.

They say: “At Anne Sémonin, we believe that a woman’s They say: “Inspiration taken from the Cornish coastline –

beauty, just like her experience in life, is unique.”

fresh scents, clean lines and smooth textures.”

We say: A high-end, quality brand that delivers great results We say: The products are a joy to use with a lovely scent

across the product lines. The Express Radiance Ice Cubes

and visible results. If you’re a fan of all things natural and

are a miracle worker if you’ve been burning the candle at

organic you will love using Afyna. Try a treatment for a

both ends, and the Exfoliating Mask is effective for oily skin.

Cornish inspired treat.

Claim a piece of Parisian chic in your skincare routine.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Aromatherapy Associates

Babor

Hero products: Nourishing Facial Oil (15ml, £45), Overnight

Hero products: HY-ÖL (200ml, £22), Enzyme Cleanser (75ml,

Repair Mask (50ml, £59), Relax Deep Bath and Shower Oil

£19), HSR Extra Firming Eye Cream (30ml, £59) all available

(55ml, £45) available from: www.aromatherapyassociates.com

from: uk.babor.com

Standout treatments: The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience

Standout treatments: Gentle Rebalance Facial (60 minutes,

(60 minutes, £75) at Carbis Bay Hotel and Spa, Cornwall.

£75) at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Cheshire. Detoxifying

Rose Prescriptive Facial (55 minutes, £70) at Calcot Spa,

and Clarifying Back Treatment (30 minutes, £33) at Ufford

Gloucestershire.

Park, Suffolk.

Aromatherapy Associates was founded in 1985 by Sue

Babor was founded in 1955 by German biochemist Dr Michael

Beechey and Geraldine Howard, aromatherapists who

Babor. The company started with one product, HY-ÖL, and has

trained and practised at the Micheline Arcier clinic in

dramatically expanded with ranges for facial skincare, body

Knightsbridge. They felt that a professional brand was

care, make up, sun care and a range for men. Babor has an

needed to support aromatherapy treatments in spas, as such

interdisciplinary team, including researchers, dermatologists,

a concept was lacking at the time. Over the past 30 years,

biochemists, physicians and geneticists, to bring new products

the product range has grown to encompass facial skincare,

and treatments to market.

body and bath, home ambience and a men’s range from

Sustainability and ethics play a central part of the

The Refinery. Aromatherapy Associates products are made

company ethos. Babor say they do not (and will not) conduct

in the UK using natural plants and herbs that have been

animal testing. They also ship products in a carbon-neutral

ethically sourced from around the world. They are against

way. Good for your skincare and good for your conscience.

animal testing, screen out chemicals such as parabens and

Babor have won 15 international skincare awards over the

GM crops, and believe every ingredient has a role to play, so

past five years and we can see why. This is skincare supported

use bases such as Damask rose water instead of plain water.

by science, but with green credentials.

They say: “It is our mission to share with people the amazing

They say: “Since the very beginning, we have set our standard

results we have seen and experienced through using essential

by achieving a lasting, healthy skin tone and the satisfaction

oils in our products and treatments over the last 30 years, and

of our customers.”

to practice real aromatherapy.”

We say: The packaging is very basic, giving you no clue We say: The Aromatherapy Associates products we’ve tested

about the incredible products on the inside. The HY-ÖL

were as gorgeously scented, as you would hope from a

and Enzyme Cleanser are used in tandem and get the skin

dedicated aromatherapy range! The products work really

seriously clean without stripping your natural oils. One of our

well on sensitive skin, dry skin and those who are lucky

most experienced Spa Spies uses them and is extremely

enough to have normal skin. A unanimous thumbs-up for

impressed with the results, which are instant and will leave

Aromatherapy Associates from The Spa Spies™.

you with clear skin for days.

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W ELL N ES S

Bamford

Carita

Hero products: Geranium Body Cream (200ml, £35), Botanic

Hero products: Fluide de Beauté 14 (100ml, £45.50), Diamond

Sugar Polish (200ml, £35), One Morning Body Splash (245ml,

of Beauty (50ml, £430), Carita Eau de Parfum (50ml, £65), all

£75), all available from: www.bamford.co.uk

available from: www.carita.co.uk

Standout treatments: Jade Hot and Cold Stone Treatment

Standout treatments: CINETIC™ Lift Expert Facial (90

(75 minutes, £110) at Bamford Haybarn, Gloucestershire.

minutes, £146) at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire.

Bamford Body Signature Treatment (120 minutes, £150) at

Supreme Wrinkle Facial (55 minutes, £70) at The Lowry Hotel

Herb House Spa at Lime Wood, Hampshire. Deep Tissue

Spa, Manchester. Lagoon Hydration Facial (60 minutes, £100)

Massage (55 minutes, £110) at The Berkeley, London.

at Sofitel So SPA, London.

The British clothing and beauty brand Bamford was born

Founded more than 60 years ago by two sisters, Maria and

from the founder’s passion for sustainable and holistic living.

Rosy Carita, this French brand began as a hair salon in

Lady Carole Bamford’s family manage organic farms in

Toulouse. The sisters moved to Paris in 1943 and launched

Gloucestershire and Staffordshire, along with several farm-

their first beauty products 13 years later. The brand was

shops and cafes — you may have encountered Daylesford

bought by Shiseido in the 1980s and has gone from strength

Organics in Selfridges Food Hall. Lady Bamford launched

to strength. Treatments are now available in spas across the

the high-end Bamford brand in 2006. The beauty range

UK and abroad, and they have a wide range of face, body

centres around soaps, body washes and bath oils formulated

and hair products.

with high quality, mainly natural ingredients. Bamford

Carita is definitely a luxury brand, with its premium

operates three spas, with products available to buy online

range priced from £260, and it has fully embraced modern

and through several stores and retailers. If you want the true

technology. The CINETIC™ Lift Expert Facial, for example,

Bamford experience, head to Bamford Haybarn; a haven

uses micro-currents, ultrasound and LED technologies to

of holistic living from the food, treatments, products and

lift, tighten and tone skin. The facial is adored by skincare

clothing range.

experts and celebs alike.

They say: “The purest bodycare from organic and botanical

They say: “The anti-aging specialist based on cutting-edge,

ingredients.”

avant-garde technology.”

We say: We love the classy packaging and green credentials.

We say: The classic French pharmacy packaging suggests

The products we have tried had a sumptuously herby aroma

Carita will produce professional results. A lot of research,

that we found quite addictive and uplifting, just like being

expertise and technology has been packed into each jar, and

in a high-end, trendy spa or a Notting Hill yoga studio. The

no animal testing — hence the price. We love the scents and

products felt luxuriously rich and silky on the skin, while

sensation of the creams. Results are noticeable, especially

there’s something straightforward, fresh and honest about

for mature and dry skins. Check first if you have sensitive skin

them too.

or are prone to break-outs.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Caudalie

Clarins

Hero products: Beauty Elixir (100ml, £32), Vinoperfect

Hero products: Beauty Flash Balm (50ml, £29), Huile Tonic

Radiance Serum (30ml, £45), Premier Cru The Eye Cream

(100ml, £40), Double Serum (30ml, £55), all available from:

(15ml, £49), all available from: www.caudalie.co.uk

www.clarins.co.uk

Standout treatments: Divine Body Massage (50 minutes,

Standout treatments: Clarins Men’s Muscle Ease Body

£60) at Caudalie Boutique Spa, London. Premier Cru Facial

Massage (55 minutes, £60) at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro

(60 minutes, £95) at Manor Grove Spa, Northamptonshire.

and Spa, Leicestershire. Aromatic Facial (50 minutes, £60) at Stapleford Park, Leicestershire. Tri-Active Facial (80 minutes, £89) at Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire.

Caudalie was founded in 1995 by husband and wife team Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, who were inspired by the antioxidant qualities of grapes. Their first ‘Vinothérapie’

Founded by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in France in 1954,

spa was opened in 1999. Today, Caudalie is still a family-

Clarins has since become a global brand. However, it is still

run business focused on harnessing the power of natural

very much a family business, with Jacques’ two sons now

ingredients.

at the helm. Clarins favours plant-based extracts and where

Ethics, or ‘Cosm’ethics’ as Mathilde says, is at the heart

possible sources them locally, or from fair trade growers, but

of the brand. Caudalie is against animal testing, and uses

also manages to combine their natural ethos with innovation

recycled or plant-based materials for containers and

and scientific research. Clarins has its own laboratories,

packaging where possible. The brand shuns parabens,

collaborates with leading ethnobotanists and works with

sodium laureth sulphate, phthalates and other synthetic

several research centres and universities.

ingredients. At least one per cent of sales is donated to

The brand is involved with several charitable endeavours,

environmental organisations, which has led to reforestation

including supporting the construction of schools in Vietnam

projects in the Amazon, Brazil and Indonesia. The range

and Madagascar.

includes a very impressive collection of facial skincare, body

The product range is one of the most extensive in the spa

products and suncare.

world with everything from facial skincare, make up, body treats and men’s ranges,

They say: “I created Caudalie because I believe in beauty products that are not only effective, but also natural and

They say: “Research and development without limits,

luxurious.”

technical expertise and an innovative spirit are the signatures of Clarins formulas.”

We say: Caudalie is an affordable luxury, and our more mature Spa Spies noticed visible results after using the

We say: It’s a failsafe classic – you can’t really go wrong

serums and eye creams. The fragrance is clean and fresh –

with Clarins. Their products are tastefully and comfortingly

must be the grapes – and the creams we tried were light and

reliable rather than “wow!”, like a good friend. And if that

milky, without being oily or tacky. Elegant, ethical and très

good friend happened to buy us some Beauty Flash Balm for

chic, ideal gifts for the discerning Francophiles in your life.

Christmas (Clarins’ cult creation) we would be very happy.

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W ELL N ES S

[ comfort zone ]

Darphin

Hero products: Skin Regimen Juvenate-Pro Booster (30ml,

Hero products: INTRAL Toner (200ml, £27), 8-Flower Nectar

£69), Body Strategist Scrub (200ml, £36), Skin Resonance

(15ml, £95), Aromatic Cleansing Balm (40ml, £32), all available

Cream (50ml, £51), find out more at: www.comfortzone.it

from: www.darphin.co.uk

Massage

Standout treatments: Intense Hydrating Facial (55 minutes,

(60 minutes, £90) at Rockliffe Hall, County Durham. Skin

£75) at The Vineyard, Berkshire. Instant Skin Reviver (30

Resonance Facial (60 minutes, £70) at Armathwaite Hall

minutes, £50) at The Chester Grosvenor, Cheshire. Deep

Country House Hotel and Spa, Cumbria. New Life Pregnancy

Rebalancing Full Body Massage (55 minutes, £82) at Stobo

Massage (55 minutes, £75) at Spa Verta, London.

Castle Health Spa, Scottish Borders.

Comfort Zone was launched in 1996, as a sister company to

In 1958 a Parisian kinesiotherapist named Pierre Darphin

the Italian haircare brand Davines. It is owned by the Bollati

launched his first line of skincare products. Fast forward

family, and current chairman Davide Bollati’s pharmaceutical

more than 50 years and Darphin has become a global brand,

background is evident in the brand’s commitment to

recognised for the quality of its ingredients.

Standout

treatments:

Aromasoul

Elements

technological innovation and research.

Now part of the Estée Lauder Group, Darphin offers a wide

All products are developed and created in Parma, Italy.

range of skincare products, aimed at specific skin concerns,

Comfort Zone believes in using natural ingredients where

from sensitivity to uneven skin tone. However, the brand is

possible and is committed to sustainability – 100 per cent of

probably best known for its essential oil elixirs, which are

the energy used in the laboratory is from renewable sources.

formulated with high quantities of plant extracts. They also

The brand has also invested in reforestation projects to offset

offer body care products, but in a much more limited range

other carbon emissions.

than facial skincare.

The majority of Comfort Zone spas are based in Italy, but

The Darphin Institute in Paris delves into facial massage

the brand has partnered with other spas to offer treatments

techniques including the Deep Massage which claims to be

across the globe, from Australia to South Korea.

a natural facelift. If you don’t have the time to go to Paris, you can try the massage-inspired facials at some of our favourite UK spas.

They say: “We seek to promote a holistic, healthy and sustainable lifestyle, based in science and strengthened by passion.”

They say: “We fuse the finest botanical ingredients, innovative technologies, professional expertise and specialized, sensory techniques.”

We say: A good all-round spa brand used in some top Five Bubble spas, so we expect good results from Comfort Zone as well as impeccably designed packaging (they are Italian

We say: Darphin is a classic French brand that’s often

after all). If you go to a spa that has Comfort Zone products

associated with beauty, not just spa. The products smell

in the changing rooms, make sure you use their shampoos

delicious and feel divine on the skin. They’re slightly harder to

and conditioners as they are fabulous.

find in the UK so if you see them, snap them up!

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Decléor

Elemental Herbology

Hero products: Aromessence Neroli Oil (15ml, £44), Hydra

Hero products: Cell Food Radiance and Vitality Serum (30ml,

Floral Hydrating Light Cream (30ml, £25), Phytopeel Exfoliating

£45), Hand Nutrition Intensive Hand and Nail Repair Cream

Cream (50ml, £27.50), all available from: www.decleor.co.uk

(75ml, £16), Tree Of Life Multi-Purpose Balm (100ml, £22), all available from www.elementalherbology.com

Standout treatments: Divine Nutrition Facial (75 minutes, £64) at The Woodland Spa, Lancashire. Aroma Expert Lift

Standout treatments: The Elemental Massage (60 minutes,

Facial (70 minutes, £80) at Titanic Spa, West Yorkshire.

£95) at The Spa at Pennyhill Park Hotel, Surrey. Bio-

Madagascar Escape Massage (55 minutes, £70) at Lifehouse

Rejuvenating Facial (90 minutes, £85) at The Secret Garden

Spa and Hotel, Essex.

Spa at Congham Hall, Norfolk.

Decléor launched as one of the earliest aromatherapy

Skincare expert Kristy Cimesa founded Elemental Herbology

skincare companies over 40 years ago in Paris. Back then it

in 2008. With a background in Chinese medicine and

was known as “cleor” (the Clé Or being the golden key that

acupuncture, her vision was to create a range that balanced

opens the temple of beauty). Its philosophy was “be more than

the elements which have a significant effect on the skin

skin deep” and each initiative was designed for the wellbeing

– seasonal, lifestyle and hormonal change. Products are

of the body, skin and spirit – a holistic perspective that was

created with patented, bio-active ingredients, along with

cutting edge for 1974! The original team included a beautician,

essential oils, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Elemental

doctor, shiatsu teacher, aromatherapist and physiotherapist,

Herbology supports responsible harvesting and production

and their expertise helped them create plant-based energy

of all raw materials, and works with projects that regenerate

treatments for beauty salons. Today, Decléor still use natural

the environment and local communities. They ensure

plant-based ingredients, are cruelty free, vegetarian/vegan,

their products are 100 per cent free of synthetic fragrance,

and environmentally aware. At the heart of their brand and

artificial colour, sulphates, parabens and preservatives, and

philosophy are Aromessence Oil Serums, concentrated elixirs

are not tested on animals.

of essential oils for the face or body. Their extensive range includes face and body and men’s products.

They say: “Elemental Herbology takes a holistic approach and for us lifestyle and nutrition are all part of a good

They say: “When you use Decléor, you are treating yourself to

skincare regime. We are more than just great products: we

the very best that science and nature has to offer.”

believe in looking after your skin both inside and out.”

We say: Decléor offers instant results, quality ingredients

We say: This is a classy and beautiful range that delivers

and products that feel really good to use. The essential oils

impressive results as well as a clean, green conscience. We

smell delicious and the fact that each product is packed full

love the seasonal ranges and anti-aging serums, and have

of them explains the actually quite reasonable price tag. We

had amazing results from their facials. The products also

also find that with most Decléor products a little goes a long

smell gorgeous – if you have a massage with Elemental

way, so it’s good value for money.

Herbology oils, you won’t want to shower afterwards.

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W ELL N ES S

Elemis

ESPA

Hero products: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (105g, £39.50),

Hero products: 24 Hour Replenishing Moisturiser (55ml, £42),

Pro Collagen Marine Cream (50ml, £80), Frangipani Monoi

Restorative Body Oil (100ml, £32), Optimal Skin Pro-Serum

Body Oil (100ml, £34) all available at: www.elemis.com

(30ml, £48) all available at: www.espaskincare.com

Standout treatments: Elemis Advanced Anti-Aging Facial

Standout treatments: Back, Face and Scalp Treatment (90

(55 minutes, £75) at Moddershall Oaks, Staffordshire. Cellutox

minutes, £95) at The Spa at Bedford Lodge, Suffolk. Lifestage

Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap (75 minutes, £79) at The Headland

Intensive Lift Facial (90 minutes, £175) at Sequoia Spa at The

Spa, Cornwall. Elemis Face and Body Solution (55 minutes,

Grove, Hertfordshire. Personalised Facial (60 minutes, £115) at

£75) at Norton House Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh.

ESPA Life at the Corinthia, London.

British brand Elemis was founded in 1990 by Séan

Vogue writer Susan Harmsworth created ESPA in a time when

Harrington, Noella Gabriel and Oriele Frank. It clearly set

the industry was beauty, rather than skincare focused. A move

out to be a beauty force to be reckoned with and is now

to Toronto opened her eyes when she met a group of Eastern

ubiquitous worldwide, with a British Airways contract and

European therapists who trained in medicine, leading her to

an ever-expanding product range. You’ll find products for

think holistically about using a scientific approach to harness

facial skincare, body, bath, candles and a range just for men.

natural ingredients. She also understood the need for luxury,

Elemis uses ethically sourced, natural ingredients which

as well as the psychological effects of smell and sensation.

are developed in labs to produce visible results. Creating a

ESPA launched in 1993 and today has over 450 spas in 50

natural aroma is also an important part of the brand ethos.

countries. The product range is extensive, innovative, luxurious

The face that launched the brand was Rachel de Thame, a

and results-driven, the ingredients are a combination of

TV horticulturist and now one of their in-house ‘experts’ (she

aromatherapy, plant and marine extracts. They’re also 99-100

designs the window boxes at House of Elemis day spa in

per cent natural and do not use animal testing. You’ll find a

Mayfair).

full set of spa products including facial and body care, bath treats, candles and men’s products.

They say: “Elemis was born out of the vision to bring together the power of nature, science and aromatics. To

They say: “Using only the very purest extracts, ESPA

harness the dynamism of the highest-grade actives and

biochemists distil active ingredients into products that keep

create a skincare line that would transform the frontline of

their promises. For instant, lasting results every day.”

the beauty industry.”

We say: This is a classy, respected beauty product, perfect We say: Elemis is so commercial and huge – it’s worth

for anyone who wants a spa experience every day in their

around £75 million – but there’s no escaping the fact that

bathroom cabinet. The active ingredients produce great

their products are very good. They deliver what they claim to

results while the products themselves feel and smell

do, and that’s the reason they’re so successful with an almost

luxurious. A top tip from our ESPA fan Spa Spy: their hand-

cult-like spa following.

poured candles smell divine.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Eve Lom

Germaine de Capuccini

Hero products: Eve Lom Cleanser (100ml, £55), TLC Cream

Hero products: Multi Regenerating Rosehip Oil (30ml,

(50ml, £55), Rescue Mask (100ml, £55) all available from:

£36), Illuminating Detox Eye Formula (15ml, £45.95), X.Cel

www.evelom.com

Retinage Filler (50ml, £95) all available at: www.germainede-capuccini.co.uk

Standout treatments: Eve Lom Experience (90 minutes, £140), Eve Lom Cleanse (60 minutes, £100) both at Agua at

Standout treatments: Black Diamond Facial (60 minutes,

Sanderson, London.

£95) Chuan Spa at The Langham, London. Time Expert Age Reverse Facial (90 minutes, £90) at The Garage Spa, County Durham.

Over 25 years ago, Czech-born skincare legend Eve Lom launched her famous fuss-free range with her award-winning cleanser, which remains a cult product. Now in her sixties,

Spanish luxury spa and skincare company Germaine de

Eve is a multi-millionaire and one of the hottest facialists in

Capuccini was formed in 1964 by Carmen Vidal, a beauty

the world. She is also an expert in anatomy, nutrition and

therapist who created her own product range in the tiny

massage, and has developed a unique massage technique

kitchen of her beauty salon. Now 43 years later, her little

designed to be performed by her trained therapists

laboratory has expanded to over 18,000 square feet.

during the facial. Refreshingly, Eve has no truck with the

The company employs a large team of scientists and

pseudoscience that dominates the beauty skincare market.

dermatologists to develop new ingredients, using the

She says the problem today is we put too much on our skin,

latest technology and ethically sourced plants, vitamins

which stops it functioning, so her focus is on simplifying and

and minerals. The philosophy behind the brand is to treat

minimalizing through cleansing and exfoliating, while using

the mind, body and soul to an ‘experience’ rather than a

massage to detox and calm internal organs and mind.

treatment. Their cutting edge approach to skincare means they launch 40 new products and treatments every year and

They say: “We believe that flawlessly clean and gently

specialise in the anti-aging sector. Products cover body, face,

exfoliated skin is the perfect canvas for skincare to perform.”

hair, tanning, cosmetics, supplements and a range for men.

We say: According to Vogue, the Eve Lom cleanser is

They say: “Specialising in anti-aging, all treatments have the

“probably the best in the world.” And like most beauty

‘wow factor’ and always deliver very real visual results.”

editors, having tried it, we are addicted. The cleanser comes with its own ritual, you smooth it over your face and follow

We say: An exclusive product aimed at the top-end of the

very specific facial massage instructions in order to reap

beauty and spa industry. Treatments feel very special and

the full benefits. You then place a soaked muslin cloth over

sometimes involve machines to generate that wow factor.

your face for five seconds to activate the essential oils – and

We’re not the kind of girls to be impressed by the size of

repeat three times. This is followed by circular exfoliation

someone’s lab, but we truly admire Germaine de Capuccini’s

and a cold water cloth to close the pores. Is the effort worth

boundless creativity. The products and treatments make us

it? Absolutely.

look and feel special.

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W ELL N ES S

Guinot

ila

Hero products: Age Logic Yeux (15ml, £69.50), Longue Vie

Hero products: Orange Blossom Candle for Higher Energy

Cellulaire (50ml, £85.50), Masque Essentiel Nutrition Confort

(200g, £40), Face Oil for Glowing Radiance (30ml, £75),

(50ml, £25) all available at: uk.guinot.com

Bath Salts for Inner Peace (500g, £49) all available at: www. ila-spa.com

Standout treatments: Hydradermie2 – The Star Treatment (55 minutes, £60) at Chakra Spa at The Felbridge Hotel, West

Standout treatments: Ananda Face Therapy (60 minutes,

Sussex. Aromatic Facial (50 minutes, £55) at Tre-Ysgawen

£99) at Chewton Glen Spa, Hampshire. Ku Nye Massage (90

Hall, Isle of Anglesey.

minutes, £146) at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire.

Shining Jewel Vital Energy Treatment (85 minutes, £85) at Stanley House Hotel and Spa, Lancashire.

This legendary French brand began in 1963, when chemical engineer Rene Guinot designed the first skin care device using galvanic current. This defined the procedure for

Ila is a British brand with international flavour — ila means

cathiodermie, which has now morphed into their famous

‘earth’ in Sanskrit. The products are made in the Cotswolds,

Hydradermie treatment. In 1972, current CEO Jean Daniel

mostly from certified organic ingredients, with the rest

Mondin took over. The son of a plastic surgeon with a

sourced from plants and minerals from the most remote,

scientific background, Mondin offered exclusive Guinot

unpolluted parts of the world. Founder Denise Leicester

treatments in his VIP rooms at the Hotel George V in Paris.

is a nurse, aromatherapist and yoga teacher. Her belief in

Although Guinot believe their treatments are far more

the power of healing energy fills the products which have

effective than creams, their brand Guinot Paris is popular

holistic aims; we love the Bath Salts for Inner Peace, and

around the world. Three specific categories are targeted in

ancient pink rock salt crystals from eastern Pakistan.

the line: face, body and sun. Guinot products are not tested

The product range is a little smaller than some, but this is

on animals, contain no parabens and are eco-friendly.

made up for in the quality. There’s facial and body skincare, bath treats and candles available. We love the essentials

They say: “The effectiveness of a one-hour beauty treatment

range if you’re looking to step up your shampoo, conditioner

is incomparably more effective than merely applying a

and body wash from chemist basics.

If you love the sound of ila, you can visit their retreat in

cream or serum.”

Mustique and dive wholeheartedly into the ethos.

We say: Guinot is the royal family of beauty products and still going strong, although perhaps more so in Paris and

They say: “ila’s vocation is to bring purity, energy and balance

America. Their Hydradermie facial remains a trusted favourite

into everyday life through the creation of luxury organic

among treatment fans. Rightly, Guinot place importance on

products that are as effective as they are ethical.”

the beauty therapist, who will be able to match product to skin type, rather than marketing and packaging. Products

We say: If organic is your must-have, ila will give you

tend to be rich and rejuvenating, therefore good for mature

effective, eco-friendly products that inspire, smell divine and

and dry or sun damaged skins.

feel beautiful on your skin.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Ishga

Kerstin Florian

Hero products: Anti-oxidant Marine Face Cream (50ml, £70),

Hero products: Multi-Vitamin Day Crème (50ml, £48),

Regenerating Face Serum (50ml, £60), Invigorating Body

Rehydrating Neroli Water (100ml, £31.50), Turkish Body

Lotion (100ml, £35) all available at www.ishga.co.uk

Scrub With Eucalyptus (237ml, £36.50) all available at: www. kerstinflorian.co.uk

Standout treatments: Ishga Seaweed Bath (30 minutes, £35) at Seaham Hall, County Durham. Ishga Hot Stone Massage

Standout treatments: Kerstin Florian Sensitive Skin Facial

(55 minutes, £85) at The Spa at Blythswood Square, Glasgow.

(60 minutes, £70) at PH20 at Park House, West Sussex.

Lavender Field of Dreams Massage (80 minutes, £120) at The

Ishga (derived from the Gaelic name for water) was

Spa at Coworth Park, Berkshire. Caviar Facial (60 minutes,

developed on the Isle of Lewis by Malcolm Macrae, director

£155) at The Dorchester Spa, London.

of Hebridean Spa Ltd, and his wife Joanna, a Clarins beauty therapist. The Hebrides has some of the cleanest waters

Kerstin Florian is an American brand with a Scandinavian

in the world and this is where Ishga hand harvests the

influence. Named after the founder, the company is still run by

seaweed for their skincare range. The seaweed is treated

the family with Kerstin and Charlene Florian at the helm. The

with spring water and a slow heating process to produce

“Outer Beauty, Inner Health” philosophy spills into a lifestyle

the pure seaweed extract. It is said to plump and tone skin,

focus for the brand including effective natural and botanic

and stimulate circulation. Other ingredients include thistle

ingredients in the products that are rich in algae, herbal

oil, which is rich in omega 3 and 6, jojoba and apricot kernel.

extracts and essential oils. The range of products is impressive

The product range is bijou and straightforward – cleansers,

with specialist lotions and potions for each skin type. There

toners, oils, creams, body lotion and scrubs – all with natural

are also body treats, suncare and products for men.

and organic ingredients and essential oils.

The treatments draw on the natural theme: we defy anyone from not getting a good night’s sleep after the

They say: “Harnessing the natural anti-oxidant, healing

Lavender Field of Dreams Massage.

and anti-aging properties provided by the purest organic Scottish seaweed.”

They say: “Kerstin Florian promotes the philosophy of outer beauty, inner health and inspires a sense of wellbeing

We say: Seaweed is increasingly popular in spa therapies

through naturally-sourced spa products, technically-advanced

as it’s so rich in minerals and anti-oxidants. Ishga feels as

ingredients and professionally designed spa services.”

Scottish as Fairisle jumpers and single malts. Products are creamy without being too oily and great for combination

We say: Kerstin Florian is an on-trend mix of Swedish

skin. The ingredients are very active, and some of the more

practicality and Californian holistic wellbeing. The packaging

powerful products may cause redness – don’t panic if this

is extremely elegant – you feel like you’re getting a high

happens. It should quickly calm down, leaving the skin

quality product that is confident about delivering results.

feeling very smooth and creamy, with a robustly healthy

The products are effective and luxurious in feel and subtle

Hebridean glow.

in scent.

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W ELL N ES S

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Linda Meredith

Moroccanoil

Hero products: V-Tox (50ml, £99), Hydrating Mist (40ml, £19),

Hero products: Intense Hydrating Mask (250ml, £24.75),

Q3 (50g, £69) all available at: www.lindameredith.com

Original Hand Cream (75ml, £20), Original Body Soufflé (190ml, £43) find out more at www.moroccanoil.com

Standout treatments: The Haute Couture Facial (£100), Linda Meredith O2 (£100) at Linda Meredith, Knightsbridge.

Standout treatments: Honey and Lavender Massage (55

Men’s Ultimate Deep Cleansing Facial (60 minutes, £99) at

minutes, £69) at Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa, Cheshire.

Chewton Glen Spa, Hampshire.

Black Tie Affair (60 minutes, £125) at Spa Illuminata, London.

Exfoliation Ritual (40 minutes, £59) at Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa, Northamptonshire.

On Linda Meredith’s website is a staggering celebrity clientele list that will make your eyelashes curl, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Madonna by way of Rosamund Pike, Emma Thompson

The concept of Moroccanoil was born when one of the

and Kate Moss, plus a host of male pin-ups. So what makes

founders, Carmen Tal, had a really poor colour service for

her so special? Linda has worked in skincare for 40 years, and

her hair and was rescued by an oil treatment. This treatment

has noticed a dramatic change in how our skin is evolving.

became the kernal of the brand. Moroccanoil took off and is

Thanks to environmental forces – from man-made (air con,

now one of the leading haircare brands loved by Hollywood

heating, pollutants) to natural (sun damage, hormones) –

starlets and stylists alike. The brand has since branched out

we are no longer just oily, dry or combination. Hence some

into ultra-nourishing body products and treatments with

days, we’re dry as cracked paint, the next breaking out in

beautifully inspired scents. The Fleur de Oranger and Fleur

spots! The Linda Meredith skincare range is created with

de Rose ranges are both fantastic.

layering and overlapping in mind, to address a variety of skin

In 2014, Moroccanoil launched a campaign about inspiring

problems rather than uniform types.

women, following the journeys of six women, from an animal rights activist to entrepreneurs and an art therapist. We love the supportive and positive messaging from the brand.

They say: “Each product within the range has been designed with certain attributes, but when overlapped the effectiveness is increased, normalising skin and leaving a

They say: “At Moroccanoil, our passion is empowering

natural, glowing complexion.”

beautiful transformations”.

We say: When having a Linda Meredith Oxygen Facial we

We say: Moroccanoil came to our attention several years

felt in very safe hands – this woman can wield a lancet like

ago when the treatment product started popping up in

no other! It’s pain-free, quick, and she makes it look so easy.

spas around the UK. Apply the treatment before using the

The end result was amazing. With so many celebrity clients,

thermal experiences and hey presto – perfectly hydrated

it’s not surprising Meredith has the answer for coping with

hair. The product range has grown to include body

long haul flights too. Her wonderful Hydrating Mist fits easily

treatments but they are still easy to use, and nourish the

in hand luggage, so you can land ready and glowing for the

hair and skin beautifully.

Paparazzi snappers.

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WELL N ES S

Murad

Natura Bissé

Hero products: Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (50ml,

Hero products: The Cure Sheer Cream (50ml, £143), Glycoline

£64), Invisiblur Perfecting Shield (30ml, £55), AHA/BHA

Extreme Peel (30ml, £199), Diamond Extreme Eye Cream

Exfoliating Cleanser (200ml, £34) all available at: www.

(25ml, £160) all available at: www.naturabisse.com

murad.co.uk Standout treatments: Citrus Sculpt (55 minutes, £120) Standout treatments: AHA Rapid Exfoliator Facial (60

at Sequoia Spa at The Grove, Hertfordshire. C+C Vitamin

minutes, £57) at Thornton Hall, The Wirral. Resurgence

Facial (60 minutes, £65), at Stanley House Hotel and Spa,

Renewal Facial (50 minutes, £70) at Y Spa at Wyboston

Lancashire. Diamond Experience Facial (80 minutes, £115), at

Lakes, Bedfordshire. Clearly Youthful Facial (60 minutes, £95)

Agua at Sanderson, London.

at The Peak Health Club and Spa, London.

Spanish skincare company Natura Bissé was founded in 1979.

Murad is the brain child of Californian dermatologist Dr

Ricardo Fisas Mulleras rooted the company firmly in science

Howard Murad, whose vision is to create skincare products

and research, using pharmaceutical grade ingredients for

and supplements to help people look and feel healthy and

targeted results. In the 1990s, the company expanded into the

beautiful. Since it launched in 1989, Murad has been at the

US market, taking its range to Hollywood, which embraced

cutting edge of skincare science and was one of the first to

the results-driven products and treatments. In the UK, you’ll

use glycolic acid.

find Natura Bissé in select high-end spas offering facial and

The Murad range is broad and tailorable. Each product

body treatments. We’ve tried two or three different Natura

range works with a specific skincare concern including

Bissé facials and each time the Spa Spy has come back

age reform, redness therapy for sensitive skin, age-proof

glowing and waxing lyrical about the difference it made. We’re

sunscreen and Murad for men. As part of Murad’s “Inclusive

impressed! The product range is mostly around very effective

Health” philosophy (including topical skincare, internal care

facial skincare, but there are also body treats available.

and your sense of self) there are also supplements and body care products. There’s even a buy-back promise if you’re not

They say: “Natura Bissé is a pioneer in the development of

happy with the product results!

highly effective products based on formulas that use the latest trends and technologies in aesthetic medicine.”

They say: “With Murad it really is possible get great skin at any age.”

We say: Natura Bissé products and treatments are an investment but they are worth it. The Diamond Expert Eye

We say: Summer Spy swears by Murad to help with stressed

Cream will make your eyes look like you’ve had a full 8-hour

out skin. Going beyond the standard dry, combination, oily

sleep, even when you’ve been burning the candle at both

skin ranges, the products allow you to properly tailor your

ends. The Sheer Cure Cream is a god-send when you want

skincare routine, whether you’re looking for blemish prone

beautiful skin without having to wear full make up, and we

and anti-aging, or trying to protect your skin from the

love the professional feel of the Glycoline peel when you

pollutions of city life.

can’t squeeze in a regular trip to a facialist.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Neom

Nuxe

Hero products: Tranquillity Scented Candle (420g, £45),

Hero products: Huile Prodigeuse® Spray (100ml, £28),

Daily De-stress Face, Body and Hair Oil (100ml, £32),

Crème Fraîche® de Beauté Masque (50ml, £18.50), Rêve de

Great Day™ Body Scrub (332ml, £34) all available at: www.

Miel® Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm (15ml, £9.50) all available at:

neomorganics.com

uk.nuxe.com

Standout treatments: De-Stress Treatment (60 minutes,

Standout treatments: Nuxe Massage (50 minutes, £80),

£70) at Neom Organics Wimbledon, London. Luxury Organic

Radiance Facial (50 minutes, £80), Exceptional Treatment

Massage (55 minutes, £59) at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa,

with Flowers and Precious Plants (80 minutes, £135) all at

York. Energise Treatment (60 minutes, £90) at Rockliffe Hall,

Agua at Sanderson Hotel, London.

County Durham.

Entrepreneur

Aliza

Jabès

discovered

Nuxe,

a

small

Journalist Nicola Elliott made her own aromatherapy

formulation laboratory in Paris in the early 1990s, and

oil blends while working at a national magazine to help

decided to make it the springboard for launching a beauty

alleviate stress and boost energy levels. She teamed up

brand which would bring together nature and luxury. Years

with business partner Oliver Mennell, their initials forming

later, she’s scooping up business and consumer awards left,

the name, and launched Neom in 2005.

right and centre, while being compared to Penelope Cruz in Paris Match.

Now, 10 years later, Neom offers a select range of home fragrances and bath and body products. All use natural

The product range targets most skin types, anti-aging

ingredients and essences designed to have a positive effect

(Nuxellence®and

on your mood, whether you choose to light one of their

men, while the philosophy is a balance of natural active

famous candles to relax at the end of a hard day, run a bath

ingredients, performance driven patents (the company

to help you sleep, or lift your mood with a luxurious body

currently has 45 patents and is expanding every year) and

oil. Products are 100 per cent natural, contain high levels of

sensual textures and aromas.

Nirvanesque®),

sun

damage

and

organic essential oils and are cruelty-free.

Neom opened its signature store in Wimbledon less than

They say: “When nature’s brilliance meets glamour. Nuxe

a year ago, and offers four wellbeing treatments; Happiness,

thinks that all women are incredible.”

Energise, Sleep and De-stress.

We say: One of our Spa Spies is helplessly addicted to the They say: “Scent to make you feel good.”

Huile Prodigeuse®, which she discovered after a Nuxe massage at Agua at the Sanderson, currently the only

We say: Neom is a great British brand, which offers high

Nuxe spa in the UK. This dry oil sprays on, dries quickly and

quality aromatherapy products. The Tranquillity Bath and

smells so good (if you like a musky, warm, nutty fragrance) it

Shower Oil really helps you to unwind after a day in the

inspired Prodigeaux® le Parfum. The Rêve de Miel® lip balm

office, and the candles make gorgeous gifts… if you can bear

is nourishing without being greasy and tastes of honey and

to part with them!

grapefruit. It’s affordable too.

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W ELL N ES S

Oskia

Pevonia

Hero products: Renaissance Cleansing Gel (100ml, £28),

Hero products: Ligne Lavendou (30ml, £58), Power Repair®

Super 16 Pro-Collagen Super Serum (30ml, £80), Renaissance

Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream (50ml, £68), Ligne

Mask (50ml, £48.50) all available at: www.oskiaskincare.com

Spéciale Enzymo-Sphérides Cream (50ml, £35) all available at www.pevonia.co.uk

Standout treatments: Rejuvenating Facial (55 minutes, £105) at The Berkeley, London. Ultimate Radiance Facial (65

Standout treatments: Prescriptive Facial (60 minutes,

minutes, £85) at Grayshott Health Spa, Surrey. Signature Glow

£50) at SK Clinic, Suffolk. Hydrating and Repairing Facial

Facial (75 minutes, £95) at The Orchard Spa at Lakes By Yoo.

(60 minutes, £65) at The Club and Spa Hotel at The Cube, Birmingham. Tropical Saltmousse Scrub (45 minutes, £75) at The Peak Health Club and Spa, London.

Food journalist Georgie Cleeve founded London-based skincare brand Oskia having witnessed the benefits of its main ingredient, MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) aka

Husband and wife Philippe and Sylvie Hennessy launched

‘The Beauty Mineral’. Her father originally introduced MSM

Pevonia in 1991 and grew the company to corner over 50

as a joint supplement for race horses. But when Georgia

per cent of the professional skincare market in the USA. The

took it to help repair serious damage to her cartilage after

name comes from a mythological flower filled with a magical

a skiing accident, she also noticed its extraordinary effects

essence that can cure all ills, and thus Pevonia products are

on her skin, nails and hair. Thus the concept of the brand

packed with pure, eco-friendly plant-based ingredients, free

was born.

from all nasties.

In addition to MSM and essential cell nutrients, vitamins

Pevonia’s home collection offers over 75 products that

and minerals, Oskia products also contain a host of actives

incorporate the active ingredients found in professional

including Swiss apple stem cells, peptides, prebiotics,

treatments. Each line targets specific concerns and is

hyaluronic and Immortelle Bleue which help combat aging

peppered with trademark symbols.

and environmental damage. Oskia is all about harnessing

As well as the extensive skincare range you’ll also find

natural ingredients from around the world to boost skin

products for men, teens, even spa-inspired diffusers and

cell health — their Super 16 Pro-Collagen Super Serum

accessories.

contains bakuchiol, for example, derived from an Indian seed traditionally used to heal head cuts.

They say: “An extensive product and treatment line of holistic, botanical products containing the latest ingredient

They say: “Oskia products are nutritionally-designed to

discoveries in precise, yet effective formations. Celebrity fans

improve the skin’s condition from both inside and outside.”

of Pevonia Botanica skin care include Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Matthew McConaughey, Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes and Rachel Weisz.”

We say: Although we take all skincare ‘science’ with a pinch of organic sodium, the lovely effects of Oskia products are hard to argue with. Each product does what it says on its

We say: Anything that’s good enough for Angelina is most

beautifully elegant label.

definitely good enough for us!

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Pinks Boutique

Rodial

Hero products: Sweet Orange and Neroli Body Balm (90g,

Hero products: Dragons Blood Advanced XXL Sculpting

£32.95), Rosehip Face and Body Scrub (60g, £32), Anti-

Serum (30 ml, £125), Stemcell Superfood Facial (30ml, £60)

Ageing Deep Cleanse Melt (60g, £42) all available at: www.

Glamoxy Snake Mask (50ml, £68) all available at: www.

pinksboutique.com

rodial.co.uk

Standout treatments: Full Body Massage (55 minutes, £60)

Standout treatments: Sculpt (60 minutes, £68) at The

at Tempus Spa at The Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire.

Boutique Spa, Kent.

Pinks Boutique has unusually cerebral beginnings for a

Based in London, Rodial wanted to offer a convincing

beauty product. Co-founders and husband and wife team

alternative to plastic surgery, focusing on instant results skin

Luke Sherriff and Kirstie Allen first met at Oxford University

care and make-up. Beauty journalist Maria Hatzistefanis

– he was a human scientist, then a professional rugby

founded the company in 1999, and clearly has an eye for

player, she was studying history. Their shared love of travel,

headline-grabbing

particularly Asia, and organic food and products developed

descriptions – Super Fit Boob Job gel, Bee Venom and

into Pinks Boutique organic skincare range, which in the

Placenta 24 Carat Gold Ultimate Crème (a mere £750 that

early days they used to blend at home.

one) and so on. Rodial have had their knuckles rapped over

sensationalist

product

names

and

Now their ranges for face, hands, body and feet are all

the years by the Advertising Standards Industry, although that

made in England using natural ingredients accredited by

hasn’t stopped them. You kind of have to admire their sass.

The brand has also embraced modern skincare and

the Soil Association. Each range is inspired by research of

beauty channels — there’s a Rodial sculpting app which

traditional Asian spa cultures.

Pinks Boutique products are not tested on animals

will teach you to highlight and lowlight your way to make

and are all vegetarian friendly. The company also uses

up perfection. The company is also launching a youtube

enviromentally-friendly packaging.

channel with make up tutorials. Look out for MrsRodial on the video streaming site.

They say: “Every aspect of the Pinks Boutique – from our organic products to our responsible business practices –

They say: “A tightly edited range of luxury products that

are driven by our ethical values and strong belief in beauty,

sculpt and define the face for a flawless finish.”

nature and truth.”

We say: The hero products we tried produced pretty We say: Pinks Boutique are a luxury spa brand with a

impressive, albeit short term results. We’d need to take out a

passionately organic heart and Asian-inspired flourishes.

second mortgage to invest in the long term. It clearly takes

Their use of essential oils and herbs makes the products

attitude and cash to be a full time Rodial client, but then if

robustly and sumptuously aromatic, instantly transporting

you do have the guts to do Bee Venom and Placenta, this is

you to an Asian spa. A lovely, gentle, globally-inspired feast

a good step to take before going under the knife. We like the

for mature, dry, combination and easily irritated skins.

humour and the fact the products dare to be different.

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W ELL N ES S

Spiezia Organics

Su-Man

Hero products: Facial Cleanser (50ml, £26.95), Rose and

Hero products: Awakening Eye Uplift (15ml, £55), Exfoliating

Vanilla Face Oil (30ml, £23.95), Restorative Body Balm (100ml,

Facial Polish (125ml, £40), Purifying Cleansing Gel-Oil (125ml,

£37.95) all available at www.spieziaorganics.com

£40) all available at: www.su-man.com

Standout treatments: Head in Heaven (75 minutes, £93) at

Standout treatments:

Rudding Park, Harrogate. Rose Indulgence Body Treatment

Sculpting Facial (60 minutes, £250) at Away Spa, W London

(80 minutes, £100) at Brown’s Hotel, London.

and Su-Man’s Private Studio.

Created in Italy by Dr Mariano Spiezia and his wife Loredana,

Former dancer and Shiatsu master Su-Man decided other

this skincare range was transformed into a major name

skincare products were not giving her the ‘effortless power’

in organic skincare by its English MD Amanda Barlow. All

she was seeking. This prompted her to go back to her roots as

products are now handmade in Truro, Cornwall using local

a farm girl in Taiwan and experiment with natural products.

herbs and flowers wherever possible. Spiezia also helped

She took the results to two leading chemists in Taiwan

pioneer Soil Association Accreditation for beauty products

and France to be refined for a wider market. Her signature

in the UK, and were the first company to achieve 100 per

mixture of Asian and Western skincare that promises non-

cent organic certification across the range in 1999.

surgical results has taken the Hollywood red carpet and

Bespoke

Su-Man

Skin

Reborn

Spiezia products are notable for their bright purple, pink

beauty media by storm. It was described as “pilates for the

and turquoise jars. They cater for women, men, babies, and

face” by Joely Richardson and “life-changing” according to

people with problem skin. Zara Phillips allegedly had the

Anne Hathaway. Key ingredients include Dragon’s Blood,

Relax and Rejuvenate Facial in the run up to her wedding.

a tree resin that has been used by Amazonian tribes as a healing treatment for centuries, and is said to have powerful protective and regenerative properties.

They say: “At Spiezia we believe that nature does it best.

We’ve developed a unique process which uses solar and lunar energy to make the most of the air-dried herbs used

They say: “Skincare should be a ritual and not a chore. Have

in our products. Spiezia products are not only great for your

a love affair with your skin and you will transform it beyond

skin, but also for the environment.”

recognition.”

We say: Spiezia products look and smell good enough to

We say: We love the Awakening Eye Uplift Cream which

eat – and they come with a free halo thanks to the brand’s

comes in a cute jar and is applied using a zig-zag movement,

eco and ethical conscience (MD Barlow also founded the

which Su-Man demonstrates on her website, using ‘only a

Made For Life Foundation to support those diagnosed with

rice-sized amount’. The results were impressive, fresh and

and recovering from cancer). Their cool funky jars don’t

light. The products have a lovely velvety texture, feel delightful

exactly scream organic until you open the lid, unleashing

to apply, and are quickly absorbed by the skin. We also love

the essential oils. The products we tried were waxy rather

the packaging and Su-Man philosophy of skincare. Although

than creamy and felt soft and smooth once applied.

not cheap, a little ‘rice-sized’ amount goes a long way.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Temple Spa

Thalgo

Hero products: Skin Truffle Total Face Rejuvenation (50ml, £85),

Hero products: Thalgo Pure Velvet Cleansing Cream

Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream (50ml, £39), Be Strong

(150ml, £24.95), Thalgo Hydra-Marine 24h Cream (50ml,

Skin Serum (30ml, £35) all available from www.templespa.com

£39), Thalgo Freshness Exfoliator (50ml, £26) all available at www.thalgo.co.uk

Standout treatments: Repose Aromatherapy Facial (75 minutes, £85) at Weavers’ House Spa at The Swan at Lavenham

Standout treatments: Thalgo Algae Wrap (65 minutes,

Hotel, Suffolk. Skin Investment Facial (60 minutes, £90) at

£100)

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Worcestershire. Drift Away

Prescriptive Facial (60 minutes, £95) at Chuan Spa at the

Massage (55 minutes, £88) at Bailiffscourt Spa, West Sussex.

Langham, London. Polynesia Spa Ritual (85 minutes, £93)

at

Stoke

Park

Spa,

Buckinghamshire.

Thalgo

at Donnington Valley Spa, Berkshire.

An English brand inspired by the Mediterranean healthy lifestyle, developed in laboratories on the lakes of Geneva

As French as Jacques Cousteau, Thalgo Laboratories have

and Italy, and seasoned with herbs from Suffolk. Temple Spa

been creating marine products since 1964 and work closely

is owned by husband and wife team Liz and Mark Warom,

with renowned phycologists (algae experts) conducting

who developed The Body Shop Colourings range and Virgin

marine exploration and research. Their oceanic range

Vie for Richard Branson.

includes wraps, creams, exfoliants, bath products, teas,

The wide range of Temple Spa products are age, sex and

supplements and candles. Each product targets specific

lifestyle appropriate, results-driven, but eco-friendly too,

concerns, including anti-aging, slimming, anti-cellulite,

drawing on botanical actives from Southern Europe. They

sun protection and detoxifying. They also have products

range from the sublime, such as the award winning Skin

specifically for men. We love the gift sets, perfect if you have

Truffle range, to the slightly more reasonable shower gels

a friend in need of pampering.

and shampoos. Ingredients are cruelty free and mostly

They’ve recently launched a cosmeceutical range if you like

vegan. Good for your skin and the environment — what more

your spa treatments with a kick. Try the Mceutic Rénovation

could a girl ask for?

Radicale for “visible effects on the skin with proven and measured results”.

They say: “Your body is a living temple. Honour it, enjoy your life and live it to the full.”

They say: “Each product is a genuine concentrate of marine effectiveness.”

We say: Temple Spa products are used at some of our favourite spas. The products we have tried look sophisticated,

We say: Thalgo products represent really good value in the

smell deeply, but not overpoweringly, of fresh herbs and

high-end spa world. The results are notable especially on

essential oils (it’s tempting to wax lyrical here about sun

mature skins. And it’s ever so chic, something we imagine

drenched meadows). And they feel luxuriant, with visible

Catherine Deneuve would have on her dressing table. The

smoothing and firming effects. Temple Spa gets the Spa

ranges work well across problem skin too — the Hydra Marine

Spies’ unanimous approval.

Cream is perfect even on oily skin.

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WELL N ES S

Tri Dosha

Voya

Hero products: Calm Face Cream (60ml, £36), Skin Softening

Hero products: Get Glowing Marine Face Mask (50ml, £32),

Wash (250ml, £16.50), Palmarosa and Grapefruit Cleanser

Me Time Facial Moisturiser (50ml, £51), Lazy Days Seaweed

(200ml, £21) all available at: www.tri-dosha.co.uk

Bath (500g, £16) all available at www.voya.ie

Standout treatments: Holistic Glow (60 minutes, £105) at

Standout treatments: Stimulating Seaweed Body Buff

Herb House Spa at Lime Wood, Hampshire. Mukabhayanga

Scrub (60 minutes, £65) at PH20 at Park House, Sussex.

Facial Massage (30 minutes, £45) at The Scarlet Spa, Cornwall.

Marine Radiance Facial (55 minutes, £65) at St Brides Spa

Pinda Sweda massage (55 minutes, £92) at Utopia Spa at

Hotel, Pembrokeshire.

Rowhill Grange.

Voya’s big selling point is the use of organic, hand-harvested Tri Dosha specialises in ayurvedic products and treatments.

Irish seaweed and algae in its products and treatments.

Founder Sunita Passi trained in Ayurveda in India and has

Being family owned and proud of its local and green

spent the past 10 years researching meditation and holistic

credentials adds to its charm. It was founded by Irish

health. You and your therapist will tailor or choose your

triathlete Neil Watson, a convert to the healing properties of

treatment around your dosha, or energy type.

seaweed baths. He and his family decided to revive this local

Because Ayurveda is so deeply entwined with the brand,

tradition and in 2000, opened the Voya seaweed bathhouse

if you’re at a spa which uses Tri Dosha you’re likely to find

in their home village Strandhill, County Silgo. The name

holistic programmes, Ayurvedic literature and nutrition

means voyage, as customers likened the treatments to a sea

advice too. The products are natural and organic with many

journey. In 2006, Neil’s brother Mark and sister-in-law Kira

wild crafted and therapeutic herbs.

launched the product range, which covers everything from

The product ranges are tailored by your dosha type.

baths and wraps, to scrubs and facials. Most use seaweed as

including facial essentials, oils, shampoo and conditioners.

well as other organic and non-organic ingredients (enough

We also love the balms; the Miracle Balm is perfect if you

to earn them a Soil Association certificate).

have dry or irritable skin and the Pain Balm is an ayurvedic They say: “Organic beauty from the sea.”

remedy to warm up muscles, soothe aching joints and even clear your airways during a cold.

We say: The Spa Spies have noticed positive results, They say: “Everything has been lovingly created to deliver

particularly from the scrubs and lip balms. The dried

real tangible results with a touch of luxury.”

seaweed bath we tried at home was surprisingly pleasurable, if not for the squeamish – the packaging warns “may contain

We say: The products are fresh, soothing and as good for the

crustaceans”! The oils produced by the algae left our skin

environment as our skin! Because the products are so based

feeling soft and smooth. The fragrance is natural and subtle,

on herbs they can be stronger smelling than others! If you want

and the packaging is smart, so men would like it too. Perfect

to adopt a more holistic change to your skincare routine, Tri

for those with dry or aging skin and a love of organic and

Dosha is the way forward.

sustainable products.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Products for Men 52

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W ELL N ES S

Y

ou don’t have to be metrosexual

the term ‘manual labour’. Voya recognise

to own a decent grooming

this and suggest men use their reparative

kit. Most of the brands we’ve

hand cream Handy To Have (75ml, £16).

selected here target specific needs –

Other Voya classics for chaps would

shaving, exposure to the elements (think

include Cast Away (125ml, £26), an organic

of all the spas attached to golf courses

face wash, which can be used as a shaving

on blustery coastlines!) and ‘maturing’

gel, and Lazy Days Dried Seaweed and

in a suitably macho fashion. Products

Dead Sea Salt bath (500g, £16).

for men tend to be results-driven and

All available from www.voya.ie

no-nonsense, with minimalist packaging and a more subtle fragrance.

Since Linda Meredith’s male client list

Here are some that often find their way

includes Colin Firth, Dennis Hopper,

into spa treatments for chaps and make

Alexander McQueen and Jude Law it

a classy alternative to the usual Old Spice

makes sense that she has launched The

Christmas gift set.

Linda Meredith Gentleman’s Collection (£69), which includes Hydrating Mist (40ml), Gel Cleanser (35ml) and Q3 moisturiser (35ml). More at:

Elemis Men is designed to “combat

www.lindameredith.com

the harsh effects of frequent shaving, stresses of life and daily environmental

Thalgo’s marine

pollution.” The products are results

based products

driven, and aimed at four skincare

are packaged

categories – cleansers and face washes

in dark blue for

for younger, acne-prone skin; anti-aging

boys and named

range The Defence; S.O.S Survival Cream

ThalgoMen. Try

for sensitive types; and a shaving range.

the Intensive

Their hero products are Ice Cool Foaming

Hydrating

Shave Gel (200ml, £22), Daily Moisture

Cream (50ml,

Boost (50ml, £30) and the Deep Cleanse

£26) Shaving

Facial Wash (150ml, £20). Available at

Gel (100ml, £12)

www.elemis.com

and Wake-Up Shower Gel

ESPA Men has sleek black packaging and

The Refinery, “London’s one-stop

(£13) all at www.

the products are at a reasonable price

grooming emporium for men” in

thalgo.co.uk.

point. Product categories include Wash

Mayfair, Harrods and Knightsbridge,

The products

and Shave, Hydrate, Body and Age Rebel,

has developed its own range of products

have a very

catering for most skin types and ages

with Aromatherapy Associates

light fragrance

(there’s Youthful, First Signs of Aging,

(www.aromatherapyassociates.com).

and the active

Maturing, and Mature – all suggesting

Twelve luxurious products include their

ingredients –

a healthy attitude to aging that’s

Revitalising Moisturiser (50ml, £43), Post

such as Algue

somewhat lacking in the marketing of

Shave Balm (100ml, £33) and Face Mask (75

Bleue Vitale® –

female products). Hero products are Dual

ml, £30). Packaging is elegantly minimalist

produce visible results, whether you need

Action Shavemud (200ml, £22) a shaving

and the products contain rather manly

rehydrating after all your manly outdoor

cream which doubles as a cleansing

natural essential oils such as bergamont,

stuff, protection or anti-aging.

mask, Age Rebel Eye Hydrator (25ml, £36) and Postshave Rescue (70ml, £26),

aloe, cedarwood and spearmint.

Decléor Men should appeal to chaps

available at www.espaskincare.com

The story of Voya began with a man

who respect the science of skincare

and his aching athletic body, and how

but also care about green credentials.

ClarinsMen range is relatively extensive

he found seaweed bathing helped (see

The Aromessence Triple Action Shave

and classically reliable, with creams

the main product guide). Hence Voya’s

Protector (15ml, £41.50) is the male

and balms that claim to do everything

organic and natural products have

addition to their award winning super

from (alleged) ab firming to simple face

unisex appeal – both in their scent and

serum range, and contains clove essential

cleansing. Hero products are ClarinsMen

packaging – even if they don’t advertise

oil, which they say slows hair re-growth.

Super Moisture Balm (50ml, £29), Active

directly to men or women. Unusually,

Also popular is the Face Skin Energiser

Face Wash (125ml, £19.50) and Line-

men’s products tend to ignore the hands,

Fluid (50ml, £39) and Clean Skin Scrub Gel

Control Cream (50ml, £41). More at:

which seems bizarre when you consider

(125ml £21.50). More at: www.decleor.co.uk

www.clarins.co.uk

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Mind over matter Meditation and mindfulness have earned a reputation as an effective way to help reduce or manage anxiety, depression and stress. But what can you expect from a meditation class? The Spa Spies find out…

54

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W ELL N ES S

55

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

W

hile it used to be the

15th century Indian poet Kabir said,

scientist rather than letting them drag

domain of Buddhists monks

“Wherever you are, that’s the entry point.”

you to hell and back.

meditation classes are springing up

Do I have to stop thinking?

to our minds, emotions, and bodies,

everywhere, from spas to workplaces, and

Most people think meditation is about

the stressful relationship tends to

even in schools. Research has shown that

emptying your mind. But not thinking, or

quiet down,” says clinical psychologist

meditation can be effective at improving

going blank, is usually what happens in

Elisha Goldstein, who writes for Mindful

emotional regulation, focus and memory.

traumatic situations, not relaxation.

magazine (www.mindful.org). “But when

“When we’re able to just be present

and a few earnest hippies,

You’ve heard the term ‘letting our

we try and quiet the mind down, we

What do you have to do?

thoughts run away with us’. Like when

Most classes begin with you sitting up

you decide someone (boss, spouse,

with eyes open, inviting you to close

friend) doesn’t like you and can not only

in how your mind works rather than

them after a while. Some teachers use

find a thousand reasons to back it up,

afraid of, or frustrated by it.

guided visualisation or body scans, others

but also a thousand consequences that

ask you to draw attention to your breath.

will all end badly for you. While you are

Will it help me focus?

Counting breaths – one in-out, two in-out

thinking these things, you cannot do or

People tend to find that if they practise

– makes you more aware of the times

focus on anything else. It’s as though

regularly, their focus and concentration

when your mind wanders. When it does,

your thoughts have plunged you into

increases, which is why business gurus

simply notice it happening, and if you

some nightmare film and your are

such as Ray Dalio and Padmasree Warrior

want to, gently return your attention the

writing the script for the rest of your life

constantly extoll its virtues. Oprah Winfrey

breath. It’s all about showing yourself

– and all you can do is watch in horror!

was introduced to the practise during her

compassion and paying attention.

In mindfulness meditation,

often add fuel to the fire.”

Quite quickly, you become interested

work with children in inner city schools.

Simple!

instead of trying to make these

Many creatives, such as David Lynch

If you can’t find a class, there are

thoughts stop – and this is the part

and Lena Dunham, use it for inspiration.

hundreds of CDs or downloads available.

that may be surprising – you have to

However, you don’t have to focus when

Give them a trial run before you invest:

let yourself think. Then you take a step

meditating: in fact, you’ll be aware that

make sure the voices don’t annoy you.

back (usually guided by your meditation

your mind wanders hundreds of times.

As you gain confidence you can

teacher) and watch yourself think. You

Simply being aware when it happens is

practise meditation anywhere. As the

observe your thought processes like a

being mindful.

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W ELL N ES S

Will it help me relax?

‘right way’. Some people get angry with

OM meditation, which is used in

As you’ve probably heard through

themselves (or the teacher, or the entire

Hindu traditions. Film director David

recent news reports, studies have

concept of meditation) and quit after

Lynch has always been a proponent

shown that regular meditation can

the first class. But those who carry on say

of Transcendental Meditation™,

reduce depression and anxiety.

they notice a huge change in the way

although this costs a lot as you need

However, relaxation is not the aim of

they cope with everyday life.

a qualified teacher, and gurus don’t come cheap.

mindful meditation. What it does teach you is a greater mental flexibility, so you

Mindfulness or meditation?

may be able to adapt more easily to

Mindfulness is a philosophy based on

Who likes it?

stressful situations.

the Buddhist idea of being awake, and

Yoga-istas love it and can get quite

the Buddhist and existential belief that

competitive about it. Having the right

Is it hard?

the present moment is the only reality.

outfits and best ‘gurus’ may, however,

If you are a neurotic perfectionist, then

Too many of us exist either in the past

defeat the point. People on rehabilitation

the answer would be yes. First you have

(obsessing over past successes, failures,

programmes or with mental health

to contend with sitting still instead of

hurts) or the future (worrying about

issues also benefit: since they have a

distracting your nervous anxiety with

what’s going to happen, even though

more pressing reason for attending,

lots of work, friends and frantic activities.

we can’t control it anyway).

they usually get the most dramatic

Then you have that critical voice in your

Being alert to the present moment

results. School children seem to enjoy

brain telling you that you’re not doing it

and showing self-compassion makes us

meditation clases, and it helps them

right (which is why a lot of meditation

more responsive in our relationships with

control their anxiety from an early age.

teachers will keep stressing that there is

people, our environment, ourselves. It

A number of celebrities have jumped on

no right way of doing it).

helps us become connected to our senses

the meditation bandwagon, including

and at the same time less defensive.

Russell Brand, Jennifer Aniston, Cameron

hard because you think it’s hard, then

Meditation is a practice. As well

Diaz and Jerry Seinfeld, etcetera, while

no. Learning self-compassion is key to

as mindfulness meditation, there’s

supermodel Gisele swears by it. And the

meditation, and indeed future happiness.

Loving Kindness (Metta Meditation)

walking-unwell, the normal-anxious like

which comes from Buddhist traditions,

you or me, who wouldn’t mind feeling

‘practise’. You’re not going to get it right

Vispassana (focused breathing),

calmer and taking control of their lives

first time, or ever. In fact there is no

Zen meditation, and mantra or

can find it a very useful tool.

But actually, once you realise it’s only

Also, there’s a reason this is called

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Spotlight on Switzerland Which country is most like a spa? It’s got to be Switzerland. The culture is calm and collected, the air is clean and the scenery is breathtaking. Purity and greenness are buzzwords: power is hydroelectric, water is glacier melt, and even the cows produce ‘biomilch’. A few days here and you’ll feel squeaky clean and very relaxed. We sent Sybaritic Spy to try six of the best Swiss spas…

Dolder Grand Zurich

hat do you get when you mix a grand Victorian

W

The meditation walk is well worth trying. A high, narrow

lakeside manor house built in 1899 and inventive

passageway curls round and round until you feel almost lost.

modern architect Lord Foster? Answer: a stunning

Then suddenly you reach the circular relaxation area which is

hotel that has kept the grace of the original building while

lined with mirrors and has a domed roof, so you feel you are

surrounding it with two huge modern wings full of light and

inside a light, bright egg. Relax on the cushions and let the

sinuous curves.

light lift your mood.

What’s on offer

Tell us about the treatments

The huge spa covers 4,000 square metres… yes metres! That’s

I had a La Prairie facial, which was so much more than just a

bigger than some hotels. There are 18 treatment rooms and

facial. It included a foot massage, a lovely back massage, and

two spa suites, plus a spa library, café, gym, pool and three

an arm massage. So a little bit of everything really. Perfect for

heat experience areas.

anyone short of time.

There are separate ladies and gentlemen heat areas in the

Christina, my therapist, spent some time assessing my skin

changing rooms, plus a communal one in the main spa. Since

and my lifestyle; skin dehydrated and a bit neglected, lifestyle

this is Europe, the single-sex heat areas are ‘clothes optional’,

far too much travelling, and yes apparently I suffer from not

but clearly labelled as such, and very elegant, with hot tubs,

enough fresh air and sunshine!

footbaths, steam rooms, experience showers, and even a

The back massage was detailed and carefully done. Christina

fireplace to relax beside. Out by the pool, in the mixed-sex hot

seemed able to sense where my tension was and worked on

area there are sinuously curved experience showers with sparkly

those areas without the deep and painful massage that you

gold tiles, a steam room, a sanarium and a ‘snow paradise’.

sometimes get. Instead she worked a bit, went to another area

The pool is wedge shaped and 20-metres at the longest

and then came back to the tense spots and worked a little

point. Swim from the narrow point towards a wall of glass

more, until gradually everywhere seemed to relax.

where the light streams in. Outside on the sheltered terrace are

The facial used a foaming cleanser which reached into

two hot pools and one cold plunge pool.

every fine line on my face and left it feeling sparkling clean.

Sunbeds line the terrace area so you can lie back and look

A steaming session opened the pores enough for Christina to

over the valley down to the lake.

extract some of the milia I tend to suffer from. While the face

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Food Facts The Garden restaurant is open all day and offers a wide range of meals with an interesting Swiss twist. The crayfish cooked with melon, dill, coriander and green curry was inventive and light. Local venison was the centrepiece of the menu. The meal package includes a three course dinner and a drink in the bar afterwards – worth a visit for the Harry Potter style ceiling with floating candles. For a grand occasion head for The Restaurant which has two Michelin stars.

Don’t miss An early morning dip in the hot tub on the terrace, watching the clouds clear over the lake and the steam rise around you.

The amazing art around the hotel. There are over 100 sculptures and paintings and the list includes originals by Damien Hurst, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol.

Who would like it?

Spa weekenders: Zurich is just over an hour by plane and the mask was on, Christina massaged my hands and arms, and

Dolder Grand is only 20 minutes from the airport, so you can be

then finished with a lifting face massage.

in the spa within a couple of hours of leaving the UK. Medi-spa enthusiasts. The Dolder Grand offers four themed

Certainly the end result was a much fresher skin which looked plumper… those aging, saggy hollows around my cheeks

spa days: Relax, Vitality, Beauty, Detox. All include medical

had largely disappeared and I looked brighter and clearer.

consultations, hormone tests and ultrasound.

The spa offers a wide range of treatments and uses upmarket brands La Prairie, Kerstin Florian, Amala and Horst Kirchberger.

Find out more at: www.thedoldergrand.com

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Getting to Switzerland

Switzerland is very close. Zurich is just over an hour away and Geneva is about 90 minutes by plane. Swiss Air, British Airways and Easyjet all fly to cities in Switzerland.

The trains run on time and you can admire the snowy scenery from the windows of the Glacier Express train (www.glacierexpress.ch).

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Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

Geneva is in many ways at the centre of things. This is where the river Rhone starts, where world banks meet, the Red Cross was founded and the European United Nations Headquarters is based.

Lake Geneva is huge and edged with vineyards and orchards. The expanse of water is wide, bringing light, air and flocks of swans into the city centre.

The Four Seasons Hotel de Bergues is elegant and beautifully restored. It’s also slap bang in the middle of Geneva with views overlooking the lake to Mont Blanc.

What’s on offer Spa Mont Blanc is on the 6th and 7th floors with a good sized

By the end of the hour my skin was smooth and glowing.

lap pool on the top floor and windows looking out over the

Even the bits I didn’t realise had cellulite, such as the back of

city. There is a distinct Art Deco feel to the design and the

my upper arms, looked and felt wonderful. I would certainly

loveliest hammam room with soft grey sculptured marble

have this treatment pre-holiday and then would not have to

walls. Even the showers have sinuous silver handles on the

hide my legs!

front. The relaxation room is dark, quiet and cocoon-like.

Food Facts

There is also a hair salon.

We ate in the Il Lago restaurant sitting outside in the sunshine,

Tell us about the treatments

watching the cosmopolitan world that is Geneva go by. A host

Biologic Recherche is a French brand and I was

of languages and cultures can all be seen and heard here.

down to try the Anti-C Slimming Treatment – something

The food was modern, light and intensively flavoured. We

I had not tried before. It involved using a massage mitt to

had several amuse bouche to tantalise the taste buds. I tried

shift stubborn cellulite. I would have sworn there is not

roasted kid goat which tasted like a very tender beef – much

much you can do about that orange peel dimpling

better than the curried goat I’ve tried in India. My partner

most of us have somewhere. Now I know differently.

had sea bass served in a foam which was light, delicate and

Jesome, my energetic therapist applied an exfoliating

very healthy. As it got dark, we sneaked up to the Japanese

cream and then worked it in using a massage mitt with

restaurant on the rooftop where we could look out over the

some large (but thankfully soft) spikes on it. A booster

lights of the city.

mixture was applied and then she worked the Crème Anti C Lotion into my skin using a massage mitt with smaller

Don’t miss

spikes. She massaged firmly and in specific directions –

An evening swim in the rooftop pool at sunset when you can

stimulating rather than rough – before taking it down a

watch as the mountains are gilded with warm sunlight.

notch to a light massage.

The painted floor-to-ceiling panels in the main dining room which tell the history of Geneva in pale pastels.

The chance to dodge into the Jet d’Eau fountain on the bridge over Lake Geneva. We were cowards and just watched as others took it in turns to try to get past without getting wet, and failed amid much hilarity.

Who would like it?

Weekend spa goers. Geneva is small enough to explore on foot, buzzy enough to make a memorable trip, and the Four Seasons is central, so makes a great base.

Beach babes who want to reveal peach smooth skin on holiday. This treatment works!

Sybarites who like luxury, glorious surroundings, good food and a small but perfect spa.

Find out more at: www.fourseasons.com/geneva

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Kempinski Grand Hôtel des Bains Saint Moritz

The Kempinski Grand Hôtel des Bains is located right at the

Tell us about the treatments

Mauritius spring, the root of St Moritz, and has direct access to

I was booked in for a seasonal massage and machine-led facial.

the ski and hiking Corviglia region. The legendary Hahnensee

The perfect balance.

ski run ends in front of the hotel and the cross-country ski runs

Tatyana, my therapist, has a longstanding interest in healing,

of the Engadine ski marathon pass it too.

so she spent some time asking about my lifestyle initially. The spa is managed by spa consultancy Resense, and in a similar

What’s on offer

way to Kempinski Spas around the world, the treatment oils

The hotel itself is massive, white as a snowy mountain peak

are named after the seasons, each season reflecting a feeling.

with blue shuttered windows, and two rather grand towers.

We opted for the Spring in Your Step detoxing treatment which

It has ski-in ski-out facilities and extensive training facilities

involves body brushing before an uplifting massage. I usually

for winter sports.

ask for a firm massage, but Tatyana suggested that as my skin is

Kempinski The Spa is large too, with many varieties of

sensitive I should have a gentle massage. It was very detailed and

thermal rooms on offer – ideal for winter sport enthusiasts to

carefully done and I realised that expertise and careful attention

warm up in. Visit the Finnish sauna, bio sauna, herbal sauna,

to detail can achieve more than a vigorous rub. At one point

stone sauna or steam bath and then cool off in the laconium.

during the massage she held her hands over the scars on my

The 15-metre pool is kept at 29 degrees in summer and 31

back (from an accident) and said that as they felt hot she would

in winter. There is a sheltered garden with water feature and

concentrate on them for a while. They didn’t fade but my back

walkway so you can walk over smooth warm slabs of stone,

did feel much looser for a day or so.

rounded pebbles or loose stones: a reflexology walk to stimulate

I then had a HydraFacial MD® treatment, a rejuvenating

the pressure points on your feet.

skin resurfacing treatment that is not yet available in any UK

In warm weather there is a terrace area with seating outside

spas. Having tried it I am sure it will be coming to a spa near

the swimming pool.

you soon!

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The results were visible. The deep lines that have developed between my nose and the edges of my mouth softened, the sun damaged areas were much improved and my skin was

This is a machine-assisted treatment and it involves four

more hydrated.

stages. First, my therapist Liliana deep cleansed and exfoliated to remove debris from the skin, then she applied an acid peel.

Extractions were followed by a collagen mask with an LED light.

Don’t miss

The hydra-facial machine pushes the product into the top layer

Taking the waters. Paracelsus, the great early doctor of middle

of the skin. It’s a ‘tornado into your pores’ according to Lilianna.

Europe, brought his patients to drink from the natural spring

The peel was tingly (but not painfully so), especially over my

here, and it still works. The water is soft and clear and not at all

cheeks where I have some sun damage. Liliana worked hard on

like the sulphur waters found in British traditional spas

the wrinkles around my eyes, which she suggested is also due

Trying the variety of saunas – who knew that you could sauna

to sun damage rather than plain old aging.

in a cowshed?

She placed the collagen mask over my face then shone a

Who would like it?

blue LED light on it.

My lips have thinned over the years – a real age give-away –

Anyone beginning to notice the signs of aging. The difference

and Liliana took great delight in letting me see in the mirror as

is visible after one treatment.

she ran the hydra-facial machine over them. As she pumped

Men. The spa is quite masculine in greys and reds, so great

the hydrating fluid into them there was an almost immediate

for men who don’t like frilly spas. There are plenty of sports

effect: my lips pinked up and looked plumper than they have

training and gym facilities on site too.

done for years!

My skin is sensitive so it was red for a while after the

Find out more at:

treatment, but within the hour had calmed down.

www.kempinski.com/en/st-moritz/grand-hotel-des-bains

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Badrutt’s Palace St Moritz

B

adrutt’s Palace is in the middle of St Moritz and is both a legend and a landmark. It was opened by Herr Badrutt in 1896 and has been going strong ever

since. It still has a sense of Victorian grandeur with a huge central walkway which was once used by Victorian ladies to promenade.

What’s on offer The spa is a delightful surprise. Take the lift six stories below the ground floor of the hotel and you step out into a cave, dimly lit with three small waterfalls running down flat metal sheets.

Walk down the very plain corridor and suddenly the space opens out to a bright, modern spa that overlooks the lake.

There is light and space everywhere, in contrast to the dim cave.

The huge glass-sided room with an oval 25-metre swimming

Tell us about the treatments

pool is the centrepiece of the spa. Recliners all round mean

I had the three hour ‘top to toe treatment’ which took place in

there is ample space to sit beside the pool. Swim through a lift-

one of the two spa suites. The suite feels very private and quite

up screen to the outdoor hot tub, and laze in wonderfully warm

palatial. The treatment was equally palatial, since it involved

water with the sun on your back. Gaze out at snow topped

three therapists often working at the same time!

mountains and passing clouds. There are heat experiences in

The treatment began with a body scrub, a shower and then

each changing room, and shared thermal rooms in the main

a light massage. This was followed by a facial using products

spa area leading to the pool.

from the Swiss product house Amala. There was even a stem

The spa’s theme is ‘wellness’ and they even have their

cell serum for the eye area. I was slightly worried about using

own ‘wellness advisor’ Martha Weideman. Of an Indian family,

something with stem cells in, but have to admit that the end

but having grown up in Australia, she was keen to combine

result was exceptional.

the sense of the outdoor life with the traditions of Ayurvedic

Then came the hair treatment. My hair was washed, a serum

medicine. The aim of the spa is to bring a sense of wellbeing

was pasted onto my damp hair and then each strand was

to guests, so all ingredients are organic and natural.

steamed so the serum was pushed into the fibres.

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I was then told that Marco ‘the famous hairdresser from

a small stairway as you enter, designed so guests can pause

Milano’ would come and do the blow dry.

at the top giving everyone already seated time to turn and

Marco very patiently blow dried my naturally very fine

admire the newcomers. You are then greeted by the maître d’

hair starting at the top. Most hairdressers pin the top layer

and escorted to your table. The food is equally grand. Dishes

up and start at the bottom, Marco explained that by starting

are carved, served or even flambéed at side tables.

at the top, blow drying along the hair shaft and then letting

If you fancy something a little more relaxed, head for the

each strand turn over as it cools, helps to make hair both

Swiss/Italian restaurant a few yards up the hill. The spa café

smooth and shiny as well as giving lift and volume. And it

serves fresh and light salads, snacks and hot meals, and

worked. My hair looked both glossy and full. I looked pretty

wonderful smoothies.

film star-ish at the end of the three hours. My skin was glowing, my hair was voluptuous and shining, and my

Don’t miss

hands and feet polished.

Arriving by train – which takes you through the snowy mountains (two hours from Zurich) and the hotel has three

Food Facts

vintage Rolls Royces to collect guests from the station in style.

The main restaurant at Badrutt’s Palace is called, simply, Le

The events in the village. We missed the Mozart weekend by

Restaurant and offers a little bit of 1920s grandeur. There is

a few days but did enjoy the collection of vintage Italian sport cars that graced the streets. There are festivals and activities galore if you want to time your trip around an event.

Booking a hair treatment. Not many spas offer this but it is well worth trying.

Who would like it?

Anyone keen on a bit of grandeur and luxury for a special occasion. The peaceful, calm and beautifully designed spa space makes it a real treat.

Wellness fans who want to jumpstart a new lifestyle.

Find out more at: www.badruttspalace.com

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Alpina Gstaad Gstaad

G

staad itself is quite small and very select. Houses here cost considerably more than houses in London, which may be why it has been home to superstars such as

Julie Andrews and Roger Moore.

The Alpina Gstaad is a new hotel, built into the hillside above the town to make the best of the mountain views. The architecture is stunning, the combination of natural woods, stone and leather create warmth and a sense of comfort and security – vital in a world that is covered in snow for eight or nine months of the year.

What’s on offer?

You can get lost in the spa. As it is a Six Senses Spa, I half expected an Asian feel. But here it has been adapted to fit in the Alpine environment with stone walls, sheets of running water, soft coloured cushions, and bright flowers.

The indoor pool is 25 metres long, so great for a good swim and stretch, or you can just laze in one of the two whirlpools. There are huge blocks of limestone at one end, with waterfalls running down the wall, so it feels like being inside an alpine grotto.

There are single sex heat experience areas in each of the changing rooms, plus the indoor pool and whirlpools, and the outdoor pool. There is also a gym and a fitness studio for regular Pilates and yoga sessions.

In the ladies’ changing room there is a steam room, a gently warm sanarium, a hot tub with massage jets, a cold plunge pool, an ice shower for the brave, and two experience showers.

The mens’ changing room has the same but a hot sauna rather than a sanarium.

Tell us about the treatments

Don’t miss

I had a 60-minute holistic massage. Konstantina, my therapist

Swimming in the outdoor pool early in the morning with

began with warm cloths on my feet, then sounded a bell from

steam rising around you from the warm water, while you

a Tibetan singing bowl which was deep, sonorous and gently

watch the clouds lift from the valley and reveal the beauty

reverberated around the treatment room. Konstantina laid the

of the surrounding mountains

bowl gently on my lower back so the vibrations travelled along

The breakfast honey which is created by busy bees housed

my spine.

in the hotel grounds.

I had requested a gentle massage and it was gentle, but no

A trip to the nearby Glacier 3000. Two cable car rides take

less effective for it. Konstantina did plenty of detailed work on

you up to the glacier, a huge river of ice on the mountain top.

the tense muscles around my shoulders and neck, and some

A metal bridge has been slung between two small peaks so you

lovely sweeping movements along my back which helped

can walk over part of it. Do look down – the views are fantastic!

me relax. The head massage was effective, without involving

We could see the Matterhorn with a sea of cloud around it.

any hair pulling which I hate! So by the time the singing bowl was sounded again to signify the end of the treatment, I was

Who would like it?

completely tension-free.

Luxury lovers. The hotel is beautiful and the service impeccable.

A cup of hot ginger tea with honey in the café area helped

This is a place to rest and relax, see and be seen. It’s a hedonist’s

me wake up enough to explore the spa facilities.

idea of heaven.

Anyone needing a break from a busy schedule. The

Food Facts

calmness and serenity of Gstaad itself and the hotel and

The spa juice bar offers hot and cold drinks. MEGU, a modern

spa will let you slow down and enjoy life again. It’s on my

Japanese restaurant offers ultra-fresh sushi made to order. You

bucket list to go again in winter when the snow would

can watch the chef creating tiny parcels of intense flavour. The

make it perfect.

main Sommet restaurant offers modern French cuisine. My sole Find out more at: www.thealpinagstaad.ch

from Brittany was huge and was deftly de-boned at the table.

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Nira Alpina Silvaplana

Silvaplana village nestles in a lovely sheltered valley just a few

Food Facts

miles from Saint Moritz. The mountains here go up to 13,000

Breakfast is great: home-

feet, so the scenery is dramatic. Spend the day on the slopes

made bread from their own

(skiing or walking) then come back to the Nira Spa and warm

bakery, really good coffee

up in the sauna, use the hydrotherapy pool and have a very

and food cooked to order.

The rooftop bar serves hot

good massage.

food and snacks, and lovely

What’s on offer

cocktails.

The Stars restaurant does

You have to enter the hotel through the garage, a true sign that this is a snow heavy area! Once inside, the building is

international and local

arranged so that large floor-to-ceiling windows give views of the

dishes and uses mostly local

valley and the mountains. Wake up in the morning, open your

produce. My starter of ravioli

curtains and you peer out at streams of clouds snaking their

with lemon and mint was a

way around the snow-clad mountain peaks.

real winner. The veal and fish were both perfectly cooked.

The overall feel here is of an upmarket ski lodge, with much use of stone and wood, and seats covered in cow skin.

Don’t miss

It’s spacious, modern and not short of comforts.

Triple-glazing and open fires keep you warm in the winter

Sitting in the warm hydro-

and the spa is a softly-lit haven on the second floor, with

pool and looking out over

a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, foot baths and

the mountains. Just outside

experience showers.

the wet zone is a nursery slope for children learning to ski, so in winter you can watch

Tell us about the treatments

little ones becoming proficient skiers, and maybe pick up a tip

Treatments are not fancy on the surface, but boy are they

or two!

effective. My Aromatherapy Massage was deeply relaxing. My

Breakfast with the dozen or so locally made jams and the

Moisture Repair Facial – recommended for dry, dehydrated skin

milk from the ‘happy cows’ who graze on the succulent grass

– used jasmine, papaya, jojoba oil and shea butter, and felt like

on the valley floor.

An evening in the rooftop bar; excellent service, sociable and

a real skin treat. The lift-off face mask left my skin feeling bright

great fun after a busy day out and about.

and fresh.

Treatments are tailored for the energetic. The signature Nira Alpina Journey combines hot stones, wooden bamboo sticks

Who would like it?

and an aromatic balm to create a deep massage – perfect after

Energetic skiers, walkers and mountain bikers. If your best-

a day spent on the mountains. The salt stone massage uses

beloved likes a busy life, but you prefer to relax, you can head

crystal stones to soothe away stress, tension and pollutants.

for a day in the spa while they tackle the mountains.

There’s even a foot and leg ritual, a massage treatment that

Families. The Nira Alpina is well geared up for families with

focuses on the deep leg muscles which need to be in top

fold-out beds in some of the rooms and children are allowed

condition for skiing and walking. It’s all perfectly tailored for

in the spa until 5.30 pm.

keen sports people, or perhaps those who want to rediscover their alpine sports prowess!

Find out more at: www.niraalpina.com

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If you’re heading to Switzerland this ski season, you might also like to try these splendid Swiss spas.

Beau Rivage Palace

Clinique la Prairie

Lausanne

Clarens-Montreux

The Cinq Mondes Spa at Beau Rivage Palace is built as a mirror

The famed Clinic La Prairie is rumoured to have been visited by

of the outdoor pool and park area overlooking Lake Geneva.

everyone from Winston Churchill to Marlene Dietrich as an anti-

The 1,500 square metre spa includes an indoor pool, Jacuzzi,

aging retreat. Traditionally guests would have the rejuvenation

steam, sauna, ‘tropical rain promenade’, relaxation room, and

therapy which included injections of live cells extracted from

six treatment rooms. Try the Suite de Félicité à Deux, a couples’

lamb foetuses, but nowadays you can opt for anything from

treatment room with a spectacular Japanese bath, and choose

cardiology to manicures and pedicures. The spa area has a pool,

The Royal Taoist ritual which includes the Japanese bath

sauna, steam, kniepp bath, relaxation area and café.

ceremony, scrub, massage and facial.

Chedi Andermatt

Grand Hotel Kempinski

Andermatt

Geneva

The Chedi Andermatt is a relative newcomer to the Swiss spa

Le Spa by Resense at the Grand Hotel Kempinski has an edgier

scene, opening its doors in December 2013. But the luxurious

design than many others, with heavy metal beams over the

hotel has firmly been put on the map with skiers from Verbier

pool area, but the service and treatments are much more

or St Moritz flocking to Andermatt. The spa is as stunning as

holistic. You’ll find the pool, steam, sauna, relaxation area and

the hotel. Views from the glass-roofed pool overlook traditional

treatment rooms on the 2nd floor of the hotel. The private

Swiss buildings and snowy trees. As well as two pools, there’s

spa suite is a wonderfully indulgent way to spa with its own

also a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, steam room, sol steam, Jacuzzi,

steam, relaxation area, outdoor terrace and dual hydrobath.

and hot and cold plunge pools.

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

Tschuggen Grand Hotel

Bad Ragaz

Arosa

The 36.5° Wellbeing and Thermal Spa at the Grand Resort Bad

The spa at Tschuggen Grand Hotel was designed by

Ragaz is designed to help you recuperate from the stresses of

architect Mario Batto and uses shapes and geometry to

modern life. Health is woven in everywhere from the treatments

accent the pale stone and glass structures. The curved

to the food to the thermal-spring pools. Stay in the spa to enjoy

glass spa suites are the perfect place for romance. Explore

a spa-style massage or head to the nearby health clinic where

the indoor and outdoor pools, mountain sauna with snow

you can consult with a wide range of doctors from neurologist

terrace, bio sauna, steam room, ice and shower zone,

to internists and dermatologists.

relaxation rooms and sun terrace.

Le Spa by Resense at the Grand Hotel Kempinski

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Feed Your Skin

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D

ry, flaky skin and chapped lips

and part of the Fitter Stronger team at

“If you are taking water to bed and

are common winter complaints,

Chewton Glen. During his training, he

drinking it in the night, it’s a sign that

and the natural response is to

felt that the crucial role of lifestyle in

you are dehydrated. If you drink enough

reach for trusty moisture-rich lotions,

general health was being overlooked. His

in the day, it should see you through the

serums and lip balms. However, if you’re

approach is not just to tell us to eat more

seven hours of sleep. You want to make

eating unhealthily, smoking and drinking

kale, but to look at psychology, sleep,

drinking water an unthinking habit.”

alcohol, but not protecting your skin

food and exercise.

His other slightly more doctorly advice

from the sun or topping up your liquids,

For practical healthy eating tips, we

is to check your urine colour. He has

you might just as well pour all the money

spoke to nutritionist Maggie Horrigan,

a pantone colour chart if you want to

you’re spending on beauty products

who previously worked as a registered

get really serious about it, but the basic

down the waste disposal unit.

nurse and designed the delicious menu

principal is: if your wee is dark, you’re

Diet is important for our looks

for Weaver’s House Spa in Suffolk.

dehydrated. If it’s pale, you’re dandy.

and health, although it’s easy to get

For both, the key advice for

Talking of which, what about all those

overwhelmed with all the conflicting

maintaining a healthy glow, especially

Christmas and New Year parties? Alcohol

information out there. One week

over winter, is to keep drinking water.

is thought to be terribly dehydrating and ageing. In an ideal world, we’d all

chocolate and wine are killers, the next (in moderation) it prevents cancer. Then

Keep hydrated

keep within the government guidelines

the following week it all changes again:

“There are arguments for and against

(“about a bottle of wine a week,” says

wheat gluten is the devil, fats are good,

drinking two litres of water a day,” says

Wadsworth). But if you have friends, or

and sugar causes obesity.

Wadsworth. “But I think until the evidence

indeed over-attentive waiters, topping up

comes in, there is a lot to suggest it is

your drinks, that’s not going to happen.

To add to it all there’s a conflict between the medical profession and nutritionists. Doctors may see people

good for you and nothing to say it’s bad.”

If we are dehydrated, one of the first

“If you know you’re going to drink, intersperse the alcohol with lots of water,”

as individual symptoms rather than

places it shows is in our complexion,

says Horrigan. “It’ll help flush out the

holistically interconnected organisms,

which may become scaly and dry. Also

toxins and make you less dehydrated.”

but are at least regulated and

dehydration leads to headaches, lack of

scientifically backed. Nutritionists are

sleep and dark circles under our eyes. Not

hangover cure: a beetroot and apple

popping up everywhere giving us advice

a good look.

smoothie, as beetroot helps stimulate

For the morning after, try Horrigan’s

the liver’s detoxification process.

on health foods (while often selling their

The trouble is that in winter we

own brands), and yet aren’t subject to

don’t get as thirsty because we’re not

professional regulation, while their claims

overheating and losing moisture through

Embrace good fats

about so-called ‘superfoods’ have little or

sweat. Wadsworth advises starting a

While fat used to be the devil’s spawn in

no scientific evidence.

hydrating routine so that it will eventually

diet world, fatty acids such as omega-3

become a habit.

and 6 are now considered superfoods for

Dr Fred Wadsworth bridges that gap.

He trained as a senior doctor and is

“One way is to have a small 500ml

the skin, with anti-inflammatory actions

now a nutritionist to athletes, including

bottle of water three times a day –

and overall skin-soothing properties.

the English cricket and rugby teams,

morning, lunch and afternoon,” he says.

These are found in oily fish such as

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salmon, nuts, seeds, linseed and flax

perfect? It’s not normal for every apple to

Eat berries

oils and nut milks. Another bonus: one

look the same. Often the cheaper ‘basic’

Superfood fruits like purple, red and

recent study found omega 3 in fatty

foods in supermarkets are more natural

blue grapes, blueberries and red berries

fish promoted collagen creation, which

and sustainable.

contain antioxidants and vitamin C.

makes skin plump and youthful.

“Even if a food doesn’t carry the

Sprinkle on your porridge and stir in

‘organic’ label, it can still have been

some pre-soaked nuts and seeds for the

Avoid processed food

farmed responsibly and without

perfect skin-friendly comfort breakfast.

It’s easier to avoid white rice, pasta and

chemicals. Make sure your lamb is grass-

bread in the summer. But in winter we

fed as it contains more omega-3. Talk to

Keep your PH balanced

tend to ditch the superfood salads for

your grocer and butcher, don’t be afraid

This is where it gets technical. Basically,

comforting meals – hot, filling and usually

to ask a lot of questions. And check out

Horrigan explains, when we eat anything,

full of naughty carbs, the kind our bodies

the Slow Food movement near you.”

our bodies break it down creating an

quickly revert to sugar instead of energy.

www.slowfood.org.uk

acid or alkaline effect. A good balance leans more towards alkaline, whereas

“We didn’t evolve to eat this much sugar and processed foods,” explains

Cook slow on low

excess acid causes inflammation, which

Wadsworth. “The food industry makes a

Warm, hearty food is still good for you,

means we’re less able to fight infection

fortune out of refined carbohydrates, such

as long as it’s cooked slowly and on a

and more liable to rashes and pimples.

as cereal and sugar. Our body doesn’t like

low heat. That way you don’t destroy

Alkaline foods are fruit and vegetables,

things we absorb quickly and as a result

the vitamins and minerals, especially

especially dark greens. Neutral are brown

we have peaks and slumps of energy.

anti-oxidants found in dark green, russet

rice, quinoa and grains. Acid is sugar,

There has to be a degree of processing

red (sweet potatoes) and bright orange

white carbs, wine, chocolate and meat.

to maintain a constant flow.”

vegetables (pumpkins), beans and fish.

Horrigan agrees, adding that if we

“You can put a casserole on a very low

Don’t panic

eat things our body needs and avoid

heat in the oven when you go to work,

“If you’re stressed your body will struggle,”

things it doesn’t – like pesticides and

and come home to a warm tasty meal full

says Maggie. “It will undermine all the

all the chemical extras you see in the

of nutritional goodness,” says Horrigan. “If

good you’re doing if your immune

ingredients of processed food – we

you’re worried about burning the house

system is under attack.”

have less waste products building up

down, slow cookers are great and only

in our bodies. If we have an overload of

cost around £25-£35.”

toxins, they are eliminated through our

Stress can cause IBS, migraine, sleep disorders, illness and skin eruptions, she warns. If you are suffering with any of

skin. Obviously, leaking waste through

Steam your greens

these symptoms, you may want to look

one’s pores is not going to end well

Boiling the life out of your veg kills

at lifestyle changes too.

complexion-wise.

all the good stuff, so steam everything

“Cook from scratch and use as

“Go ahead and eat well and have your

as lightly as possible. Dark green veg

nourishing, relaxing spa treatments,”

little processed food as possible,”

especially contains anti-aging vitamin C

she says. “But make sure you go easy

Horrigan advises. “Check the ingredients

and antioxidants. These attack the free

on yourself too. Slowly ease in the good

especially in breads and cakes. And you

radicals that cause cell damage and are

stuff before you phase out the bad.”

don’t have to pay through the nose to

linked with cancer and aging. Horrigan

eat well. Have you ever wondered why

recommends eating them drizzled

slip into old habits. This is the holiday

the expensive ‘superior’ ranges look so

with linseed oil.

season after all.

And give yourself a break if you do

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Winter Masks Give your skin the love it deserves as the cold snap hits! Pour a glass of wine, run a bath and pamper your skin. Meet your mask match...

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I

n winter, you wrap up every part of

sunshine. But as the nights draw in, the

your body, leaving your poor face

evenings become languorous. There’s

exposed to the brutal elements. Just

more time for long, hot baths and

when you want it looking its best, central

self-indulgent pampering. Those ten or

heating sucks moisture from your skin,

fifteen minutes doing nothing while you

cold winds act like sandpaper and

wait for your mask to dry can also help

lack of sunlight leaves you looking pale

you wind down at the end of a busy day,

and washed out. If you do have the

preparing you for a good night’s sleep.

remnants of a summer tan, rehydration is

Just make sure you choose a mask that

even more crucial. But what can you do

suits your skin type.

Our tip for those with combination

to put colour, plumpness and moisture back into your cheeks?

skins: apply more stringent and cleansing

Face masks are a great quick fix

masks to your T-zone, then add hydrating

solution. You may have dropped them

masks to your cheeks and neck. Here we

from your beauty routine in the summer

try four masks to see how they can light

when you’re too busy out raving in the

up your winter complexion.

Rodial Glamoxy ™ Snake Mask 50ml / £68 Main ingredients: Face-freezing neuro dipeptide sny-ake Skin Type: Urban cougar Not everything has to be au naturel. For the Snow Queen divas among you who want to stay young without sacrificing virgins or going under the knife, this face mask has an aura of wintry black magic about it. While other products smell of lemons or organic herb gardens, this one has the eye-watering fragrance of a stiff vodka martini.

Its second ingredient is alcohol. Other notable property: it’s black. It feels like you’re smearing on acrylic paint with the accompanying feeling of childish glee mingled with a terror that it might never come off again. It chills and tightens during the 20 minutes it takes to dry, then peels off rather pleasingly, like a silk stocking. My skin was left feeling as smooth, pink and youthful as a baby’s bottom, and looked flawless.

VOYA Get Glowing Face Mask 50ml / £32 Main ingredients: Fucus serratus extract, rosemary, sunflower, eucalyptus, lavender Skin type: All The powerful aroma of this product hits you before you’ve even opened the lid of the glass jar. Notes of rosemary and eucalyptus are particularly potent, and therefore perfect if you’re bunged up with cold. The mask itself has a rather dull green/grey appearance, which is expected, since the main ingredient is organic Irish seaweed. It glided on smoothly, and as I waited ten minutes, my skin felt tingly as the active ingredients got

perfect for special occasions and I agree: my skin never looked

to work. The potent smell, meanwhile, totally revived my

better, but the results were short-term. By morning I noticed it

senses. It rinsed off easily and I could see a noticeable glow

had dulled a little. Despite such dramatic results, it felt gentle

to my skin – so yes, it does what it says. I was told it would be

and didn’t aggravate my sensitive skin.

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Oskia Renaissance Mask

Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Overnight Repair Mask

50ml / £48 Main ingredients: MSM, passion fruit, grape, lemon and grapefruit AHAs, papaya enzymes

50ml / £59

Skin type: All

Main Ingredients: Rose, cranberry, aloe, strawberry seed extract,

Oskia’s Renaissance Mask gleams translucent coral pink in its little glass jar and

shea butter, honey, frankincense

smells like a fruit punch with a hint of rose gardens. Resist the temptation to eat

and myrrh

it, and instead massage the pink gloop in firm circular movements. The motion

Skin type: Dry, mature

activates the bio-available nutrients, including the mineral MSM, which is said to promote collagen renewal, brighten the skin and decrease inflammation.

There’s also some exfoliation going on too, although it doesn’t feel remotely rough. After a few seconds of this, it turns creamy white to let you know it’s been ‘properly applied’. Give it ten minutes if you have sensitive skin, fifteen if you are used to the product. On the website (not on the box for some reason) they recommend you splash on some water and give the mask another massage for one last bio-active burst before removing it. Removal was easy, possibly because it feels like a moisturiser, so you don’t have the urge to get every last bit off.

After, my skin felt satiny smooth and soft with a wholesome peachy glow.

Oskia recommend using no more than twice a week for lasting results.

As it says on the tube, this is an overnight mask for an intense rejuvenating treatment. However, you can just use it for two hours to achieve results. It’s a very light creamy texture and easy to apply.

When it dries, it becomes almost

Thalgo Melt Away Mask

rubbery, so you can sleep without getting it all over your pillow. You

50ml / £29.75

can feel it settling tightly over your

Main ingredients: Mango and shea butter as well as

skin, but not uncomfortably, and

rose and algomega complex (the marine algae ingredient

it doesn’t crack when completely

and Thalgo’s USP)

dried. The only thing to be aware of

Skin Type: Dry and very dry

rushing out late for work/school run the next morning without removing

This mask from marine based product house Thalgo offers

it (hey, these things happen!). Once

instant comfort if your skin is suffering severe winter chaffing,

rinsed off, even after two hours,

sunburn from the ski slopes, or just a bit of central heating-

I noticed my pores had visibly

related dehydration. In French they call it Masque Fondant, and

reduced, while my moisturiser

it does indeed smell like fondant or butter icing. It comes in a

glided across the glowing, satiny

tube, feels and looks buttery, and spreads smoothly on face and

surface of my skin. I was so pleased

neck. Once applied, it has an almost instant “ahh” effect as you

with the results that I will hoard it

settle down for fifteen minutes to dream about cakes. It didn’t

throughout the winter. If you have

dry or harden, but after a while simply absorbed into my skin

really dry skin, apply over your face

leaving a fine sheen like a wet varnish. It rinsed away easily, and

oil and leave on overnight for a

my skin felt deliciously smooth, soft, supple and moisturised

super-intensified skin treat.

without feeling at all oily or tight. Yummy.

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Spa + food Are you looking for healthy, nutritious, organic or raw food? Or perhaps you want to indulge in culinary riches, Michelin dining or afternoon tea?

There are spas that can satisfy your tastebuds!

Juices and smoothies Smoothies are on-trend in the spa world.

Don’t be surprised if your therapist brings you a mini smoothie post-treatment – the hit of (natural) sugar will help you wake up from your treatment and tickle your taste buds, as well as contribute to your daily vitamin intake.

Green smoothies are promoted as being good for the skin... worth a try and an easy way to eat your greens as most contain spinach, kale, bok choy, or avocado, all sweetened with berries or fruits. Some may have coconut water, cucumber juice or almond milk in them.

Smoothies made with bananas taste rich and creamy and are useful if you

The Vineyard Spa

are skipping lunch, as they fill you up.

Healthy and nutritious

Calcot Spa in Tetbury offers delcious

and herbs for the hotel. They even have

Healthy foods are a perfect partner for

healthy food including superfood salads,

their own beehives scattered around the

spa-ing. You may be a vegan, vegetarian,

juices and smoothies, while overlooking a

grounds. The spa food is designed to fit

healthy eating fan, or just want to treat

gorgeous lavender-lined courtyard.

with an alkaline diet which is thought to improve digestion, skin tone and help

your body to a day of goodness. Even if you’re not into healthy foods, why not

Go organic

give it a go on your spa day. You may

Organic ingredients are thought to

find it surprisingly delicious as many top

be healthier as they avoid pesticides.

Raw food

chefs are becoming more nutritionally

Research shows organic foods are of a

A ‘raw foodist’ eats 75-100 per cent

aware. Most spas offer healthy snacks too.

higher nutritional quality, have more

live, uncooked and unprocessed food.

Some have ‘help yourself’ bowls of fresh

antioxidants, less calories and have a

Expect to eat lots of salad, fruit and

fruit, others provide dried fruits and nuts,

lower concentration of negative elements

grain based mains. Raw food specialists

and we have even been offered a dish of

which could affect your health. Delicious

make interesting and usual dishes from

frozen grapes after a treatment.

and better for you!

everyday ingredients... a green power

with weight loss.

Agua at Sanderson’s spa packages

Bamford Haybarn’s menu features

salad maybe or ‘rice’ made from raw

include anti-oxidant smoothies, salads

fresh organic ingredients straight from

cauliflower. Don’t knock it until you

and healthy canapés.

the local farm. And you can pop into the

have tried it. We were impressed!

Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall has Asian inspired foods, all intensively favoured and available as small bowls or large bowls.

kitchen shop to stock up with healthy foods to take home.

Chewton Glen has its own huge kitchen garden, growing vegetables

For raw food try Weavers’ House Spa or Herb House at Lime Wood, where they offer a healthy and nutritious menu to follow this diet.

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Mad Hatters Tea at The Sanderson Hotel

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Michelin starred food

Mad Hatters Tea at The Sanderson,

The crème de la crème of fine dining and

London. Or a Lake District afternoon tea

exceptional restaurants, Michelin starred

with beautiful views at Armathwaite

food is an experience in itself. The many

Hall. And don’t forget to try afternoon

courses and artistic flair may not be to

tea with Wedgewood at The Langham,

everybody’s tastes, but if you do enjoy

often claimed to be the birthplace

a Michelin-style indulgence, hunt out a

of afternoon tea. Chuan Spa at The

spa with a Michelin starred restaurant at

Langham has a philosophy steeped in

the hotel. After relaxing and enjoying spa

Traditional Chinese Medicine, so try an

facilities and treatments, make the most

Obsidian Chuan Nurturing treatment

of your clean and glowing complexion

followed by a cup of Oolong tea packed

by dressing up to go to dinner, and let

full of anti-oxidants.

your taste buds take over!

Cookery schools

Pennyhill Park, with its impressive 45,000 square feet of spa, has food so

If you’re passionate not only about

impressive that The Laytmer is one of

eating, but also cooking food, adding a

six restaurants in the UK to hold two

cookery course onto a spa break could

Michelin stars and five AA rosettes.

At Lucknam Park, which features

make for a pretty perfect weekend. Learn Michael Wignall at The Latymer

a spa with indoor/outdoor pool and

how to recreate your own fine dining at home, impress your friends at dinner

thermal cabins, you can dine in the main

manicure and a madeleine? A facial

parties or refine your culinary skills across

restaurant which earned its Michelin star

and a fondant fancy? If you’re visiting

continental cuisines. If you liked the

for contemporary English food with a

a spa for a day of relaxation and

healthy food you tried on your spa day,

French twist.

spending time with friends, then

you could also find a cookery class to

adding a delicious afternoon tea

show you how to cook similar dishes

starred restaurant make the most

into the day can only enhance your

and continue your nutritional journey.

of the stunning Sussex countryside

enjoyment. Delightful mini sandwiches

Daylesford Cookery School offers

with wonderful views and fresh local

and sweet treats, golden-topped scones

organic, eat to be healthy and raw

ingredients.

smothered in clotted cream, a pot of tea

cookery classes. Make the most of their

Ockenden Manor’s spa and Michelin

You can also spa and dine Michelin-

– and time in the spa. This may be your

Health and Wellness Retreat package

style at The Vineyard in Berkshire, and

dream combination, and many spas

including yoga, a treatment at Bamford

The Club Hotel and Spa, Jersey.

offer afternoon tea packages.

Haybarn Spa and ‘eat healthy’ cookery

We’re partial to The Spa and Bath

classes. Lucknam Park will let you in on

Sweet treats and afternoon tea

House at the Royal Crescent, which

the Michelin star secrets with Michelin

Afternoon tea may not naturally

offers three types of afternoon tea

chef-led classes. The Swan at Lavenham,

be associated with a healthy spa day.

depending on how sweet your tooth

home to Weavers Spa, has inspirational

But we cry foul! Who doesn’t love a

is. You might also like to try the quirky

cookery classes complete with recipes and taste samplings. At Pennyhill Park they hold bakery masterclasses for those who prefer their breads, cakes and pastries. Limewood boasts an extensive on-site cookery school, as does Swinton Park which holds classes of many levels and cuisines, with gourmet weekends available. If you’re partial to wine, The Vineyard teams up with local cookery school Woodspeen and offers spa plus wine packages.

Whether fine dining, afternoon tea or healthy dining takes your fancy there’s a spa to fit your taste. And don’t be afraid of missing out on your favourite treats at a spa (we’ve all heard the horror stories of spa visitors stuffing overnight bags full of chocolate): most have enough options

The Bakery at Pennyhill Park

whether you want to lose weight, indulge or discover new foods.

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Lift, sculpt, pamper or plump?

Body treatment is a blanket term for a whole gamut of different therapies from wraps and masks, to baths and rasuls.

But which one is which?

A

masks, different types of baths, and

body treatment covers a host

You may have a fairly rigorous

of therapies , but if you take

scrub to exfoliate, moisturise and

heated experiences such as a hammam

massage out of the equation,

reduce cellulite. Or you could choose

or rasul. Most body treatments will leave

you’ll find a selection of treatments

to firm up your stomach muscles

you feeling invigorated and relaxed – a

that will leave your skin smooth, soft,

and bottom by having a series

powerful combination.

plumped, detoxified or even slimmer!

of electromagnetic pulses passed

During a body treatment you might be: •• massaged or scrubbed with a

through your body.

What should I take?

You might decide that you want

This will depend on what kind of

to pay penance for unhealthy eating

treatment you are going for. Your best

•• wrapped or enveloped in something –

by being wrapped in algae for a few

bet is to contact the spa beforehand.

perhaps mud, seaweed or even plastic

hours to be detoxified. Or you may

They will be able to tell you how soon in

choose to embark on a series of body

advance you should get there, what to

treatments designed to help you change

expect, whether or not you need to take

•• stroked, treated with or exposed to

your lifestyle and your shape. This may

anything.

something external – like brushes,

involve looking at your diet and exercise

magnets, electric current, or lights.

regime, as well as having a therapeutic

Precautions

massage or lymphatic drainage.

Whatever treatment you’re having

particular oil, cream or mineral

•• immersed or soaked in a liquid, such as water or algae

Different body treatments are good for different things and they are usually clear about their goals.

Generally, body treatments fall into four categories; scrubs, wraps and

you should always tell the therapist if you are, or think you might be, pregnant.

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Scrubs A scrub or body polish is a treatment which exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling fresh, smooth, moisturised and soft. An abrasive product is rubbed vigorously, and massaged across and into your skin.

It is then rinsed away to reveal a moisturised layer of fresh, clean and smooth skin. Scrubs or polishing products usually include an oily base which moisturises and soothes your skin as it is exfoliated.

A scrub will not only leave your skin beautifully soft and pampered, it can be really invigorating as well. It can also encourage blood circulation and lymph flow which improves skin tone.

Different spas will have their own unique scrub rituals, as well as facilities, equipment and rooms. It is usual to have it lying down, and if you’re lucky on a heated plinth or table to keep you warm while you have your treatment. The table will get wet during the treatment as the product is washed off your body.

Somehow, despite the fact that they scrub and wash your whole body, you’ll be almost entirely covered for the whole treatment, as towels are expertly rolled and folded to maintain your dignity.

Before the treatment begins, the therapist may ask you what kind of product you prefer, giving you a choice of aromas or asking whether you want to feel relaxed or revitalised by the body scrub. They should also tell you something about the product and procedure so that you know what’s going to happen.

The scrub will usually start with one side of your back, and the product will be swept up and down your body simultaneously – this is really invigorating. The therapist will then work across your body, rubbing, scrubbing and massaging one area at a time, and then rinsing you off with warm soft water, covering you with a towel before moving on to the next part.

At the end of the treatment you should be left to have a good shower, to wash away any remains of the product.

You should also tell them of any medical conditions you have, including

Different types of scrubs

treatments or medications you are

Salt and oil: Finely granulated salt is mixed with an essential,

receiving, as they may affect which

moisturising oil. The salt might be sea or mineral. Sugar is

body treatment is suitable for you.

also used, mixed with oils or creams.

Drink plenty of water before,

Loofah: Some body scrubs use cream and a loofah to slough

during and after to avoid getting

off dead skin cells.

dehydrated, especially if you have

Herbal: A therapist may mix a herbal oil with the exfoliating

a heat treatment or a massage. Avoid

scrub, such as rosemary, lavender or aloe vera, depending on

big meals and alcohol before your

your skin type and whether the scrub is designed to wake

treatments as this could make you feel

you up or relax you.

uncomfortable or even ill.

Fruit: Some body scrubs mix crushed seeds with fruit oils, oatmeal and other edible products to nourish and soothe

Hot tip!

the skin.

Have a sauna or steam bath before your

Body brushing: A thorough and firm (but not hard)

treatment. This will open your pores,

brushing of the skin all over your body. Your therapist will

soothe your muscles and make sure you

use a clean brush with firm natural bristles and brush you

are really relaxed so that you can get full

with sweeping, sometimes circular motions in the direction

benefit from your body treatment.

of your heart.

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Wraps and masks A wrap is a nourishing cocoon designed

inch loss will sadly disappear once you

in bandages soaked in a therapeutic

to hydrate, cleanse or heal your skin, relax

drink some water, the wrap experience

solution instead of a warm blanket.

and soothe your muscles or slim and

might just provide the motivation you

When you’re freed from your cocoon,

tone your body.

need to start a healthier diet or fitness

don’t expect an immediate butterfly-like

programme.

transformation. You might feel quite cold

Body wraps combine therapeutic

Some wraps are designed to relieve

and soggy at first without your thermal

muds or soothing creams — with thermal

tired or heavy legs and aching joints, and

blanket — so the shower afterwards will

coverings. The body mask will contain a

ease inflammation. They may be offered

be welcome. You can scrub away any

mixture of ingredients designed to have

as a treatment for your lower body only.

remaining algae, mud or clay before your

masks — herbal pastes, mineral-rich

a remedial effect on your skin, while the

Before your wrap, you’ll undress

therapist massages moisturiser into your newly baby-soft skin.

coverings will swathe and warm your

or change into your paper knickers

body, promoting muscle relaxation,

in privacy. Spa therapists are great

and sweating to cleanse your pores.

at preserving their clients’ modesty.

Different types of wrap

Next, you might be treated to a gentle

Algae: Your therapist applies warmed

adjectives to describe their body wrap

exfoliation or scrub to slough away any

mineral-rich algae to your body to

treatments: slimming, detoxifying,

dead skin cells.

help nourish and detoxify your skin.

Most spas use a few core

relaxing and hydrating are favourites.

Once your skin has been prepped,

The algae comes in the form of a

your therapist will apply a therapeutic

pungent thick paste.

you might notice:

body mask to your torso, arms and

Cellulite: Designed to boost circulation

•• temporary inch loss

legs. Your therapist will then swaddle

and flush out toxins, this wrap focuses

•• softer, firmer, hydrated or cleansed skin

you in a plastic sheet and towels, or

on bums, tums and/or thighs.

•• relaxed muscles.

a thermal blanket, and leave you to

Clay or mud: A layer of soothing clay or

rest for around 20 to 40 minutes. If

mud is applied to the skin to detoxify,

lose weight, but they may make you

you’re having a detoxifying or slimming

cleanse and firm. The mud is thought

temporarily slimmer. Although any initial

wrap, you may be wrapped tightly

to ease water retention and cleanse

Depending on the wrap you choose,

Weight-loss wraps do not make you

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Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa

Baths Balneotherapy, from the Latin for “bath”, is the term for the therapeutic use of bathing. Spa baths were traditionally filled with water from thermal springs or the sea, but you’ll now find an array of fragrant and restorative ingredients added to warm water to make your bathing experience all the more enjoyable and effective.

A spa bath is a treatment that usually takes place in a private treatment room, and will be just for you, or for you and your partner. The bathing experience will certainly feel more luxurious than your one at home. To make the treatment all the more relaxing, your therapist will dim the lights, heat the room to a cosy temperature, and she may light scented candles to create soothing aromas. While just being in warm or hot Kohler Waters Spa at The Old Course Hotel

water cleanses and relaxes you, it is what you add to the water, and the time you take over the ritual which really distinguishes your experience.

Different types of spa baths Aromatherapy and herbal baths: A bath containing essential oils and/or herbs. As you bathe, you breathe in the aromas of whatever has been added, and let the warm water ease your aches and pains. Essential oils or herbs are added to the water or rubbed onto your skin before you get into the bath. You might have eucalyptus added to the bath, which is particularly good if you have a cold or blocked sinuses, or lavender to soothe and relax. the pores by drawing out impurities.

Brine, salt and mineral baths: Minerals – and the salts,

A mud wrap might help with arthritis,

muds, and water containing them – have been renowned

rheumatism and minor skin irritations.

for their health-benefits for centuries. A spa near a natural

Dry floatation wrap: This is any sort of

mineral spring will probably use the spring to supply water

wrap carried out on a mattress filled

to their pools and baths, allowing you to bathe in the fresh,

with warm water. Some people find

mineral-rich waters. At a more conventional spa, a mineral

the sensation of weightlessness deeply

bath is likely to involve a bath to which minerals and salts

relaxing. This treatment offers the benefits

have been added.

of wet floatation without having to get

Flower baths: Flower petals and essences are added to the

into an enclosed tank.

water. There are different versions of these baths, including

Herbal: Herbs, spices, and herbal

Japanese flower bath, and Indian blossom, and each one

essential oils are often used in wraps

promises a slightly different experience. Take your pick!

for their therapeutic qualities. You may

Mud and algae baths: You might have a mineral-style bath

find lavender in a wrap, for example. In

whose ingredients are mud or algae-based. Alternatively,

Ayurvedic treatments, herbs are often

this treatment is as it sounds: you immerse yourself in mud

ground into a thick, gritty paste that also

or algae. Both are actually surprisingly warming and relaxing

exfoliates as it is rubbed onto the skin.

— once you’ve got over the initial oddness of getting into a

Thalasso or seaweed: Your body is

bath full of goo. The aim is to detoxify and deeply relax your

slathered in seaweed before you are

muscles and leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

wrapped in a warm covering. This

Seaweed baths: A seaweed bath is most often found at

concentration of seawater and seaweed

coastal spas, as the seaweed is commonly freshly picked

comes as a thick paste. It doesn’t always

and washed for your treatment. Though it may feel slightly

smell great, it must be said, but the

odd with the slippery plant next to your skin, the seaweed is

effects are palpable — it hydrates and

packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Your therapist

firms the skin, and leaves it tingly-fresh.

will probably add fragrant essential oils to the water, too.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Hammams, serails, rasuls You’ve probably heard of or read about

odd perhaps, and is an unusual experience

In the UK, a hammam treatment is

hammams, rasuls and serails. You may

for sure: but it’s a deeply sensual treatment

generally attended by a therapist. She will

even know they’re associated with mud

that is also good fun. When was the last

take you through to the steam room and

and steam. But which one is which?

time you were “slathered in mineral-rich

will normally start by washing your skin

And what do they do?

muds of various colours”?!

and rinsing you off, either with a shower

First things first: hammams, rasuls

A rasul or serail mud treatment is really

or buckets of warm water. Next comes a

(also spelled “rhassoul”) and serails are all

a great way of soothing and warming

fairly rigorous exfoliation. Traditionally this

kinds of steam room. They are tiled, and

your muscles and softening your skin. It’s

would be done with a kessar glove, a very

generally quite dimly lit, and — at a spa

a great treatment for priming your body

grand version of the mitts you may keep

anyway — usually seat up to four people.

for a massage which will then be more

in your bathroom. Your therapist will once

Many are decorated in blue, silver

effective, as the therapist can get deep

again rinse off your skin. Depending on

and gold-tinged tiles in the style of

into the warmed muscle more easily. It

your treatment your therapist may also

the Turkish Ottoman baths. They are

also leaves your skin feeling very soft and

massage your body with essential oils or

sometimes referred to as “chambers”

plumped, as you deeply cleanse your

moisturisers for the finishing glow.

(serail mud chamber, for example) but

skin and absorb moisturising minerals. It

This is a full body treatment. The

don’t be alarmed: they are more like

leaves you feeling both very relaxed and

therapist will normally ask you where

exotic, luxurious grottos.

wide awake.

your personal boundaries are: you may

Rasul or serail

Hammam

down a swim suit, or you may want to

A rasul or serail is the venue for a

A hammam can be either one tiled

stay covered up. It’s entirely up to you.

traditional Arabian body treatment

steam room, or a suite of steam rooms

want to take off your bikini top or roll

Similar to a rasul or serails, this

involving steam and mud. Slathered in

and pools for communal use. In a

treatment warms and relaxes your

mineral-rich muds of various colours,

more traditional Turkish hammam,

muscles, and is a perfect preparation

you sit in a tiled steam room for around

you will find many different rooms

for a massage. Hammams will leave

15 minutes. Afterwards, you are either

and chambers, each offering different

your skin beautifully clean and glowing;

douched by a therapist or else shower

water-based benefits, similar to the

great if you have a holiday or a special

yourself down in cool water. It sounds a bit

Roman baths.

event coming up.

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W ELL N ES S

Competition

Discover treatment heaven with The Spa at Dolphin Square Win a Cleanse, Clay and Tea spa treat for two in posh Pimlico.

T

he Spa at the salubrious Dolphin Square has a sumptuous Moroccan theme that will instantly transport you to warmer climes. Step into a world

of dark velvets, plush silks, glowing lanterns and heady, spicy aromas, and enjoy some really well-delivered and indulgent treatments.

One lucky reader will win a hammam and rasul spa day to enjoy with a friend. Your spa day will include complimentary use of the salt infused steam room, tepidarium, hammam and rasul chamber. In the hammam your body is doused with warm water as a Tellak (Morroccan therapist) exfoliates away your impurities with a Kessa glove and Savon Noir, a soap made from olives and eucalyptus.

In the rasul, you can paste on lava clay from the Atlas mountains, relax in the steam chamber for 15 minutes, then shower away the clay before applying moisturising body oil. Finally, the salt infused steam room benefits respiratory conditions and soothes weary, aching bodies. The ritual is completed with a lovely Moroccan Cérémonie de Thé as you chill in the relaxation room together, feeling utterly clean, revitalised and tension-free. The ultimate urban spa treat!

Enter now at: www.goodspaguide.co.uk/ dolphin-square Terms and conditions apply. Visit the website for full details.

Find out more about The Spa at Dolphin Square at www.dolphinsquare.co.uk on 0207 798 6767 or by email thespa@dolphinsquare.co.uk

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Spa School The Spa Spies give their top tips for how to pass for a seasoned spa-ista

I

f you’re new to high end spa-ing,

of experience rooms. You are usually

you’re in for a treat. Of course, you

advised to arrive 15 or in some case 30

may be a little nervous too. Spas can

minutes before your treatments, so make

appear intimidating, especially when

sure you do: it’ll all make for a more

they look like Downton Abbey.

relaxing spa journey.

Don’t worry. The job of spa staff is to

If you are pregnant, have a medical

make all their guests feel welcome and

condition or any allergies, these should

relaxed. You won’t have the Dowager

be discussed when you book and again

Countess of Grantham glaring at you

during your consultation. Have a read

for not using the correct fork at your

through our website (goodspaguide.

spa lunch. Neither will the local WAG

co.uk) which has advice on all aspects

fraternity have any interest in judging

of spa etiquette as well as in-depth spa

your spa ineptness or attire: they will be

reviews to help you feel utterly prepared.

far too self-absorbed.

If you want to play the alluring stranger

Bring the basics

who usually spas in more exotic climes,

See our feature on page 26 on what to

but has graced the your local spa just this

pack in your spa bag. Normal dress code

once; or even if you simply want to know

is robe, swimsuit, slippers or flip-flops in

what to expect from the day, here are

wet areas. The latter are usually provided

some tips on how to spa like a pro.

by the spa, along with fresh towels and a range of lotions, shower and cleansing

Do your research

products. If you require a larger or

You should be sent information when

smaller size robe, you may want to bring

you book, but if not, check the website

your own as spa sizes can be limited.

or back page of the treatment brochure,

Beneath the robe, wear a swimsuit or

which you may need to download. It’s

bikini. If you can see yourself using a lot of

worth familiarising yourself with the

thermal treatments and pools, and don’t

spa etiquette (some have ‘whisper’ or

want to lunch with a wet bottom, bring a

‘hush’ zones), what to bring and what is

back-up cozzie. For most body treatments,

provided, and possibly the layout if it’s

you may want to wear your own pants, or

a huge rambling mansion, or has lots

the disposable pair provided.

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Go bare-faced

If things go wrong during your time

Ideally, you may want to avoid make-

at the spa, or you feel uncomfortable,

up in a spa. However we all have our

talk to someone. It’s all too easy in

insecurities. If you don’t want to spoil a

a spa environment to abstain from

romantic Jacuzzi by transforming into

complaining, but speak up! We’re

The Joker, go for waterproof products

pretty sure the manager will be

or tints. All make-up will be removed

happy to receive the feedback.

for your facial anyway, although you can always reapply it after. Note: foundation

Know your boundaries

may actually be your skin’s enemy while

One of the most frequently asked

spa-ing. Wearing make-up in the steam

questions is: will I have to strip off?

room or sauna will clog up your skin

The golden rule is not if you don’t want

instead of allowing it to get squeaky

to. For a full body massage, you will

clean and fresh.

normally wear nothing but knickers.

However, the therapist should always

Check dress codes

preserve your modesty using carefully

In some hotel spas, you’ll be lunching

placed towels, only exposing the areas

with other fully-dressed guests. In

she is working on.

most destination spas, everyone will be

A good idea is to narrow down the

lounging around the spa café in their

areas of your body that concern you

robes and slippers. For supper and

and imagine how you would tell the

evening meals, or if you plan to venture

therapist. Mention your concerns in the

further than the spa café, bring smart

consultation. You absolutely do not have

casual clothes.

to justify yourself or feel embarrassed: the therapist should be sensitive to

Be considerate

personal boundaries and concerned

This day is all about you. But be aware

only with giving you the best experience

that you don’t own the place: you are

she can.

a guest sharing the space with fellow guests. A simple smile and a few p&qs

Tip your therapist

will suffice charm-wise – there’s no need

A suggested rate for a tip is between 10

to be too obsequious or grateful.

and 20 per cent of the treatment cost.

According to a recent Good Spa Guide

However, it’s not practical to carry loose

survey, 88 per cent of spa visitors list noise

change in a spa, so you won’t have to

as the second highest complaint that ruins

tip your therapist directly. You can add

a spa day (next to poor quality customer

a tip to the overall bill, or leave cash in

service). If you must carry your mobile,

one of those little envelopes at the spa

don’t make or receive calls in the spa. Trust

reception desk on your way out.

us, a loud ringtone or conversation when all around you are slumbering in their

Finally and most importantly

relaxation pods is going to make you spa

Enjoy and savour every moment. This is

pariah number one.

your special day after all.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

How to spa with a bump Going to a spa seems like the perfect treat during pregnancy. It can leave you relaxed, refreshed and nicely groomed. But then that constant pregnancy worry ‘is it safe’ pops up. Daphne Metland explains what’s worth worrying about… and what isn’t!

T

he good news is that there are

So you may well have to content

Some beauty treatments may cheer you

plenty of spa treats you can indulge

yourself with some gentle swimming

up and get your ready for those new

in during pregnancy. Some can

and a day of relaxing with a good book

mum and baby pictures. By the last

at a spa in those first few weeks.

couple of weeks you may just not

ease pregnancy aches and pains and even help you prepare for labour.

There are a few you need to be careful

By trimester two the baby is pretty

want to bare all in public.

well formed and most mothers-to-be

Treatments to try

about, and you may find that the spa

feel well and energetic. This is a great

will not offer some of their treatments

time to spa as you may well be past the

at some stages of pregnancy.

‘sick at the slightest excuse stage’ and

Massage

feel well and happy to indulge in some

Massage can ease back pain and leg

spa treats.

cramps, improve circulation, help you

The key to choosing suitable treatments is how many weeks pregnant you are.

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters.

relax and sleep, and ease your anxiety.

It releases happy, pain-killing endorphins,

•• The first trimester runs until 13 weeks.

•• Trimester two runs from week 14 to week 27 •• The third trimester runs from week 28 until the birth at around week 40.

During the first trimester your baby is growing very rapidly and all the major body organs and systems are being formed. This is the time when everyone – your doctor, your midwife, your therapist, even your mum wants you to take most care. Drugs, x-rays and even

If you start to get tired and achy a massage or even some gentle swimming may well help

overheating can affect the tiny growing baby. Around 70 per cent of women

so can also help lift your mood. Some studies show that massaging oils and lotions into the skin can help reduce stretch mark (although we wouldn’t get too excited. If there really was a miracle cure for stretch marks we’d be the first to shout about it!).

The use of aromatherapy oils during pregnancy is controversial.

Some essential oils are dangerous in pregnancy but there is not much agreement on which. We usually go with recommendations from Denise Tiran a midwife who specialises in

Trimester three often starts well,

complementary therapies. Her website

will suffer from pregnancy nausea and

but as your bump grows you may find it

is: www.expectancy.co.uk. She advises

sickness at this stage, so it may not be

difficult to get comfortable. If you start

that grapefruit, bergamot and sweet

the best time to have treatments if they

to get tired and achy a massage or even

orange are safe oils that relax and

involve strong smelling ingredients. And

some gentle swimming may well help.

lift your mood. She also suggests

I speak as someone who could be sick at

A water based exercise class is great as

using lavender, black pepper and

the smell of an apple when pregnant!

the water supports your growing body.

frankincense.

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When to choose massage In your first trimester opt for massage with just a plain carrier oil such as grape oil. Later in pregnancy you can choose an aromatherapy massage if you wish. Hot stone massages are unlikely to heat your whole body to the point of overheating and the stones may well help with aches and pains.

Safety tip Remember that the pregnancy hormone progesterone causes your ligaments to become soft and stretch, so make sure your therapist knows you are pregnant and ask for a gentle massage. Avoid sports massage or Thai massage which may involve much pulling and stretching.

Look for a spa that offers a massage chair, or a massage bean bag so you don’t have to lie on your expanding stomach.

Facials A facial can be fabulous when you’re pregnant. A lie down, a bit of pampering and a chance to recover your glow will make you look and feel better. However, be aware that your skin may be more sensitive than usual and you may react to products that were fine before.

When to use them Most can be used throughout pregnancy.

Make sure your therapist isn’t using anything containing retinoid, a type of vitamin A that speeds up skin division.

Oral retinoids carry a high risk of foetal malformation and even using it on your skin is not advised.

Safety tips Many spas offer pregnancy specific product ranges such as Mama Mio, which are designed to cope with extra sensitive skin. These avoid any problems with strong products that may cause a pregnancy related flare up.

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ur lly o ut.

G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Treatments to avoid

the pools and cooler treatments. Some

the main vein that brings blood back up

There are concerns about sunbed use

sanariums, which are a far gentler heat.

from your legs and lower body. This can

in pregnancy – it may affect production

Wear loose clothing and slow down if you

make you very faint and dizzy and reduce

of folic acid and cause overheating –

feel your heat rising – and make sure you

the oxygen supply to your baby. Ask to

and until the evidence is in, we would

keep drinking plenty of water throughout

have the head of the bed raised during

recommend giving them a wide berth.

the day.

your facial to take the pressure off your

Spray tans seem to be safe, though you

lower back.

may want to do a test if your skin is

Swimming Pools

playing up. Botox should be avoided.

You may have read that some

Wraps and scrubs

In fact few surgeons will treat you

chemicals used to disinfect pools are

These are generally considered safe as

during pregnancy.

bad for you. The disinfection processes

If you are heavily pregnant, lying flat on your back can compress the vena cava,

spas offer laconiums, tepidariums and

can release volatile compounds such

long as they do not involve any specific

Treat with caution

as trihalomethanes (THMs) into the air.

Opt for gentle scrubs if your skin

Any treatment on a heated mattress may

or reviews that these cause pregnancy

is dry or sensitive.

cause overheating, so ask to have it turned

complications, although there is a

down or off if you get hot and sweaty.

possible link to small-for-gestational-age

When to use them

No problems with electrolysis during

babies. Yet most experts seem to feel

In the second or third trimesters.

pregnancy have ever been documented,

that the health benefits of swimming far

although it is recommended that it

outweigh any potential problems linked

Safety tips

is not carried out on the abdomen or

to the chemicals.

You may overheat during a wrap, so ask

breasts during the last trimester. Dyes

Some spas offer alternatives to the

to leave your arms and shoulders free in

and perms are on the whole quite safe,

usual cleansing chemicals such as UV

order to cool down.

as the amount of chemicals absorbed by

filtration and Ozone. Both clean water

the skin or entering the bloodstream is

as it comes into the pool but have to

Manicures and Pedicures

extremely low. If you are worried opt for

be used with low levels of chlorine to

It’s fine to have a basic manicure and

highlights. They minimise the contact

kill any residual bacteria. But they do

pedicure. It’s worth knowing that your

between the dye and the skin of your

reduce any potential chlorine exposure,

nails grow quicker and are stronger

scalp. Your hair may react differently to

as well as reducing the usual swimming

during pregnancy and so does your hair.

colour, so do a strand test first.

pool smell.

products that could cause problems such as some aromatherapy oils.

There is no strong evidence from studies

You see, there are some advantages!

When to use them

Spa facilities

After the first trimester if you want to be

Part of the reason for going to a spa

ultra-safe.

is to try out all those lovely fire and ice experiences and swim a few laps

Safety tips

in a nice warm pool. So is it safe to

Many nail varnishes contain chemicals

use these?

that are harmful in large quantities. in perfumes and deodorants),

Hot baths, saunas and whirlpools

formaldehyde and tolurene.

A warm bath is fine in pregnancy. You

Environmentalists are trying to ban

baby is well protected from waterborne

them, while nail varnish manufacturers

infections by the bag of waters she is

insist they occur in such small

growing inside and the mucous plug

quantities, they have little or no effect.

that stops the cervix during pregnancy.

These are phthalates (also found

You may decide to avoid varnish in your

But a hot bath or a Jacuzzi or sauna

first trimester, and then use products

can cause you to overheat and dehydrate.

that don’t contain phthalates.

It may affect how blood and nutrients

Gel and acrylic nails should be applied

flow around your body and there is

and removed in a well-ventilated room.

some evidence that overheating and

Gel nails use methacrylate monomers

dehydration in early pregnancy can affect

which are mostly perfectly safe to use.

the developing baby. If you feel hot and

Daphne Metland is a medical journalist

The exception is methyl methacrylate

dizzy, there’s an increased danger of

and co-author of Expecting. Everything

monomer (MMA), but this is rarely

falling over or passing out. So avoid spa

you need to know about pregnancy,

used now.

baths, saunas and Jacuzzis, and stick to

labour and birth, published by Virago.

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G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Wild Mushroom Risotto Mark Walker, executive head chef at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, reveals how to create a wonderfully warm and wintery wild mushroom risotto.

Serves three 25ml vegetable oil 250g Arborio rice 100g mixed or wild mushrooms (sliced) 2g flat parsley (chopped) 50g parmesan (grated) 30g unsalted butter 5ml olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Heat the oil in a large, heavy based pan. Add the risotto rice and cook on a low heat for two to three minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir for another two to three minutes.

Add 300ml of boiling water and cook on a medium heat until the water is fully incorporated. Add another 400ml of boiling water and cook until the rice has a soft bite.

Stir in half the parmesan, butter and chopped parsley.

Season to taste.

Place the risotto into bowls and add the remaining parmesan.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

Mark Walker has won two AA Rosettes for The Mere Golf Resort and Spa. Mark is passionate about using the freshest ingredients and supporting local suppliers.

He’s also worked with the resort’s green team to create The Mere’s orchard supplying the restaurants with fruits, nuts and berries. Find out more at: www.themereresort.co.uk

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Spa Ratings

G O O D S PAG U I D E. C O. U K

Five Bubble Luxury Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa

South West

Dormy House Hotel and Spa

West Midlands

Galgorm Resort and Spa

Northern Ireland

Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel and Spa

South East

Rockliffe Hall

North East

Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

North East

The Vineyard Spa

South East

Five Bubble Agua at Mondrian London

London

Antara Spa at the Chelsea Health Club and Spa

London

Aqua Sana Woburn Forest

East of England

Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa

North West

Ayush Wellness Spa at the Hotel de France

Channel Islands

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa

South East

Bamford Haybarn

West Midlands

Barnsley Spa and Skincare Centre

South West

Calcot Spa at Calcot Manor

South West

C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor

West Midlands

Eden Hall Day Spa

East Midlands

Hale Country Club and Spa

North West

Headland Hotel and Spa

South West

K Spa at K West Hotel and Spa

London

Kohler Waters Spa at the Old Course Hotel

Scotland

Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa

South West

Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat

West Midlands

Norton House Hotel and Spa

Scotland

Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa

South East

PH2O at Park House Hotel

South East

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa

East Midlands

Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa

North West

SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel

South West

Sequoia at The Grove

London

St Brides Spa Hotel

Wales

Stanley House Hotel and Spa

North West

Stobo Castle Health Spa

Scotland

Stoke Park Spa

South East

The Garage Spa

North East

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa

North West

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel

East of England

The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel

North East

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

North West

The Spa at Dolphin Square

London

The Thai Spa at Lough Erne Resort

Northern Ireland

The Woodland Spa

North West

Weavers’ House Spa at The Swan at Lavenham Hotel

East of England

Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes Hotel

South Midlands

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From jaw-droppingly fabulous VIP treatments and facilities, to good value spas that are perfect for groups, here’s a list of UK spas rated byThe Spa Spies ™. We award Bubbles rather than Stars, with Five Bubble Luxury being extra special, Five Bubble offering the peak of spa perfection, Four Bubble excellent but perhaps with a break in the spa journey, and Three Bubble, perfectly nice with good treatments, just not a den of decadence.

Four Bubble Agua at Sanderson London

London

Aqua Sana Elveden Forest

East of England

Aqua Sana Longleat Forest

South West

Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest

East Midlands

Aqua Sana Whinfell Forest

North West

Chuan Spa at The Langham London

London

Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa

West Midlands

Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa

Channel Islands

Lion Quays Hotel and Spa

West Midlands

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa

North West

Mill Wheel Spa

North West

Spa Sirène at the Royal Yacht Hotel

Channel Islands

Spa Verta

London

The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa

South East

The Clearing Spa at The Cornwall Hotel

South West

The Club Hotel and Spa

Channel Islands

The Day Spa at Whittlebury Hall

East Midlands

The Peak Health Club and Spa

London

the runnymede-on-thames hotel and spa

South East

The Spa at Cotswold House Hotel and Spa

West Midlands

The Spa at Roe Park Resort

Northern Ireland

Thermae Bath Spa

South West

Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa

East Midlands

Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa

North West

Utopia Spa at Alexander House Hotel

South East

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel

London

The Well Spa Retreat at Bluestone

Wales

Wildmoor Spa and Health Club

West Midlands

Three Bubble Carden Spa at Carden Park

North West

Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa

Wales

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Where the Stars Spa W

from an EasyJet flight for one too many vodkas after

Champneys Tring

a spa break with her friend Sadie Frost, we at the

A-Listers:

hen headlines reported Kate Moss being escorted

Dreamstime.c ash | om refl u t a e F

When we head to a spa, we expect to be pampered like Hollywood goddesses and emerge looking good enough to film in HD. But where do the real celebrities spa?

Follow us through the spa keyhole…

Barbara Streisand, Tony and Cheri Blair, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Russell Brand Champneys (pictured below) has been linked with celebrities, royalty and Arab sheikhs since it opened 90 years ago.

You can go for luxuriously indulgent pampering, such as a Collagen Gold Facial, or impressive health facilities: there’s a 25 metre pool and a full sized FIFA pitch.

Or you can book a clairvoyant, deep energy healing and even try a spot of virtual gastric band hypnotherapy.

Good Spa Guide immediately hit the search engines to find out the name of the spa that had lured these London fashionistas.

Reflecting the trend of social spa-ing, Sadie was celebrating her 50th birthday with a spot of cryotherapy at the LifeCo Spa in Bodrum on the south coast of Turkey. LifeCo’s detox

©

programmes are run by celebrity nutritionist Amanda Hamilton, while their cryotherapy treatments are said to be a particular favourite of Ms Moss. The clinic also has inversion therapy, which involves hanging upside down on a rope like a bat for five minutes.

We may chuckle at the lengths celebrities go to and fads they inspire, but their influences on spa trends are not to be sniffed at. Besides, both Moss and Frost look amazing despite their infamous lifestyles. Naturally we would like to know their spa secrets, partly in order to steal some ideas, and also to simply indulge in a little fantasy spa-ing of our own.

Bearing in mind that nearly all spas fiercely protect the privacy of their A-list clientele, the following information has been gleaned from on-the-ground Spa Spies, reporters or via the celebrities themselves.

Make of it what you will.

Sequoia Spa at The Grove, Hertfordshire ©

A-Listers: Kylie Minogue,

eamstime.co h | Dr m fl as ure at Fe

Max Beasley, Martine McCutcheon Housed in 18th-century stable buildings, Sequoia Spa has ESPA treatments, heated beds, a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a 22-metre indoor swimming pool and relaxation rooms with open fires.

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort’s Spa Oasis A-Listers: George Clooney, John Travolta, Jennifer Aniston,

Drew Barrymore, Will Smith The Eforea Spa at this glamorous beach resort in Baja California Sur, Mexico says it has “crossed continents to bring you a deluxe array of time-honoured, transcendent and altogether tempting wellness traditions”. With treatments that reflect the phases of the moon, acupressure for chakra realignment and crystal therapy, Eforea is possibly for the more spiritually minded, although their yoghurt and honey bath will satisfy anyone’s inner goddess.

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The Farm at San Benito, The Philippines A-Listers: Woody Harrelson, Chris Martin, Drew Barrymore An eco-resort where celebs can reconnect with nature (the fivestar luxury version). One of the treatments, Mulunggay Therapy, involves smothering the body in pulped bark from native trees.

Vivamayr, Austria A-Listers: The Duchess of York, Tracey Emin, Jessica Alba,

Karl Largerfield This is old-school bootcamp style spa-ing, with Spartan rooms, Epsom salt treatments and stale bread that must be chewed 30 times to aid digestion. Therapies include blood-letting, colonic rrigation, and nasal reflex therapy.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

The May Fair Hotel, London

A-Listers: Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow

A-Listers: Lady Gaga, Cheryl Cole, Whitney Houston

Helicopters regularly deposit the rich and famous at this New

All the above are said to have used this five star luxury hotel’s In

Forest hotel (pictured above). The Rolling Stones were spotted

Room Spa service. The May Fair Spa itself offers luxurious ESPA

hanging out here last summer, though whether they booked a

treatments as well as Moroccan cleansing rituals.

Linda Meredith facial (favoured by the abovementioned celeb

We Care, Palm Springs

spa-istas) remains unverified.

A-Listers: Gwyneth Paltrow,

The Varsity Hotel and Spa, Cambridge

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Paris Hilton A holistic detox centre in the middle of the desert, this is hardcore fasting with enemas and a lot of prune juice. We hope the plumbing works well.

flash | Dre ams eature ©F tim e.c om

A-Listers: The Beckhams, Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, Jeremy Irons This super stylish hotel on the river Cam has a classy celebrity clientele, many of whom have been spotted using The Spa in The Glassworks Health Club. The spa has an array of Elemis treatments, plus an Aveda hair salon, while the health club’s sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi have romantic river views.

Babington House, Somerset A-Listers: Kate Moss, Johnny Depp This countryside offshoot of media members club Soho House Effect. Celebrity sightings are now as common as sheep. As well

Ananda Spa, India

as the swankingly rustic Cowshed Spa, the 18th Century chapel

A-Listers: Heidi Klum,

in the grounds has hosted a plethora of celebrity weddings,

Uma Thurman, Katy Perry (and Single Spy) Ayurvedic therapies include crystal facials and being massaged in hot buttermilk. All food is vegetarian and matched with your dosha. Rooms include saffron baths in sunken tubs.

is responsible for what its local villagers call the Babington

including Fat Boy Slim to Zoe Ball, Sam Taylor Wood to Aaron Johnson, and Eddie Redmayne to Hannah Bagshaw.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Australia

The Berkley Health Club and Spa, Knightsbridge, London

A-Listers:: ©

Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Naomi Watts, Miranda Kerr This spa is part owned by actor Hugh Jackman, and includes therapies such as the Australian Spirit of Sound, where you are massaged with rain sticks while listening to rainforest noises on headphones. ey dr An

A-Listers: Johnny Depp, Helena Christensen

eamstime da | Dr .com Bay

This famously discreet hotel boasts a small rooftop swimming pool amid a scented garden, a gym overlooking Hyde Park, as well as Bamford Haybarn and Oskia treatments. Head for the trendy Blue Bar for celebrity spotting with cocktails.

SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain A-Listers: Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore Guests are encouraged to sunbathe naked and inhale flavoured oxygen at the world’s only macrobiotic spa, which overlooks the Mediterranean. On an eight-day detox stay, you will drink mushroom tea (not magic, one presumes). Cappuccinos are also available – as enemas.

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What your therapist won’t tell you Ever wonder what is really going on in the mind of your spa therapist? We convinced one professional to spill all...

I

sometimes think that we therapists should be sworn into the job role with the motto, “No matter what happens behind the scenes, smile and act calm in front of clients”.

People come to spas to relax and feel good, so they expect

an atmosphere that is calm and soothing. In times of panic, a therapist has to hide behind a smile and think on their feet.

Several years ago, I was managing a spa in Scotland on an extremely busy Easter weekend. All the therapists were fully booked, every room was occupied, and the spa was running smoothly. We had some VVIPs staying but, as they were attending a black tie dinner nearby, they would not have time to visit the spa. I was secretly quite relieved as we were stretched as it was, and I wouldn’t have been able to accommodate our celeb guests.

Seriously? This was a major Hollywood star, and I had to give him a massage on a broken bed propped up with a book?

Midway into the afternoon, I get a phone call from the general manager. One of the VVIPs, who I shall hereby refer to as Mr X (a good therapist always respects client confidentiality, but if you are a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean you would not have been able to restrain yourself) would like a massage in 30 minutes.

Panic! We had no therapists free or treatment rooms available, but there was no way we could turn him down. I was more than happy to roll up my sleeves and do the massage myself, but where? Catching one of my team in the corridor, she said that she had a treatment bed in the boot of her car, but one of the

Five minutes, a few deep breaths and a glass of water later,

legs was broken and stood shorter than the others. I would need

my deception was concealed and my client arrived. Of course,

to strategically place a hardback book to redress the balance.

he asked for a deep massage, which usually I would not have

Seriously? This was a major Hollywood star, and I had to give him

minded. I’m sure there are plenty of ladies (and men) who

a massage on a broken bed propped up with a book!

would be green with envy at the thought of massaging Mr X,

After a quick change (SuperTherapist style) into my therapist’s

but I was more concerned that the broken bed would stand up

uniform, I headed up to Mr X’s room, lugging an unreliable bed

to the pressure. Visions of Mr X crashing to the floor as I pressed

and a basket crammed with towels, oil, candles – plus two bibles

into his latissimus dorsi plagued me.

I had borrowed from housekeeping to prop up the broken leg.

Luckily, nothing so dramatic occurred. The bed held it

On the way, I grabbed a bed sheet as a valance that would

together and so did I, smiling my way through visions of a

hopefully hide the disaster beneath.

potential law suit and embarrassing headlines. Mr X turned

I stood outside the hotel room door ready to knock and

out to be absolutely lovely and down-to-earth, not the usual

realised I was nervous; how on earth was I going to put up

prima donna A-lister at all. He was delighted with his massage,

the bed without Mr X noticing?

especially at such short notice. As he went to take a shower,

Cringing, I took a deep breath and rapped on the door.

I collapsed the bed, and in my relief told the concierge the

It opened, and I was greeted by a big smile from one of the

story as he helped me bring it back to the spa.

hotel’s concierges. Mr X wasn’t back from his stroll around the

Word travelled quickly and soon everyone knew about my

gardens yet. I breathed a huge sigh of relief and set to work

‘incident’. At the managers’ meeting the next morning they

trying to construct the dodgy bed, managing to make it good

all had a chuckle about it. With one eyebrow raised, even the

enough for a Five-Bubble treatment.

General Manager laughed too.

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