Wellness Magazine Spring 2016

Wellness PAGE BADGE

www.goodspaguide.co.uk | Spring 2016

Making the most of your spa time

THE TREATMENT BIBLE

Your complete guide to all things spa

5

SPECIAL

WHAT YOUR THERAPIST WON'T TELL YOU

ways to come home healthier

Suncare Top anti-ageing secrets

INSIDE

THE SECRET LIFE OF A

SPA Spy

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To find your nearest DECLÉOR salon visit: www.decleor.co.uk

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DISCOVER GLOWING SKIN FROM DAWN TILL DUSK AURABSOLU Our 1st Awakening Range to capture skin’s morning aura Enriched with Jasmine Absolute

Restore radiance to tired looking skin with our three NEW products and innovative professional mask utilising hydrogel technology.

Boost your complexion with our NEW Glow Power Boost facial, a 30 minute ritual to awaken the look of lacklustre, fatigued complexions.

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Spring 2016 | issue 3

CONTENTS Editorial Editor-at-large

Daphne Metland (Sybaritic Spy) Editor

Caitlin Dalton (Summer Spy) Deputy Editor

Lucy Etherington (Savant Spy) Contributors

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

Lucy Reid

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

Follow Good Spa Guide online The Good Spa Guide Good Spa Guide @GoodSpaGuide For advertising enquiries email: advertising@goodspaguide.co.uk

Cover image

O N T H E COV E R

08 Come Home Healthier

Five ways a spa can help you take control of your health

12 Confessions of a Spa Spy

We dish the dirt on what it's like to have one of the best jobs in the world

24 The Treatment Bible

A complete A to Z of all things spa

60 Sun care: knowing your UVB from your UVA Re-think your sun care regime with our experts' advice

76 What your therapist won’t tell you

Ever wondered what's really going on in the mind your therapist?

18 Spas for romance

Impress your other half with these romantic UK spas

21 Facials ex machina

Machine-led facials are making waves in modern skin care, but are they safe?

45 Spa + Grooming

Use your spa time to beautify!

48 Spa Spotlight on the Algarve

With year round sunshine, the Algarve is the perfect place to spa

63 Spa Gardens

Soak up the British countryside with the new breed of indoor/outdoor spas

68 Can I spa with cancer?

Traditionally spas have been very cautious, but that's set to change

The Spa at Cameron House, Loch Lomond

F E AT U R E S

www.cameronhouse.co.uk

06 Spa trends

71 Spa-inspired smoothies

14 Choosing the right massage

72 Dear Spa Spies

The latest news from the world of spa

Our top tips on how to pick the perfect massage

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Three traffic light recipes

We answer the questions you've never been comfortable enough to ask

74 The Bubble Ratings

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SPA TIME

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CONTENTS

"One theory is that the term 'spa' is an acronym of the Latin phrase Sanitas Per Aquam, 'health through water'. But do water-related treatments actually have health benefits?" p8

48

THE TREATMENT BIBLE

The A to Z of all things spa

8 60

p24

14 64

p72 www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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SPA TRENDS

SPAtrends The latest launches in the world of spa

GARDEN SPA AT APPLEBY MANOR CUMBRIA

In the middle of the North Pennines and the Lake District, Garden Spa at Appleby Manor opened in November 2015. As its name suggests, the spa is set part inside and part outside.

The spa garden has a hydro pool, comfortable seating and a big fire pit in the middle, so you can enjoy the fresh air enveloped by the warmth of the fire and water.

Indoors, you’ll find an aroma salt inhalation room, pedidarium, steam room, sauna and experience showers. The hydrotherapy pool is the heart of the spa space with underwater loungers, water jets and powerful swan pipes. In the five treatment rooms you can book in for therapies, including advanced facials from Elemis, relaxing massages with Lava Shells and marvellous OPI manicures.

THE CONISTON SPA

www.applebymanor.co.uk

YORKSHIRE

Opened in November 2015, The Coniston Spa is a thoroughly modern spa space with a strong sense of identity. The spa is part of The Coniston Hotel Country Estate in the Yorkshire Dales. More than 1,300 acres of hills, rivers and lakes surround the spa with stunning views from floor to ceiling windows.

Even when you’re inside the spa, wall-sized art of the estate will gently remind you of the beautiful surroundings.

“...enjoy the fresh air enveloped by the warmth of the fire and water.”

The new facilities include a 15-metre pool, sauna, steam room, salt inhalation room and indoor hot tub. Brave the weather and head outdoors to the infinity edge hot tub which has uninterrupted views to the two-hectare lake, walled fields and rolling hills. www.theconistonhotel.com/spa

GAIA SPA AT BORINGDON HALL DEVON

The largest new spa opening of the year, Gaia Spa has over 1,800 square metres of spa space to explore. Part of the 16th Century Boringdon Hall Hotel complex, the spa sits on the edge of Dartmoor and draws from its surroundings. Their philosophy is: “Your Wellness, Naturally”.

The Gaia Spa philosophy is: ‘Your Wellness, Naturally’.

Indoor and outdoor facilities include two infinity pools, an herbal sauna, crystal steam room, salt steam room, laconium and a balneotherapy suite. The spa will have outdoor spaces for treatments, meditation, yoga and a relaxation area alongside the wildflower meadow. Treatments also draw on the more holistic side of spa; try the Gaia Raindrop Therapy, a blend of aromatherapy, reflexology and heat therapy.

Gaia Spa will open in May. www.gaiaboringdon.co.uk

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SPA TRENDS

THE SPA AT INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON – THE O2

Just north of historic Greenwich, The InterContinental London – The O2 is an 18 floor skyscraper overlooking the Thames.

The spa is on the ground floor of the modern building and uses the rich heritage of the London docklands, with gold gilt and blue pearl granite worked into the décor. There’s a 17-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi with swan pipes and air jets, a sauna, steam room and ice fountain. Lie under the twinkling pool ceiling and take some ‘me time’. Treatments are in partnership with ESPA – try the Back, Face and Scalp Massage hero treatment.

Once you've finished spa-ing, head up to the Eighteen Sky Bar for panoramic views over Canary Wharf, The Shard and into the city. www.iclondon-theo2.com

SPA-INSPIRED PRODUCT LAUNCHES FEED YOUR DRY SKIN

If you prefer to keep it organic, Irish skincare company Voya has launched a range of skincare for dry skin that’s super hydrating and all natural. The range uses laminaria digitata seaweed and pairs it with essential oils and plant extracts to cleanse, treat and restore dry skin. We tried and loved the Hydra Veil mask – it kept our skin hydrated even through the cold winter. www.voya.ie

INSTANT RESCUE FOR SENSITIZED SKIN

High heat to intense cold, daily pollution to spring allergens – your skin has a lot of cope with. Spanish skincare firm Natura Bissé has launched NB.Ceuticals S.O.S Instant Rescue to soothe irritated skin and accelerate healing. Key ingredients include sensorphine, arnica montana and calendula, all of which have soothing and calming properties. www.naturabisse.com

A TRIPLE BERRY SERUM

With extracts of goji, raspberry and camu camu berries, the Clarifying BerryPlus Repair Serum from Kerstin Florian sounds good enough to eat.

The new serum is rich in vitamins and minerals and is lightweight enough to sit beneath moisturiser and make up. www.kerstinflorian.co.uk

FIGHT BACK AGAINST PIGMENTATION

THE DERMATOLOGIST’S PRESCRIPTION

If you have oily, breakout prone skin, using “suits all skin types” products just won’t cut it. Finding products which will help clear your skin without dehydration can be a balancing act. Dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe has launched his non-prescription acclenz™ range which uses ingredients like zinc, salicylic acid and niacinamide to help fight blemishes and spot prone skin. www.drnicklowe.com

TREAT YOUR HAIR

The ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud has long been a Spa Spy favourite, so when ESPA launched a shampoo and conditioner we were already very tempted. The Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner both use the company’s essential oil blend of bergamot, jasmine and cedarwood (if you’ve had an ESPA treatment you’ll recognise the wonderful smell). www.espaskincare.com

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO RETINOL?

Anti-aging specialist Germaine de Capuccini have launched the Time Expert Lift to boost collagen production, support the structure of your skin, and redefine contours.

Two main ingredients oligosaccharides (a natural alternative to retinol) and oxytalan (a peptide that reactivates the production of structure proteins) leave the skin feeling fresh and smooth. www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk

A SPA-INSPIRED AT HOME PEDICURE

Jessica’s Zen Spa at-home range has a new addition to help moisturise your feet and toes into fabulousness. The Hydrating Heel Repair Crème uses vitamin E, aloe vera and shea butter to soften dry, cracked heels.

Perfect if you’re looking to soften your feet before switching from boots to sandals. www.jessicacosmetics.com

WASH AWAY NEGATIVE FEELINGS

We regularly extol the virtues of taking a bath to relax, but with Temple Spa’s new In Good Spirits oil, we rather think it might turn into a morning routine. The grapefruit, peppermint and lime based oil will hydrate your skin and leave you feeling positively energetic. Either massage it into your skin or pour it into a hot bath. It smells delicious! www.templespa.com

TLC FOR HIM

We love that men seem to be growing out of the “all I need is soap and water” mentality. All skin needs a little TLC now and then, regardless of the gender of its owner. Scottish organic brand Ishga has extended its niche brand to include three new products – exclusively for men – to its range. The products are based around seaweed extract, patchouli, bergamot and sandalwood to nourish and feed the skin. www.ishgaorganicskincare.com

Zone masks, product layering and targeted skincare have been a godsend for people looking to tackle a specific problem. If dark spots are your bug bear, Oskia might just have a solution. The Renaissance BrightLight Intensive Pigmentation and Dark Spot Serum can help slow down the amount of melanin your skin creates and uses passionfruit and grape AHAs to gently exfoliate the skin. www.oskiaskincare.com

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COME HOME...healthier

Come home healthier As our society becomes older and the NHS is put under serious strain, taking your health into your own hands might just be a good idea.

But how can spas help?

W

hile we tend to think of spas as places to pamper and prettify, spa has always been fundamentally about health.

The notion that bathing in mineral rich waters can have health benefits goes back to ancient times. Some believed it was a way to cure iron deficiency, others that it offered a spiritual purification. In the Dark Ages, people often sought hot and cold springs, believing them to be holy waters that could cure their nasty medieval ailments.

Our ideas of health have changed since then, recently reaching a new and occasionally neurotic pitch.

Health food has become the new haute cuisine, with the likes of vegan-blogger Deliciously Ella topping the cookbook charts, and Jamie and Nigella catering for food intolerances. Everyone who’s remotely health conscious now has, or wants, a Fitbit, Nutribullet, spiralizer, designer Yoga gear, organic ingredients, and the glowing and eternally youthful complexion that comes with such wholesome pursuits.

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COME HOME... healthier

There is pretty strong evidence to suggest that a balanced Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and increase life expectancy

HEALTH THROUGH WATER

One theory is that the term ‘spa’ is an acronym of the Latin phrase Sanitas per Aquam, ‘health through water’. While the focus may have shifted to massages, facials, scrubs and wraps of late, a spa will usually have a thermal area where you can bathe, steam, bubble, heat and freeze your way to feeling fabulous.

But do these water-related treatments actually have health benefits?

➸ Saunas: The heat from a sauna

soothes you, warms and relaxes muscles, and can minimise joint pains.

The heat releases happy hormone endorphins, and when you leave the sauna and cool down, your melatonin (the sleep hormone) increases. Your healthy pink glow when you leave the sauna is said to indicate an increase in blood and lymphatic circulation. Just remember not to stay in for longer than 10-15 minutes and drink plenty of water: also, extreme temperatures should be avoided if you are pregnant or have heart problems.

➸ Steam rooms: Also good for

circulation, the wet heat of a steam room thins and opens the mucous membranes, alleviating congestion.

Steam is said to be beneficial for those who suffer with asthma and bronchitis, as well as increasing your metabolism.

➸ Cold and ice treatments:

➸ Hydrotherapy: In alternative and

natural medicine, hydrotherapy has long been used as part of pain relief and treatment. While there is some

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evidence to say it works, there is less to explain how, hence it is still open to debate.

➸ Thalassotherapy: The ‘sea cure’

developed in France is slowly washing up on the UK shores, whether in Champney’s mineral rich spa pool and new detox centre, Voya and Ila’s organic seaweed treatments, or Thalgo’s mineral and THE G APRO ENERAL algae based wraps, scrubs, AC and products. The idea is SPAS H IN IS 'ALT that trace elements of HEAL ERNATIVE T minerals are absorbed THAN H' RATHER ME through the pores of the SCIEN DICAL CE skin and are supposed to

Cryotherapy – extreme cold immersion – is said to improve blood and lymphatic flow, while alternative hydrotherapy (hot and cold) is said to help injuries in the acute stages. According to studies, cortisol (released in response to stress) decreases due to the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system (you’re basically freaking out in a controlled way, then lowering your stress levels as you acclimatise). Regular winter swimming, according to one study, is said to decrease tension and fatigue, and improve memory and mood.

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

“While wholefood stores used to be the domain of a few hippies and diet faddists, celebrities have elevated them into the mainstream.”

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eliminate toxins, improve circulation and cure everything from arthritis to cellulite. Scientific evidence is lacking, although it was developed by a doctor (Louis Bagot) and marine biologist (Rene Quinton). Hollywood stars and a host of athletes recovering from serious sporting injuries swear by it.

HEALTH THROUGH FOOD

While wholefood stores used to be the domain of a few hippies and diet faddists, celebrities have elevated them into the mainstream. Now everyone’s quitting

gluten, whether they’re intolerant or not, and splashing out on tiny protein-packed seeds and pulses to add to everything.

Sweet potatoes and avocados are in, bread (even Artisan sourdough!) and fruit juice are out.

Spas such as Lifehouse Spa in Essex offer food intolerance testing, and some spas employ their own nutritionists and naturopaths to design menus and offer consultations to guests. Registered and qualified nutritionists can offer useful advice, but unlike dieticians they are not regulated by an ethical body: it’s telling that the NHS will not let them treat seriously ill patients. Bear in mind the general aproach in spas is ‘alternative health’ rather than medical science.

Evidence that foods containing antioxidants or omega-3 can actually zap diseased cells is inconclusive, whereas there is pretty strong evidence to suggest something we’ve known for a long time – a balanced Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and increase life expectancy. If you’re determined to cut things out of your diet, the FODMAP elimination diet makes gluten-free look positively hedonistic.

These days it’s all about the gut. One of last year’s big surprise bestsellers was

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COME HOME...healthier

“While you can usually find a decent gym and pool at larger spas, many have gone further and embraced the new spirit of wellbeing.” the book Gut by German microbiology student Giulia Enders, and current research is discovering links between the trillions of micro-organisms in our stomachs (the microbiome) and all manner of physical and neurological disorders.

Grayshott Spa in Hampshire uses a semi-fasting regime which has been shown in some tests to trigger healing in the body and brain, and increase insulin production. The cookbook Gut Gastronomy by their executive chef Adam Palmer carries some creative probiotic recipes.

HEALTH THROUGH EXERCISE

Most four and five bubble spas come attached to gyms and swimming pools. But the current attitude to fitness is more luxurious, whether it’s designer work-out gear or glamorous boot camps fit for the rich and famous.

If you can’t afford two weeks at Miraval, go for a Fitter, Stronger weekend at Chewton Glen in the New Forest, headed by Olympian James Cracknell and journalist Paula Kerr. As well as being put through your paces on the croquet lawn

by fitness experts, treatments ranging from the there are Pilates sublime to the ridiculous. classes, hikes through We’ll leave it for you to the forest, nutritional decide which is which. and medical advice, If you are one for YOGA and a five bubble luxury fantasy spa-ing WITH HELPS HIGH BLOO spa to massage your online – a favourite LOWE D PRESSU RE, aching glutes.

R BAC pastime in the Good K H Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire has lots DE EART DISE PAIN, Spa Guide offices A PRESS S ION A E, of inspirational spa fitness retreats, from – you may have ND STRES S. Run for It for joggers wanting to raise their virtually visited the game, to dancercise weekends, where you Miraval Resort in can learn Bollywood moves as well as Arizona, so beloved by ballet exercises for toning.

Oprah and Ellen, famed for its “inner-life” experiences, such as jumping off a 25-foot pole and grooming horses.

HEALTH THROUGH INNER CALM Celebrities such as Kate Moss and Many spas have embraced the new spirit Sadie Frost favour the LifeCo Bodrum of wellbeing by adding mindfulness Detox Centre in Turkey, where you can go meditation and yoga classes to their for a coffee enema, rectal ozone therapy, timetables. At the Bamford Haybarn Spa or an inversion table, where you hang in Gloucestershire, you will find yoga upside down like a bat to increase lymph classes run by Vettri Silvan, teacher to and blood circulation. Treatments and Lady Bamford, herself a practicing Yogi. packages including the word ‘detox’ seem Wellbeing brand Neom begin their like the modern equivalent of spiritual treatments with mindfulness meditation purification, with most scientists pointing and visualisation. out that a 'detoxing' has about the same There is quite a lot of evidence to show claim to reality as a demon – i.e. it that yoga helps people with high blood doesn’t exist. pressure, lower back pain, heart disease, Spas favoured by the rich and famous depression and stress. At the University of are often inspired by eastern medicine, California, a study showed that mindfulness which does not undergo the same improves immune function and increases rigorous peer-reviewed testing of its healing. Other studies show it improves (slightly less romantic and oft attention, reduces anxiety and depression, underfunded) western counterpart. binge drinking and drug use.

The Antara Spa at the Chelsea Health Club in London offers Ayurveda treatments HEALTH THROUGH TREATMENTS designed to ‘heal and rebalance’ the body, This is where modern spas have become including a body massage focusing on increasingly creative, with health ‘marma points’, to detoxify, rebalance and release blockages in the body.

The Scarlet Spa in Cornwall also bases its treatment packages on ‘the wisdom of Ayurveda’ (ancient Hindu medicine, its western variations largely considered to be pseudoscientific), but in such a stunning setting (clifftop hot-tubs anyone?), you may want to bite your sceptical tongue.

The glamorous ESPA Life at the Corinithia has brought together a ‘globally acclaimed team of naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists and herbalists’, and you will have a 'gatekeeper' to tailor lifestyle programmes and treatments.

Back on planet earth, most spa menus offer scrubs to improve circulation, various massages to induce calm or ease pains and sporting injuries, and calming music and décor to lower your cortisol levels.

Will any of these treatments make you healthier? Maybe not in the long term.

However, we could argue that going to a spa encourages self-care and a philosophy of health that you can continue to practise at home. WM

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“Mindfulness meditation and yoga classes are de rigueur in most of the more glamorous spas.”

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COMPETITION

Come Home Healthier from a well-being spa break at Lifehouse Spa Win a Midweek Spa Escape for two at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel LIFEHOUSE SPA is a modern retreat set in traditional English gardens, just over an hour from London. If you’re looking for a health drive or are just well-curious there’s something for everyone at this modern spa.

Facilities at Lifehouse Spa include a 20-metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, salt inhalation room and experience showers. There are 35 treatment rooms, a relaxation room, manicure and pedicure stations and a spa café. Make sure you step outside and explore the 12 acres of English Heritage gardens.

The modern building is full of clean white lines, floor to ceiling windows and accents of bright brilliant colours. The contemporary feel makes it just as accessible for men who are less impressed by florals.

There’s a huge range of treatments on offer from traditional manicures and pedicures, facials and massages, to myotherapy, life skills coaching and one to one yoga classes.

THE MIDWEEK SPA ESCAPE FOR TWO INCLUDES: • Accommodation for two in a contemporary double or twin room • Dinner and breakfast in the Lifehouse restaurant • Two 25 minute treatments per person • Access to daily fitness classes including Pilates, yoga, spin, meditation and outdoor bootcamp • Full use of the spa facilities • Access to the gym and beautiful heritage gardens • Use of a robe and slippers.

Terms and conditions apply. The prize consists of a gift voucher for a one night Spa Escape break, valid any day Monday to Thursday, subject to availability, at Lifehouse for two people sharing a twin/double room. Full terms and conditions available online.

ENTER NOW AT: www.goodspaguide.co.uk/lifehouse

Find out more about Lifehouse Spa and Hotel at: www.lifehouse.co.uk or call 01255 860050 www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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SPA SPY

Confessions of a

SPASPY

I

The Spa Spy dishes the dirt on what it’s really like to have one of the best jobs in the world.

love it when people ask me what I do for a living. Once they get over the shock and have moved through denial, anger, bargaining (“do you need a friend to come with you?”), loss and acceptance, their curiosity becomes piqued.

Since I’m often asked the same questions, I thought I’d compile my own Spa Spy FAQ.

What? You go to spas FOR A LIVING? You must be so relaxed!

I was until you started shouting at me… What do you want me to say? It’s actually really stressful, I hate it?

Obviously, that would be a lie and as a Spa Spy I am trained to give a fair and honest response. So here it is: visiting a beautiful spa that is well run is utter bliss, and even if I am usually too busy observing and writing notes to properly let go, I have spent a large part of this job wearing a dopey smile and pinching myself.

Now for the moany bit. There’s a lot of driving to remote parts of the UK, some of which are in sat nav black spots. I often arrive at a faraway spa with my shoulders up by my ears, but then happily I’m in the kind of job where I can have a massage to resolve that. Then it’s back in the car to another spa, shoulders back up, massage, shoulders down again, repeat ad infinitum. Granted, it’s not exactly the same Catch 22 described in the novel – I’m not being sent on deadly flight missions – and maybe each time I am learning to relax a little more and stop making abusive remarks to my sat nav.

Also, being at a badly run spa can ruin your happy vibe – this is why The Good Spa Guide exists, so that you don’t have to have a negative experience. Some treatments can also make you rather tense. I was once whipped with leaves in a super-hot sauna by a seminaked Russian, then, when just when I thought I was going to die, was dunked in an icy plunge pool. This sent my auto-immune system into such a state of high alert that I became feverishly insane. But apparently

this is good for you, so who am I to complain? Also, I refer you to painful derma-roller treatments – these are little needles that they roll over your face, damaging the skin so it heals. Need I say more?

You must have so many facials, you should look like you've discovered the fountain of youth…

‘Should’? Are you suggesting I don’t? It’s funny but I have noticed a difference even if other people (ie my husband) don’t, which means no one else is looking that hard or I’m optimistic/deluded. Of course my skin is brighter, cleaner and healthier from all that cleansing and exfoliating, but the effects of each facial aren’t that dramatic: not unless you have a surgical procedure, which frankly I’m too scared/broke/sane to do.

I certainly notice a difference for a day or two after most good facials, but in order to experience that dramatic a change I would have to have a course of treatments, which is what most top-end, results driven brands suggest. One positive result of having so many professional facials means my own skin routine has improved dramatically.

“Even if I am usually too busy observing and writing notes to properly let go, I have spent a large part of this job wearing a dopy smile and pinching myself.”

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Can you have too many facials?

Spa Spies average four to six facials a month, which in theory means at least one facial a week – a pretty impressive, high-end beauty routine. What it actually means is three in three successive days, or sometimes even two in a day, all using wildly different products, and then nothing for weeks. Your skin will look slightly more amazing than average for two days, but after that can have break-outs as you react to this sudden over-stimulation.

I once had a CACI facial, with electric stimulation and needling, the works, and then the next day I had a glycolic peel. No effects whatsoever. Either I’ve had so much facial exposure I’ve become immune, or the job draws those with thick skin.

It’s what my teenage daughter refers to as first world problems. It’s what I call binge-facialing.

I’ll let you know when I get facial-fatigue… WM

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SPA TIME

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SPA SPY

The

SPAspies

SUMMER SPY Summer is most likely to be found dipping her toes into spa water facilities and trying out alternative treatments. She’s so laid back she’s almost horizontal... until it comes to bad customer service!

“I love trying new and interesting treatments,

A Spa Spy is a committed, professional journalist or spa expert experience rooms and spa classes. Give me a little bit of luxury, good food and at The Good Spa Guide who is passionate about all things spa. helpful, friendly staff and I’ll be From Jacuzzis to the gym, massage to mud wraps, there is nothing your fan for life.” they 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 Luxury, luxury, luxury. As a founding member of The Good Spa Guide, Sybaritic Spy has had more spa experiences in the last few years than most people have in a lifetime.

“Spa to me is synonymous with sensuality. I want to hear, smell, feel and experience everything. Fragrances to intoxicate, warm treatment beds and unexpected treats make me happy!”

SERENE SPY As a busy travel writer and new mum, Serene Spy takes her rare downtime seriously. For Serene a spa day is all about reconnecting with her inner butterfly.

“I love spas that are like cocoons: secluded, warm and soothing. I appreciate gorgeous scents and oils, strong massage, robes that feel like hugs, and healthy food. Let me retreat from the world for a few hours and emerge feeling lighter and prettier.”

SUPREME SPY With a wealth of spa industry experience, Supreme Spy has high expectations for customer service, treatment excellence and a customer journey that naturally flows from one stage to the next.

“I love a warm welcome 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!”

SAVANT SPY A journalist, writer and mother of two teenagers, Savant Spy recently retrained as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, which feeds her love of knowledge, books and deep, philosophical conversation.

“Perfect spas for me are samples of paradise where you can drift off into a state of bliss.

As someone who lives in her head, I relish a full-body massage, hydrotherapy and heat treatments, and aromatherapy to emerge glowing and thoroughly interconnected.”

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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SUAVE SPY Our singular male spy, Suave Spy ensures we don’t neglect all things male.

Suave is always on hand to try whatever treatment, product or experience is reserved as “Just for Men” (although his hair colour is all his own, you understand.)

“When it comes to the world of spa, I want truly great treatments and flawless customer service. I like to be greeted well and seen off in style. If I miss out on the proper theatrics of a spa experience, I leave disappointed.”

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MASSAGE

Choosing the right

massage

A really good massage is one of the best spa treatments money can buy. But what kind of massage is right for you? Are you looking for Ayurveda or aromatherapy? Find your perfect treatment with our guide to all things massage.

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MASSAGE

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MASS A HEAL GE CAN DETO , RELAX, OR SI X, REVIVE M YOU F PLY HELP EE BALA L MORE NCED

assage is a treatment that works across various complaints; it can heal, relax, revive, detox, or simply help you feel more balanced. The action of stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles has a positive effect on your body, and should leave you feeling much better about yourself, more relaxed in your own skin, calm and peaceful.

Massage can also help on a physical level.

Tired or knotted muscles are relaxed and refreshed, blood circulation is increased, lymph flow is stimulated (which helps your body heal), and positive endorphins are released.

In return, ‘bad stuff’ such as waste products, carbon dioxide, toxins, and excess water become easier to disperse.

Research shows that massage is particularly good at relieving stressrelated problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, asthma, constipation and high blood pressure. Some studies also show that it is effective at treating back pain, arthritis and specific injuries or difficulties.

strokes. Each stroke is repeated several times over the same area of the body to relax and soothe. Quite often you’ll find this at the beginning or end of your treatment, or sometimes it is used to link two parts of your treatments. Your therapist’s hands shouldn’t leave your body during effleurage so it is also very comforting.

➸ Petrissage is an umbrella term for

more active movements you may feel during your treatments including kneading, rolling and lifting. The aim of petrissage (from the French “petrir”, to knead) is to compress soft tissues against each other or underlying bones. The pressure and release should stretch and loosen tense muscles.

Petrissage is normally slow and rhythmical, and can involve quite firm pressure. Your therapist might use one hand to knead your arm muscles, or two if they’re working on a larger muscle in your leg, for example.

Your therapist might also use a tool during petrissage, a hot stone or a bamboo stick to repeat the same pattern but with a different sensation.

“Research shows that massage is particularly good at relieving stressrelated problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, asthma, constipation and high blood pressure.

HOW IT WORKS

The flow of your massage will depend on the type of treatment. Your therapist may massage you with their hands, but possibly use their feet, elbows or a tool, such as hot stones, as well. The strength of pressure will vary, depending on the part of the body they are massaging.

Most massages will be made up of four main techniques, used at different times and in different patterns during your treatment.

➸ Effleurage is the most common massage technique. It’s derived from the French “effleurer”, to skim or gently touch. During effleurage your therapist will use the palm of her hand in slow, smooth, continuous

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➸ Tapotement comes from the French

“tapoter”, meaning to tap. If you picture someone using the side of the hands to chop on your back – that’s tapotement.

Your therapist might pluck (almost like gentle pinching), pound, pummel or tap your body with cupped hands during tapotement. Normally this technique will be used in short, even strikes on the fleshier parts of your body to increase blood circulation and stimulate deeper tissue muscles. Some athletes use tapotement to warm up. This will normally only be a very short part of your treatment, and used in conjunction with more relaxing techniques!

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MASSAGE

WHICH MASSAGE TYPE MIGHT SUIT YOU? ➸ Frictions are normally small

movements where your therapist uses her fingers and thumbs to rub across the muscle fibres. This can be the painful bit if you have knots in your muscles! The movements are normally very precise and will only be used on small areas of your body. You might find that frictions are used in circular movements around a problem area, or directly across the muscle. Frictions can release lactic acid build up, help break down scar tissue and should stimulate blood flow. Frictions are used less often in massage treatments than some of the other techniques, but it may be down to your therapist’s confidence. She will not want you to be wincing in pain during a treatment.

There are lots of different kinds of massage to enjoy, each with broadly different origins and aims. If you’re looking for a specific massage type, look it up in our Treatment Bible which starts on page 24. The most popular types of massage you will find in UK spas include: AROMATHERAPY

The aroma of essential oils can affect how you feel. During an aromatherapy massage, your skin absorbs the warmed essential oils, which can improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Depending on the oils used, aromatherapy massage can relieve stress and anxiety, help you relax and sleep better, soothe pain (including tired or aching muscles), improve flexibility, improve skin tone, aid concentration and calm your temper.

DEEP TISSUE

Deep tissue massage uses slower, firmer techniques and pressure than other treatments, and works on deeper layers of muscle tissue. It often uses finger pressure to concentrate on particular areas, using frictions to work on the fibres of muscles and tendons. It’s good for unknotting and loosening stressed muscles, increasing blood (and therefore oxygen) flow around your body, and expelling toxins from painful areas.

How much of each technique is used will depend on the aim of your treatment.

Swedish and deep tissue massage, where your therapist will work hard on getting rid of the tension in your muscles, are more likely to focus on petrissage and tapotement. Aromatherapy or relaxation massage, where the aim is to completely HOT STONE Also known as thermotherapy, hot stone let go and bliss out, are more likely to massage uses heated basalt stones laid focus on effleurage. Talk to your therapist or rolled on strategic parts of your body. about the massage style if you have a The direct heat relaxes muscles, creating specific aim in mind. a more effective and intense treatment.

Once the treatment begins, The stones are often coated in fragrant your therapist will work oils to increase your sense of their way around your calm. Hot stones expand blood body. To keep you vessels and sedate the nervous warm and to protect system; cooler ones constrict blood vessels and gently your modesty, they wake the nervous system will drape you in up. You might have a hot towels or a blanket, stone massage with more only revealing the relaxing techniques such as part of your body they are working on.

During a full body THE H massage, they will STON EAT OF HO normally work on your scalp massage – MUSC ES RELAX T back, neck and shoulders, A MO LES CREAT ES utterly blissful.

RE ING arms and legs. You may be asked if Midway through AND EFFECTIVE IN TREA TENSE you want your stomach area massaged the treatment, TMEN T too. The treatment may also include a your therapist will probably ask you to turn over from your front to back, shielding your modesty by holding up a towel while you rearrange.

At the end, they will gently tell you that the session is complete. Some use a bell or a chime, others will quietly tell you.

They will normally leave the room while you take a moment to come back down to earth and find your way back into your robe. Remember to leave plenty of time after the treatment to get yourself back

effleurage, or the stones may be used as a tool for deeper petrissage strokes.

RELAXATION Relaxing you is the only aim of this massage, so it’s one of the most indulgent you can have. It is usually a long, luxurious full body treatment, involving soft music, subtle lighting and aromatherapy oils. Your therapist will use all kinds of techniques, including long effleurage strokes, gentle kneading and rolling of skin and muscle, and perhaps some rhythmic rocking from side to side.

SPORTS Because each sport uses the muscle groups in different ways, a qualified sports massage therapist will have a sound knowledge of muscular and skeletal systems and tailor the treatment for each individual athlete.

A good sports massage will relax your muscles, help you fight fatigue, relieve any swelling around your joints, and boost your circulation and immune system. Sports massages tend to use firmer pressure and more active massage stokes including petrissage and frictions.

SWEDISH All four main techniques – effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and frictions – are used during a ‘typical’ Swedish massage.

They’re not designed to punish you! Just to improve your circulation, soothe your muscles and help you relax. Swedish massage isn’t quite as intense as a deep tissue massage or sports massage; all the pummeling and kneading should be balanced out by gentler fluid strokes.

✺

“Swedish and deep tissue massage, where your therapist will work hard on getting rid of tension in your muscles, are likely to use petrissage and tapotement techniques.”

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in the swing of things; lots of spas have a darkened relaxation room where you can continue your zen.

BEFORE YOU GO

Whatever kind of massage you are having, your therapist should ask you some basic questions about your medical history, lifestyle and general health. Make sure you tell them in advance if you are, or think you might be pregnant, if you have any medical conditions or are receiving treatment or medication, if you have recently had an injury or operation, broken skin or sores, or if you have a fever or infection. It’s also worth checking any allergies – some treatments use nut oils. WM

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SPA FOR ROMANCE

If you’re looking to indulge, impress and spend some ‘quality time’ with a loved one, look no further than the world of spa.

SPA for romance W

hile Valentine’s Day seems like an obvious time to take your loved one to a spa, we’ve noticed an increase in couples in spas all year around. Spas quick to pick up on this trend will have splashed out on luxurious couples’ suites and created romantic spa day packages, often complete with double massages in private VIP suites, champagne to sip in the Jacuzzi, and funin-a-sexy-way rasul suites – if you think smearing mud all over your beloved is going to enhance your relationship.

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On our spa excursions, while intrigued by the spa-for-two trend, we were mindful not to intrude upon anyone’s intimate moment in the Jacuzzi by asking lots of questions. However, a few couples were happy to share their reasons for being at a spa together. Some we spoke to were celebrating an anniversary or engagement, often enjoying a generous gift from a friend or family member, while others were simply taking time out from their busy family life.

We met some very young couples, as well as loved-up newly-weds and slightly

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SPA FOR ROMANCE

“Rasuls are incredibly popular with couples... you’re left alone to get muddy and steamy. It’s sensuous as well as fun and good for your skin.”

➸ Couples suites:

In a couple’s suite you may also find your own bath or Jacuzzi, shower, changing area and relaxation area, where you may be able to enjoy your own romantic spa lunch. Spas usually pull out all the stops for romantic packages – rose petals, candles, pink bubbly, romantic lunch for two – the works.

➸ Rasul (rhassoul) or serail

mud experience:

more exhausted looking parents, needing some well-earned r&r as well as time together. One older retired couple I spoke to at a lovely five bubble spa told me they regularly spa together as part of their health regime.

“Health is all we’ve got,” the incredibly sprightly and beautiful wife told me, before revealing that she was 78. Going to a hotel spa on a beach with lots of long, healthy walks was how she convinced her husband to look after himself too.

In a Good Spa Guide survey, we noticed an 11 per cent increase in men going to spas. Although men on their own tend to prefer manly treatments for their sporting injuries, for example, going with their partners as part of a romantic spa-for-two package seems to give them permission to indulge in the more www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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luxurious end of spa. As well as spending time with a loved one, they are inititated into the wonderful world of pampering.

SPA TREATS FOR COUPLES

➸ Couples massages:

In a typical couple’s treatment room, there are two beds and possibly two showers if you are having wraps and scrubs. You will each have a massage therapist (or two if you’re booked for a fabulously indulgent two-handed massage) who will massage you side by side, so that you are sharing the same experience. Some find this incredibly bonding, and it can be a great introduction for a partner new to spa-ing, as well as something to talk about when you snuggle up in the post-treatment relaxation room after.

Rasuls are incredibly popular with couples as well as friends and groups, probably because no therapists are involved – you’re left alone to get muddy and steamy. It’s sensuous as well as fun and good for your skin to smother each other in mineral rich muds – often different colours – and sit in your private steam room or chamber while the ingredients work their magic.

➸ Twilight spa:

What better and more romantic way to relax and bond at the end of a busy working day than a twilight spa session?

When booking your evening spa treat, look for spas with outdoor spa pools and pick a starry starry night. We love Armathwaite Hall in the Lake District where you can float in the hot-tub and gaze over tree tops to Skiddaw Mountain, or the magical and recently renovated Cross Bath at Bath Thermae Spa.

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SPA FOR ROMANCE

TOP SPAS FOR ROMANCE CHUAN SPA London

CARBIS BAY HOTEL AND SPA

Cornwall This five bubble spa on its own stunning blue flag beach won the Best Spa for Romance at the 2015 Good Spa Guide Awards. The setting alone would inspire sonnets, and with those views, it’s not surprising it’s popular as a wedding venue. If you want to re-enact High Society, you can hire the hotel’s luxury yacht and sing True Love while canoodling on the deck. There’s a private VIP treatment cabin on the beach which couples can hire, as well as a luxuriously cosy post-treatment room with a roaring log-fire and spectacular views. Sip champagne as you watch the sun set either from the outdoor pool or your private hotel balcony. Product houses are unisex – Voya was created by a male triathlete but is hugely popular with both sexes, and Aromatherapy Associates has its male wing, The Refinery.

It’s hard to find space to be alone with the one you love in the bustling city, but at the Chuan Spa you can book an exclusive Chuan Spirit VIP suite, which comes with a large wooden Ofuro Bath big enough for two to share, two treatment beds and a seating area so you can have a private lunch. We love the stained glass rose petals in the lit panels by the bath, and the complimentary food platter and teas. If you can bear to tear yourself away from your delightful oriental cocoon, there’s also an underground swimming pool with chandeliers, and a Himalayan rock sauna to enjoy in the rest of the spa. If you’re lucky enough to stay at the glamorous Langham hotel, make sure you book a romantic dinner in the Roux-run restaurant.

THE HEADLAND HOTEL Cornwall

Fistral Beach is a beautiful sweep of sand, perfect for windswept romantic walks. Afterwards, head to the Headland Spa, where you can indulge in some fabulous spa-ing for two, with a range of delightful couples rooms and treatments. In the lovely new Jacuzzi suite, you can bond in the bubbles after an invigorating scrub. The private rasul suite has lots of deliciously playful muds by The Spa Factory: get creative with your best beloved before gazing lovingly through the steam at each other on your thrones. You can book a VIP suite if you want to relax in private, or head straight up to your sumptuous hotel room.

THE VINEYARD SPA Newbury

Sophisticated romantics with an Epicurean bent will love this elegantly peaceful spa and hotel, which has great food, a fabulous 30,000 bottle cellar and excellent treatments.

The love of the vine extends to the treatment menu, with grapetherapy treatments such as the Red Wine Pampering Body Wrap, or a Grapetherapy Pedicure which you can enjoy with a glass of wine. The staff will make you feel like Lord and Lady of the manor, and because the numbers are so well managed, the five bubble luxury spa feels exclusive.

GALGORM RESORT Northern Ireland

For an utterly decadent romantic experience, the stunning five bubble luxury Spa at Galgorm has the Paris Suite. Soak side by side in twin free-standing Parisian bath tubs while gazing at the tropical aquarium set into the wall. There’s a table between the tubs for your bottle of champagne. You must venture out of your suite and sample the outdoor hot-tubs in the delightfully designed Thermal Village: there’s nothing more romantic than bubbling away in a hot tub looking out over the beautiful River Maine. Hot tubs can be booked privately with a half-bottle of champagne, of course.

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STOBO CASTLE

Scotland What could be more romantic than spa-ing in a huge, beautiful 200-year-old castle set in rolling Scottish hills? We recommend The Oriental Harmony Couple Ritual, which includes a relaxing massage with black tea oil and hot stones, followed by a hydro-bath treatment with chromo therapy (colour changing lights) – enchanting and relaxing.

The modern, luxurious spa and the castle grounds are big enough for you to wander or find space to be alone. If you’re feeling flash, stay in the Cashmere Suite with walls lined with cashmere, and two huge double beds – perfect if snoring or duvet-hogging is an issue. WM

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SKINCARE

FACIALS

EX MACHINA Machine-led skincare has slowly been trickling down from the more specialist treatments to facials you’ll find in your local spa. Are machine-led facials as unusual as they sound? Are they painful?

Do they made a dramatic difference? We find out the latest about “hands off” facials.

M

achine-led facials have been around for a lot longer than you may think; Guinot was the first to offer a machine-led facial in 1965 with the Cathiodermie Facial (renamed Hydradermie decades later). Caci “non surgical solutions” is also more than 20 years old – they launched their machine-led treatments in 1992. There are now more than 30 machine-led facials available in the UK market.

While brands have embraced the technology, very few spa goers have experienced a machine-led facial – in our spring survey we found out that only 20 per cent of spa goers have tried one.

Machine-led facials shouldn’t be painful, but they may be a little uncomfortable at points. It’s also worth checking beforehand if you have sensitive skin, and make sure you keep communicating with your therapist if anything feels uncomfortable. But, on the plus side, they do have the most dramatic and lasting results we’re seen from facial treatments… and we’ve seen a lot!

Each facial will use different products and technologies, and some might use a mixture of machine (hands off) and therapist’s hands (hands on).

Broadly speaking most use similar types of stimulation.

CATHIODERMIE

Cathiodermie uses a very low electrical current to cleanse your pores and boost your circulation.

Normally, a therapist will apply a gel or serum and

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then run a metallic prong across your skin. You might find you have a metallic taste in your mouth as your therapist uses the machine. Normally a cathiodermie machine will have different settings so you can go as low or high as you like, just make sure you tell your therapist what’s comfortable and what’s not.

IONITHERMIE

Ionithermie uses two different types of electrical currents; galvanic and faradic. Galvanic currents make your muscles contract and relax, exercising each muscle in the same way you would your body.

Faradic encourages the penetration of products into the top layer of your skin. The treatment will feel similar to cathiodermie, and you may feel a metallic taste in your mouth.

You may be asked to hold a wand with the negative part of the current (some machines just use a positive current). This is generally when using older machines or machines that also use water.

ULTRASOUND

Get rid of the images of pregnancy and sports injuries in your mind. In spas, ultrasound is used to exfoliate, the theory being that the sound waves vibrate at a very high speed, cleansing your skin. Ultrasound in a spa facial can feel tingly but shouldn’t be painful.

Some clinics offer much higher powered ultrasound treatment which can be very painful – just make sure you don’t mix the two up!

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SKINCARE

BRANDS THAT OFFER MACHINE-LED FACIALS More and more UK brands have added a machine element to their facials – here are some Spa Spy favourites.

OXYGEN THERAPY

Oxygen therapy is exactly what it says on the tin; your skin will be blasted with jets of high pressure oxygen. The theory is that it can drive vitamins and nutrients into the skin and increase the absorption of moisture. You might see a pretty instantaneous plumping of the skin and visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But it is worth bearing in mind that the instantaneous plumping is most likely a mild inflammatory response to the high-pressure oxygen application.

Oxygen therapy is normally completely pain free, it might just feel a bit cold on your skin.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion is a medi-spa treatment that uses an exfoliating material (such as tiny crystals or flakes) and a mechanical suction to gently lift away dead skin cells. You might feel a pulling on your skin as the machine goes across your face. Your therapist should have specialist training for microdermabrasion.

It’s important that you don’t confuse this with dermabrasion, which is a serious medical type of surgical skin planning only carried out by a doctor or plastic surgeon.

LIGHT STIMULATION

Light therapy, or photodynamic therapy, uses different colours and strengths of

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"Light therapy can be very, very bright. Your eyes should be closed and covered, but it may still be a shock!"

LED lights to stimulate the skin. Light therapy comes in lots of different forms; we’ve seen masks, handheld lights and a canopy that’s placed above the face.

You might find blue and/or red lights used during your treatment. Blue light is generally used to purify skin as it can destroy acne causing bacteria. Red light is used for anti-aging, as it may help improve the skin’s barrier function.

Your therapist might also use bright white or yellow light.

Light therapy can be very, very bright. Your eyes should be closed and covered, but it may still be a shock!

You might also find heat or extreme cold used in machine-led facials.

The extreme cold will help boost circulation; it causes the blood vessels to contract and then dilate improving oxygen and nutrient supply to the skin.

Heat is believed to trigger the skin’s own healing process; it’s also relaxing and calming. WM

GUINOT Guinot were the original, and are still considered one of the best. The original facial has had many different iterations, the latest being the Hydraderm Cellular Energy Facial. For ionithermie, the treatment involves a mixture of cleansing, exfoliating and massage before moving on to the machine element. Your therapist will smooth a gel onto your skin, then move the warm electrode pen across your face, over the muscles and up into fine lines.

Each treatment will be tailored to your skin type, including which gels to use during the machine-led element.

You can also have Guinot body treatments aimed at slimming, hair removal, and soothing and relaxing tired muscles. uk.guinot.com CACI

CACI (Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument) offers face and body treatments using a wide range of technologies. During the Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial you’ll experience microdermabrasion, micro currents and light stimulation all in one. The treatment starts with cleansing, but then makes straight for the machine, using each element individually to make a difference to the skin. And it really does make a difference! Four of the Spa Spies have tried CACI facials and each has loved it in a different way. For the youngest Spa Spy (20s) it was a subtle pick me up, for the eldest (60s) it made a dramatic difference. www.caci-international.co.uk CARITA

The Carita Cinetic™ Lift Expert facial uses a mixture of both “hands on” and “hands off” techniques, so it’s a great way to dip your toe into machine-led facials but keep the relaxation elements in too.

Your therapist will cleanse and exfoliate in the traditional way before moving on

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SKINCARE

(1) Clarisonic Smart Profile

to ultrasound exfoliation and microcurrent stimulation. The electrical current comes from gloves the therapist wears, so she can cup your muscles; it feels much more intuitive. The facial then uses LED lights and finishing products to make you feel pampered. www.carita.co.uk ELEMIS

The Elemis Biotech machine has five different technologies; ultrasound, microcurrent and galvanic energies, and oxygen and light therapies. Your therapist will select one of eight treatments using different technologies depending on your skin type.

We’ve tried the Sonic Skin Radiance Facial which uses ultrasound exfoliation and a galvanic current mask to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate skin. It was pain-free and made an immediately visible difference. www.elemis.com

GERMAINE DE CAPUCCINI

Germaine de Capuccini’s Efficy machine uses more unusual skin care technologies including radio frequency (electrical current stimulation), transdermal induction where radio waves help target and push product into the skin, and vacuum therapy which will push and pull your skin to improve circulation. The technologies are used in different ways to tailor treatments, so among others, you could try an intensive correction acne /rosacea treatment, a clarifying anti-pigmentation treatment or a facial contouring treatment. www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk ILA

The ila Gold Cellular Age Restore Facial uses a mixture of hands on and hands off techniques, so it’s as relaxing as it is science inspired. After cleansing, exfoliating and applying a mask, the sonic wave element of the machine vibrates at a very high frequency as it massages against the contours of the face, and then an LED machine exposes the skin to green and blue lights. www.ila-spa.com

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(3) LightStim

Technology to try at home

1

CLARISONIC SMART PROFILE

Clarisonic offers the most established range of cleansing brushes. The Smart Profile handheld cleansing brush pulses at 300 movements per second giving your skin a super deep clean. Apply your normal cleanser or Clarisonic formulation and then move the rotating brush head over your skin; it will cleanse and exfoliate up to 11 times more efficiently than using your hands alone. Although the brush is safe for daily use, you may want to use it 2-3 times a week as part of an exfoliation routine rather than every day. After using the Clarisonic, our Spa Spy said her skin felt soft, supple and glowing; she was soaking up skin compliments all night! www.clarisonic.co.uk

2

3

LIGHTSTIM FOR WRINKLES

If you’re happy with your lotions and potions, but are looking for an extra kick in your skin care routine, try adding light stimulation. It’s a bit more of a time investment – you’re looking at about 15 minutes each evening – but we’ve seen real results from LightStim.

The handheld device uses LED lights to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth the texture of your skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Turn on the light and hold the machine up to each area you want to treat (we did crow's feet lines, around the lips and neck) for three minutes. We used the machine for eight weeks and saw a genuine difference. www.lightstim.com

FOREO LUNA 2

As a gentler alternative to a bristle, the Foreo Luna 2 uses fast pulsing flexible silicone heads to cleanse your skin. It incorporates elements of ultrasound exfoliation to keep your skin sparkling clean and a lower frequency vibration to use on fine lines and wrinkles. The silicone is non-porous to resist bacteria build up so you don’t need to switch heads, and each charge will last 450 uses! Choose your device depending on your skin type; combination, oily, normal or sensitive skin. We put the Luna 2 to the test and loved the cleansing power: it even helped reduce hormonal break outs.

Apply your normal cleanser, then for two minutes massage the brush over your skin and voila – super clean skin without feeling tight or dry. www.foreo.com

(2) Foreo Luna 2

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Do you know your algotherapy from your balneotherapy?

What is champissage? Would you enjoy craniosacral therapy? The Spa Spies have pooled their knowledge to create The Treatment Bible.

THE TREATMENT BIBLE

The A to Z of all things spa

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THE TREATMENT BIBLE

A ABHYANGA An herbal oil massage. The oil is created for each client’s dosha type.

See also Ayurveda; Dosha

ACUPRESSURE This ancient Chinese holistic treatment works on the ‘meridians’ or energy paths that form an invisible map across the body. The Qi (say ‘chee’) or life energy flows along these meridians. Acupressure applies fingertip pressure at strategic points along the meridians to remove blockages and improve the flow of energy around the body, which is said to improve self-healing. Proponants say your Qi flows free, the happier and healthier you will be.

GOOD FOR Migraine; muscular and joint pain; overcoming addictions; weight loss See also Reflexology; Reiki; Qi; Meridians; Thai massage; Tui Na

ALGOTHERAPY A general term for spa treatments that involve algae, seaweed or other marine ingredients. These might be slathered onto or around your face and body, or added to a bath or pool. It’s not a medical treatment but the algae, when activated and absorbed by the skin, is said to have healing properties. The most common type of treatment involves wraps and scrubs followed by a massage. It doesn’t necessarily smell all that great.

GOOD FOR Sweating out toxins; improving the tone of skin; refreshing; relaxation See also Wraps; Seaweed

AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy uses warm essential oils.

The oils are massaged into your skin, dropped into water for you to bathe in, or

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blended with other oils or steam for you to inhale. The powerful oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants, shrubs, flowers, bark, peel, resin, grasses, fruits, roots, trees, petals, stems or seeds.

GOOD FOR Stress; anxiety; sleeplessness and a bad temper!

See also Aromatherapy massage; Baths; Massage; Phytotherapy

AYURVEDA An ancient Hindu practice based on the idea that the body, mind and spirit must be treated together. The treatment is personalised to suit your ‘dosha’ or body type. Every human being has a unique blend of energies and therefore a different dosha. The dosha is made up of three elements: • ‘vata’ – blood, circulation and healing • ‘pitta’ – heat and metabolism • ‘kapha’ – your spiritual and philosophical make-up.

GOOD FOR Detoxing; cleansing; boosting the immune system; making changes to lifestyle See also Indian head massage; Marma; Reflexology; Acupressure; Chakra; Qi

B BALINESE MASSAGE Balinese massage uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and ‘Qi’ around your body.

GOOD FOR Strained muscles and joint pain; boosting circulation; sleep problems

Ayurveda is based on the idea that the body, mind and spirit must be treated together.

BANYA Banya in Russian means bath house and traditionally encompasses a steam room, a washing room and entrance room. Some Banya buildings can be large with a number of different bathing areas, or wooden cabins much like traditional Finnish saunas, but with wet steam generated by scooping lots of water into an oven. Banya temperatures will often exceed 90 degrees celsius and special felt hats are worn to protect the head from such intense heat. If you are having a Parenie (banya treatment or ‘bathing ritual’), your banschik (bath attendant) will lightly hit you with bunches of twigs (called banny venik), often eucalyptus, birch or oak, dipped in water before use. In Russian outdoor banyas, you would roll around in the snow or dive into the river after, but in traditional indoor banyas, you will have a plunge pool or ice bucket, then re-acclimatise in a cool pool before heading back into the sauna for round two.

GOOD FOR Circulation; boosting immune system and metabolism; releasing serotonin or happy hormones See also Sauna; Steam room

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THE TREATMENT BIBLE

natural waxes, oils and butters. The candle wax melts quickly, turning into a warm, aromatic massage oil.

CATHIODERMIE A skin treatment that uses a very low electrical current to help boost circulation and cleanse your pores deep down.

GOOD FOR Deep cleansing See also Ionithermie

CHAKRA

BODY TREATMENT A blanket term for a whole range of holistic procedures aimed at helping you achieve something specific for your body.

You might be: · massaged or scrubbed with a specific oil, cream or mineral · wrapped or enveloped in mud, seaweed or even plastic · immersed or soaked in liquid, from water to algae · stroked, treated with or exposed to materials such as stones, brushes, magnets, or electric current or lights.

GOOD FOR Soothing muscles; relieving stress; detoxing after over-indulgence See also Wraps; Scrub; Hydrotherapy; Massage

BALNEOTHERAPY A fancy term for a warm mineral bath. The body is massaged by strong jets of hot and cold water.

GOOD FOR Boosting circulation; cleansing the skin; soothing tired limbs

BOTOX Botox is an artificial substance, and a brand name for a laboratory-produced chemical called botulinum toxin. It relaxes and ‘freezes’ facial, and other muscles.

Botox is used to get rid of lines and wrinkles. Its effects last a few months and develop slowly over a week or so after it is first injected.

GOOD FOR Relieving tension; bringing emotional and physical relief

GOOD FOR Reducing lines and wrinkles but remember: your face should still move...

Usually part of a facial treatment, a chemical peel is an exfoliation using a chemical solution to remove dead skin.

Often applied as a face mask, containing mild alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. Facial peels in a spa should be gentle, and should not cause much discomfort, redness or irritation, although you might feel a bit of a tingle. Peels reveal sensitive new skin, so skin should not be exposed to the sun or any harsh skincare products immediately afterwards.

BOWEN TECHNIQUE This is a gentle massage-and-release technique that intermittently uses light, rolling pressure and then rest. No oils are used and you wear loose-fitting clothing.

GOOD FOR Improving circulation; posture; recovery from injury

C CANDLE MASSAGE A massage using the warm, melted wax of a specialist massage candle as a lubricant.

Massage candles are made of a blend of

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A Sanskrit word referring to the energy system in the body. Many forms of massage focus on the chakras – by applying pressure to the chakra points.

See also Acupressure; Ayurveda; Dosha; Marma; Shirodhara; Qi

CHEMICAL PEEL

GOOD FOR Aging skin; acne; reducing sun damage and hyper-pigmentation

CHROMOTHERAPY Another term for colour therapy, this holistic therapy claims to harness the energy in coloured light or objects in order to rebalance your Qi. GOOD FOR Some people believe that it promotes healing or improves mood

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D DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE Uses slow, firm strokes and pressure.

GOOD FOR Unknotting and loosening muscles

DOSHA

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY A gentle and non-invasive massage that uses light touches to ‘listen’ to your body’s discomforts and help release pent-up tension and fear.

GOOD FOR Headaches; back pain; long standing physical or emotional problems; traumatic or difficult births for newborns

CRYSTAL THERAPY A healing practice dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Incas and Mayans.

Quartz crystals and other stones are placed at strategic points on your body and around the surrounding room to stimulate vibrations and release energy blockages.

GOOD FOR Releasing tension; facilitating healing See also Acupressure

CUPPING This traditional Chinese medical practice temporarily leaves raised, red ‘wheals’ on your skin, as nobly exhibited by several celebrities. A heated cup is placed on your body and a vacuum created, sucking up your skin. The immediate effects are a bit alarming (see Gwyneth Paltrow) but it is a deeply relaxing treatment.

GOOD FOR Draining excess fluids; stimulating the nervous system; increasing blood flow

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Your dosha, or body type, is a unique mix of energies known as “vata”, “pitta” and “kapha”. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, a person’s dosha determines the kind of lifestyle that is balancing and healthy for them.

See also Ayurveda

E EXFOLIATION The removal of the top layer of dead or tired skin cells to reveal your lovely fresh peachy layer underneath. Often a scrub, or achieved with special gloves or brushes.

GOOD FOR Improving your skin tone and texture See also Hammam; Scrub

F FACIALS Facials use a mix of products, massage techniques and equipment to give you cleaner, healthier, more radiant-looking skin. Whichever type you choose, you can expect all facials to include the basics of cleansing, toning and moisturising. Often the difference between facials is the process and how many products are used.

Types of facials: · American facial Results-focused and usually features ‘manual extraction’.

The American facial can feel more like a procedure than a treat(ment) but the results can be quite dramatic. · Anti-aging facial Aims to improve the look and feel of skin that has visible signs of aging. Depending on the brand, these facials may include specialist equipment, a peel, or massage techniques to stimulate the facial muscles and lift and firm skin. · Brightening facial Recommended for dull skin, or skin with uneven pigmentation, brightening facials will usually include a thorough exfoliation, and an application of a specialist serum or cream to reduce redness and encourage that gorgeous post-facial glow. · Cathiodermie A skin treatment that uses a very gentle electrotherapy to help boost circulation and cleanse your pores deep down. A ‘hands off’ treatment, the therapist will run two mini rollers over your skin. · Deep cleanse or balancing facial Most often recommended for combination, oily or spot-prone skin, the aim will be to intensively cleanse the face, unblock pores and balance over-oily patches. · Nourishing or hydrating facial Great for dry skin, but can also be recommended if your skin is temporarily dehydrated.

A nourishing or hydrating facial should boost the moisture in your skin making it feel soft, smooth and glowing. · Prescription facial Tailored to your skin type, a prescription facial should include a consultation before the treatment begins so the therapist can have a look at your skin and choose the skincare products that meet your needs.

Facials use a mix of products, massage techniques and equipment to give you cleaner, healthier, more radiant-looking skin.

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Floatation is a deeply relaxing body treatment that allows you to experience some degree of weightlessness, and is often described as returning to a womb-like state. · Sensitive skin facial A facial for sensitive skin will include gentle, calming skincare products. If your skin is very reactive, your therapist should be able to give you a patch test to check your skin doesn’t react to the skincare ingredients.

FACIAL OR DERMAL FILLER This refers to cosmetic or spa treatments and beauty products that literally fill in the wrinkles and lines in your skin. The term covers creams and injections, and is described as a ‘non-surgical procedure’. (although injecting chemicals into your skin sounds pretty surgical to us).

GOOD FOR Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and even quite deep lines See also Botox; Chemical peel; Facial; Medispa; Microdermabrasion

FANGOTHERAPY ‘Fango’ is Italian for ‘mud’ and fangotherapy is a common treatment in Italy, often used in baths or heat packs. The mud is rich and

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thick, sometimes mixed with other minerals and essential oils. It’s slathered on and left for 10 or 15 minutes, after which you’ll be hosed down and usually led to a mineral bath.

GOOD FOR Soft skin; soothed muscles See also Hammam; Mud; Parafango; Rasul

FLOATATION Floatation is a deeply relaxing body treatment that allows you to experience some degree of weightlessness. Floatation tanks or beds allow privacy and quiet, which is why this treatment is often described as returning to a womb-like state.

GOOD FOR Deep relaxation; relieving stress on joints and muscles

FRIGI-THALGO A cold wrap designed to eliminate excess water from body tissues.

g GOMMAGE An unusual spa treatment that uses a mixture of clay, oils and herbs to exfoliate your body. Smoothed onto your skin in long, stroking movements, the gommage cream, gel or paste is then allowed to dry for a few minutes like a face mask. The therapist removes it with a gentle rubbing motion and, as it rolls up off your skin, it takes the skin’s outermost dead skin cells with it. The word gommage comes from the French verb ‘to erase’.

GOOD FOR Depending on the ingredients of the gommage, it can be used to exfoliate; draw out toxins; smooth skin See also Exfoliation; Wraps

GOOD FOR Activates circulation; relieves aches and pains; promotes skin suppleness See also Wraps

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h HAMMAM In the Middle East and Morocco, a hammam can be either a single, tiled steam room or a suite of steam rooms and pools for communal use. In UK spa terms, a ‘hammam’ treatment usually includes a ‘tellak’ or hammam attendant washing your skin with traditional black soap, rinsing you off with cool water, rigorously exfoliating from top to bottom as you lie in a hot room, and then giving you a final rinse off. Your skin will be left super smooth, soft and zingy. It’s worth noting that you normally have a hammam in the nude, but you can opt to keep your swimsuit on if you are feeling modest.

GOOD FOR Chilling out in a deeply sensuous environment; deep cleansing; envigorating See also Serail; Rasul

HOT HERB POULTICE A tightly-packed mixture of herbs, covered with muslin, which is heated and used to massage along pulse points on your body during a treatment. It feels similar to hot stones, as it is pressed and rolled along your skin. This is a deeply relaxing and unusual treatment that smells soothing and feels very comforting, particularly when padded onto the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands.

GOOD FOR Relaxation; coping with jet lag See also Aromatherapy; Phytotherapy; Pressure point; Reflexology

HOT STONE MASSAGE Also known as thermotherapy, hot stone massage uses heated basalt stones laid or rolled onto parts of your skin.

GOOD FOR Relaxing muscles; warming up on a cold day See also Lava Shell massage; Massage

HYDRO MASSAGE Hydro massage is a water-based spa treatment which uses high pressure jets of water to massage your skin and

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A hot herb poultice is a deeply relaxing and unusual treatment that smells soothing and feels very comforting, particularly when padded onto the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands. stimulate your circulation. A hydro massage is much more powerful than a Jacuzzi or a whirlpool bath, and the water used will be hotter.

GOOD FOR Cleansing; relaxing See also Vichy Shower

HYDROTHERM MASSAGE Hydrotherm is a massage system which places warm water-filled pads on top of a regular therapy couch. Your entire massage is carried out while you are faceup, on your back. Your therapist will slide their hands between you and the pads to give you your massage.

GOOD FOR People with limited mobility

I IONITHERMIE A spa treatment that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate the nerves in your body. Using pen-like instruments, the therapist applies very short bursts of current, which tingle a little. It’s odd, but not painful. Often a feature in algotherapy, slimming, detoxing and shaping spa treatments.

GOOD FOR Reducing cellulite; tightening up muscles in ‘problem’ areas See also Cathiodermie

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k KNEIPP Herbal and mineral baths of different temperatures. The Kneipp system combines these with a purifying diet, exercise and spiritual practices.

GOOD FOR Improving general health, fitness and moods; detoxification; stimulating circulation

KO BI DO A Japanese facial massage technique using acupressure along the facial meridians.

GOOD FOR Preventing wrinkles See also Acupressure; Ayurveda; Facial; Meridians; Qi

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Also known as the ‘loving hands’ or Hawaiian massage, ‘lomi lomi’ translates to ‘rub rub’ in Hawaiian, and reflects the broad, flowing strokes made with the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows.

l LAVA SHELL MASSAGE Tiger clam shells (found in the Philippines) are filled with a sachet of minerals and

activated – or heated – using a saline solution. The hot shells are then used for massage and generate heat for an hour and a half after activation. The shells have two edges; the rounder edge where the shells join together is used for general massage strokes, and the sharper edge is used to penetrate the muscles. Used with oil to help the shells glide across the skin.

GOOD FOR Boosting circulation; soothing aches and pains

LOMI LOMI MASSAGE Also known as the ‘loving hands’ or Hawaiian massage, ‘lomi lomi’ translates to ‘rub rub’ in Hawaiian, and reflects the broad, flowing strokes made with the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows. Macadamia, palm and coconut oils are usually used to keep the strokes smooth, and to moisturise and nourish the skin. The long, continuous

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Marma points are similar to pressure points in acupressure, acupuncture and Shiatsu. Your therapist will focus on unblocking marmas with gentle massage, usually using essential oils.

m MANICURE A beauty treatment for your hands and nails that often includes the application of nail polish. Tools, creams, oils, waxes and massage techniques are used to clean and shape your nails and care for your hands.

Types of manicure: · American A very natural-looking manicure that shapes the nails to your finger tips.

strokes of the massage are designed to help the body let go of its old patterns and behaviours, which can cause stresses and strains in the muscles. A traditional massage will begin with a prayer.

GOOD FOR Releasing muscular and emotional tension; assisting lymph flow; eliminating toxins

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE A therapeutic massage treatment that uses gentle pulsing motions to encourage the flow of lymph, a clear fluid that carries white blood cells around your body.

Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure, as well as long, gentle, rhythmic strokes and soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. Your therapist will probably work her way up from your feet to your face.

GOOD FOR Puffiness and water retention; energising; relaxing; balancing

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MARMA Marma points are similar to pressure points in acupressure, acupuncture and Shiatsu. In ancient Vedic times they were called bindu (meaning ‘secret dot’ or ‘mystic point’) and are thought to be pockets of life force energy. Each of the 107 marma points also correspond to specific organs. The therapist will focus on unblocking marmas with gentle massage, usually using essential oils. The Hindu healthcare system uses marma massage as a preventitive medicine.

GOOD FOR Maintaining healthy balance; improving digestion; pain; arthritis

· French This classic manicure uses clear or ivory-coloured polish on the body of the nail, and whitens the tip. The nail is cut more or less square.

See also Ayurveda, Acupressure; Chakra; Dosha; Meridian; Qi; Reflexology

· Reverse French (“moon manicure”) the tips of the fingernails are coloured, while the moon-shaped area of the cuticle is painted white.

MASSAGE

· Gel manicure A long-lasting manicure with a special gel polish applied. This is then dried under a UV light. It lasts much longer than ordinary polish. · Hot stone manicure Includes a hand massage and uses hot stones to soothe muscles. · Japanese manicure Artificial nails are applied, then painted with polish and decorated with gems.

Massage is a treatment that uses different kinds of physical contact to relax, revive and heal the body. It may involve stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles depending on the aim of the treatment. Some focus on soothing muscle pain; others on increasing energy levels; some aim to improve a specific physical condition; others simply to help you relax. Read all about different massage types (there are many) in our feature on page 14.

· Paraffin wax Warm wax is rubbed into your nails, hands and wrists to moisturise and soften.

See also Deep tissue massage; Hot stone massage; Lymphatic drainage massage; Relaxation massage; Swedish massage; Thai massage

· Luxury Usually includes a hand massage, softening with paraffin wax and heated mittens.

MEDI-SPA

GOOD FOR Improving the texture of nails and skin; leaving nails polished and perfect; special occasions See also Hot stone massage; Pedicure

Medi-spa covers the more results driven treatments that border on the medical, but can be booked at your spa instead of a cosmetic clinic. You might also hear them

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referred to as non-surgical procedures, ie, not plastic/cosmetic surgery. The term covers cosmetic injections and chemical peels. Some such as Botox can only be carried out by a doctor, even in a spa, while microdermabrasion can be carried out by a specially trained and certified therapist as well as doctors.

Not all medi-spas are qualified or have an in-house doctor. If you are going for cosmetic injections or a chemical peel that goes deeper than glycolic acid, check your practitioner is on the Treatments You Can Trust Register (www. treatmentsyoucantrust.org.uk), which is supported by the Department of Health. It is also wise to ask about their qualifications and experience.

See also Botox; Chemical peels; Dermal fillers; Microdermabrasion

MEDITATION Meditation is a personal practice of selfinduced quiet contemplation. Meditation is believed to promote calmness, heighten self-awareness and develop and maintain focus. Some studies have suggested that meditation can also reduce stress and deliver positive changes to your metabolism, blood pressure and other bodily processes. Many spas offer meditation classes, designed to help you learn how to access the quiet spaces in between your thoughts.

GOOD FOR Relaxation; de-stressing; gaining focus See also Mindfulness; Yoga

MICRODERMABRASION Exfoliation using a device that blasts fine crystals onto the skin and vacuums them up, together with any dead skin and dirt.

Microdermabrasion is often a feature of an exfoliating or radiance facial.

GOOD FOR Really fresh, radiant skin in a short amount of time See also Exfoliation; Facial

MINDFULNESS Mindfulness is a philosophy based on the Buddhist idea of being awake, and the Buddhist existential belief that the present moment is the only reality. The basic aim of mindfulness is to develop an awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of the present moment, to live now rather than worry obsessively about the past or future. Regular mindful meditation can help reduce depression and anxiety.

See also Meditation; Yoga

MUD Mud and spas have a long history. Ancient bathers would slather themselves with mineral rich muds or clays, letting them harden in the sun before rinsing off in the springs or rivers. The best known are Dead Sea Mud and mineral clay from the Atlas Mountains used in Moroccan rasuls, but these days spas are getting more creative with the slimy stuff. Muds used in modern spas usually contain minerals, essential oils and other goodies, such

Muds used in modern spas usually contain minerals, essential oils and other goodies, such as actives or algae. The mud can be applied like a mask or massaged into the face, body, or scalp.

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as algae. The mud can be applied like a mask or massaged into the face, body, or scalp. Sometimes applying a wrap or using steam from a steam room will intensify the mud’s beneficial properties.

GOOD FOR Arthritis; slimming; detoxifying; skin problems such as eczema; improves circulation; soothes aching and tired muscles; smooths wrinkles; exfoliates skin See also Fangotherapy; Rasul; Serail; Hammam; Parafango; Wraps

p PARAFANGO The word ‘parafango’ is a portmanteau of paraffin (as in wax) and fango (mineral rich mud), which are the two main ingredients of this body wrap treatment. The paraffin is there to maintain heat and intensify the detoxifying effects of the sea mud. Most popularly used to target specific areas of cellulite, fat cells, fluid retention, and to sculpt the body.

GOOD FOR Fighting cellulite; inch loss; toning; circulation See also Wraps

PHYTOTHERAPY Meaning ‘plant’ therapy, this is a term for healing treatments using botanical products (plants, herbs, seaweeds and essential oils). Commonly used for baths, massage, wraps, inhalation and even tea.

GOOD FOR General health; soothing and detoxifying the skin See also Aromatherapy; Ayurveda; Hot herb poultice

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Rasul is a traditional Arabian body treatment involving steam and mud.

You will sweat out toxins and be left feeling both relaxed and wide awake.

This is an unusual and deeply sensual treatment.

Photo: Š Galgorm Resort and Spa

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PILATES Pilates is a body-conditioning technique that strengthens muscles and improves balance and posture. Like yoga, Pilates involves you learning a series of poses and stretches and helps tone and strengthen your muscles; unlike yoga, Pilates does not usually involve meditation and is not an aerobic exercise. Devised by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, Pilates aims to teach you how to use your muscles properly to protect and support you, preventing injury and strain.

See also Yoga

PIZZICHILI A two-therapist massage using warm herbal oils.

See also Ayurveda

which correspond with all the organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This helps improve circulation of blood, oxygen and 'Qi' around the body, relieving stress and healing pain in other parts of the body.

See also Acupressure; Reflexology; Traditional Chinese Medicine; QI

Qi is believed to be an energy force which flows along the meridians that map the body. When Qi is flowing properly, you are balanced, well and healthy in mind, body and spirit.

q

PRE-NATAL MASSAGE A specialist pregnancy massage which helps ease aches and pains, and boost your mood. Carried out by an expert practitioner, you may find that you are massaged on a treatment bed with a gap for your bump, a large cushion or on a treatment mat on the floor. Your therapist is likely to use Swedish massage techniques, as this form of massage employs gliding strokes and gentle kneading designed to improve your blood and lymphatic circulation, soothe your muscles and make you feel more relaxed.

QI

PRESSURE POINTS

Qi (say ‘chee’) is believed to be an energy force which flows along the meridians that map the body. When Qi is flowing properly, you are balanced, well and healthy in mind, body and spirit. Get a blockage and you’ll feel unbalanced, emotionally and physically. Massage can help the Qi flow by putting pressure on key points – a bit like joining-the-dots of your body’s energy paths.

Pressure point manipulation is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Your therapist will apply pressure to a range of particular points around your body

See also Acupressure; Ko bi do; Reflexology; Shiatsu; Thai massage

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r RASUL A traditional Arabian body treatment involving steam and mud. Mineral-rich muds of various colours are applied to the skin. You sit in a tiled steam room for around 15 minutes, then the mud is washed off with cool water. You will sweat out toxins and be left feeling both relaxed and wide awake. This is an unusual and deeply sensual treatment.

GOOD FOR Warming and soothing muscles; softening the skin; respiration See also Fangotherapy; Hammam; Serail; Steam room

REFLEXOLOGY This alternative therapy works on the principle that certain points on your feet (and hands) correspond to all the organs, glands, tissues and muscles in the rest of your body. By applying informed pressure to these points, practitioners claim to be able to treat and heal medical conditions from migraines to breathing difficulties, and unblock Qi. GOOD FOR Back and muscle strain; sports injuries; stress; anxiety; depression See also Acupressure; Qi; Reiki; Shiatsu; Thai massage

GOOD FOR Unlocking pain and knots in the muscles; relieving tension in the spirit!

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s SALT THERAPY

RELAXATION MASSAGE Is usually a long, luxurious full body treatment, involving soft music, subtle lighting and aromatherapy oils. Your therapist will use all kinds of techniques, including long strokes, gentle kneading and rolling and rhythmic rocking.

GOOD FOR Indulging; relaxing; encouraging blood flow

REIKI Meaning ‘universal life-force/spiritual energy’, Reiki is a gentle, holistic form of healing therapy based on the idea of balance and Qi. It is done in normal clothing. The practitioner channels their own Reiki into your body by laying their hands on or near you.

GOOD FOR Believers consider that it helps with stress

ROLFING Named after its creator, Ida Rolf, this bodywork technique aims to improve balance and flexibility. Uses assisted stretches and other gentle manipulations of muscles, with treatment usually mapped out over ten sessions.

GOOD FOR Balance and posture See also Massage

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Also known as halotherapy ("halo" is the Greek word for salt), salt therapy involves simply breathing in salty air. You can experience this natural treatment in a spa in a salt-steam room or salt cave, where the steam is infused with salt, and sometimes essential oils.

At some spas in the UK you might also find yourself swimming in a salt-water pool. Salt water is gentler on your skin than bathing in a chlorine-regulated pool, and it doesn't sting your eyes.

GOOD FOR Hayfever; bronchitis; asthma; eczema See also Steam room; Sanarium

SANARIUM A sanarium is somewhere between a sauna and a steam room, with temperatures somewhere between 40 to 60 degrees celsius, and around 50 per cent humidity: it should feel like a nice day on a beach. Aromatherapy oils may be added for a more pleasant scent.

GOOD FOR Boosting circulation and metabolism; cleansing and toning; boosting the immune system

– temperatures are usually between 85 to 95 degrees celsius – using hot rocks either in an exposed grate or ‘oven’. You can usually regulate the temperature by scooping water from a bucket over the hot rocks using a ladle. Saunas are traditionally associated with mountainous regions and you would complete your sauna treatment by rolling around in the snow to return your body to its normal temperature. Most spas offer experience showers, plunge pools or ice fountains instead. Different types of sauna include Tyrolean, Finnish/Swedish, rock, infa-red, plus banya and laconium.

GOOD FOR Boosting circulation, relaxing muscles See also Banya; Sanarium

SCRUB Also known as a body polish, a scrub is a whole-body exfoliation treatment.

Abrasive products – usually salts, sugars or ground rice or seeds – are massaged into or brushed over the body, often mixed in warm oils. The scrub is showered off at stages throughout the treatment.

A body scrub may be used in other treatments, perhaps to prepare the skin for an even tan or to open the pores ready for a wrap.

GOOD FOR Moisturising skin; boosting the circulation; improving skin tone

See also Sauna

See also Body treatment; Exfoliation; Phytotherapy; Wraps

SAUNA

SEAWEED

A sauna uses dry heat to trigger a low grade fever response, boosting your circulation and immune system which provides faster relief from muscular tensions, aches and pains. They offer a more extreme, dry heat than steam rooms

Seaweed is a traditional ‘sailor’s cure’ for cuts, aches and pains dating back to ancient Polynesia, while seaweed baths have been a part of French Thalassotherapy (aka marine treatments) since the 19th Century. Nowadays

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Salt therapy involves simply breathing in salty air. You can experience this natural treatment in a spa in a salt-steam room or salt cave, where the steam is infused with salt, and sometimes essential oils.

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modern skin care companies such as Voya and Ishga hand harvest the seaweed off the coast of Ireland and Scotland for use in spa treatments. Seaweed may look slimy and unappealing, but it is rich with minerals drawn from the sea, and reacts to protein to form a gel emollient.

GOOD FOR Eczema, psoriasis; cuts and abrasions; aching muscles See also Thalassotherapy; Wraps

SPORTS MASSAGE

the air. In some steam rooms you’ll find a pipe or tap; use this water to cool yourself off. Some steam rooms are infused with aromatherapy oils, or are lined with bricks of salt, which is said to be good for your sinuses and conditions such as asthma. Some also have crystals or rocks, as the minerals within them could be beneficial to health.

GOOD FOR Muscle relaxing; clearing sinuses; drawing out toxins; cleansing See also Hammam; Rasul; Salt therapy; Serail

A strong and deep massage that can be quite physically challenging. Designed to release tension, prevent or treat injury, and enhance sporting performance, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

GOOD FOR Relaxing your muscles; relieving any swelling around joints

GOOD FOR Improving circulation; soothing your muscles

STEAM ROOM A steam room is exactly that – a room full of steam – but they also vary a great deal. Smaller steam rooms are usually tiled with seating running around the edge of the room. Most will automatically fill with steam on a timer, but you may have to press a button outside to initiate the steam in some smaller spas. Larger dedicated steam areas can be huge and have lots of rooms of different temperatures for you to move through on your journey: this is typical of big spas in Morocco or Turkey.

Steam rooms are normally heated to around 45 degrees celsius, but it can feel more intense because of the moisture in

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A Swedish massage involves stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping and vibration.

t TANNING A tanning treatment will turn your skin golden brown in a fraction of the time that it would take you to do it naturally. It is also a much healthier way to tan than using a sunbed or sitting in the sun. Also, spray cream tans look much more even when applied by a professional.

Some steam rooms are infused with aromatherapy oils, or are lined with bricks of salt, which is said to be good for your sinuses and conditions such as asthma.

GOOD FOR Making you look like you’ve been on holiday; preparing for a holiday or event

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A typical Thai massage also involves pulling ears, fingers and toes, cracking knuckles, walking on the client’s back, and moving the body into stretching positions.

technique and adjust the rhythm to suit the client. A typical Thai massage also involves pulling ears, fingers and toes, cracking knuckles, walking on the client’s back, and moving the body into stretching positions.

showers, hydro massage, and seawater pools) and algotherapy (seaweed, mud and algae baths and wraps), all of which aim to restore your body to a state of serenity fit for a mermaid.

GOOD FOR Full body relaxation – a real zone-out treatment

GOOD FOR Releasing muscular tension; improving joint mobility; easing emotional and physical stress

GOOD FOR Toning muscles; cleansing skin; reducing the appearance of cellulite

THAI MASSAGE

THALASSOTHERAPY

THAI HERBAL HEAT TREATMENT Relaxing and aromatic, this treatment features a massage using essential oils and hot poultices of sweet-smelling herbs placed on pressure points around the body.

Thai massage works with sen energy lines within the body, and uses a combination of pressure point compression and rhythmic muscle stretching to encourage energy flow. It is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor, loosely clothed. Thai therapists will use their hands, feet, elbows, forearms and knees to administer the

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From the Greek word for ‘sea’, thalassotherapy refers to a variety of treatments that use seawater, seaweed and other marine derivatives such as algae, mud and sand. Available as single spa treatments in the UK, or devoted thalassotherapy resorts abroad, the term encompasses hydrotherapy, (mineral rich

See also Algotherapy; Hydrotherapy; Mud; Seaweed; Wraps

THERMO-AURICULAR Also known as ear candling or Hopi ear candling, this involves the insertion of a rolled cotton therapy tube filled with beeswax, honey and herb extracts into your auditory canal while you lie on your side. The therapist lights the candle and allows it to burn down over the course of

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THE TREATMENT BIBLE

Yoga is a Sanskrit word essentially meaning "union", which describes its holistic approach to balancing and bringing strength to your mind and body through a series of physical exercises.

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THE TREATMENT BIBLE

Photo: Thermae Bath Spa

10-15 minutes, during which it allegedly sucks impurities out of the ear canal. The warm smoke gently vibrates and gives a pleasant massage effect to the ear drum.

Many medical experts consider this procedure to be of little or no benefit, and potentially dangerous if carelessly applied.

GOOD FOR Said to reduce excess earwax and build-up of catarrh during colds and flu; tinnitus; sinusitis

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on a series of beliefs dating back more than 2,500 years. It is a holistic medical system encompassing herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise and dietary regulation. TCM works on the principle that the body has vital energy, or QI, that runs through the body by channels, or meridians. Branches of meridians connect to organs, muscles, tissues and glands, so by manipulating points on the meridian, you can affect the corresponding point on the body.

Not many UK spas offer traditional TCM treatments, such as acupuncture or cupping, but many offer TCM-inspired treatments including acupressure and Tui Na massage.

See also Reflexology; QI; Shiatsu; Reiki; Acupressure; Tui Na

TUI NA Chinese medical massage, Tui Na aims to exchange energies between the client and therapist to bring balance and wellbeing.

“Tui Na” means “push pull” and the therapist uses a combination of massage techniques, including acupressure, manipulation and assisted stretches.

See also Traditional Chinese Medicine; Acupressure; Qi

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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u UDVARTANA A slimming treatment involving deep massage with herbal powders.

See also Ayurveda

v VICHY SHOWER Also known as an affusion shower, this is a light, warm, mineral-rich shower that is sprayed or sprinkled over your body.

GOOD FOR Relaxing; cleansing

w WATSU Shiatsu in warm water. The massage takes place in a pool and uses deep acupressure techniques and long slow rhythmic strokes.

GOOD FOR Rehabilitation after injury; coping with arthritis; relaxation

WRAPS A wrap is a spa treatment designed to slim and tone the body, hydrate or firm the skin, relax and soothe the muscles, or draw out toxins and cleanse the skin.

Whether you are looking to shape, bake or sweat, wraps come in varied packages, although some people get a bit apprehensive about the idea of being wrapped up. Think of a body wrap as a nourishing cocoon to warm, cleanse and moisturise.

GOOD FOR Detoxifying; relaxing and revitalising; temporary inch loss See also Algotherapy; Body treatments; Frigithalgo; Parafango

Y YOGA Yoga is an ancient exercise system involving deep breathing, intense movements and stretches, and some meditation to bring physical strength and emotional calm. Yoga is a Sanskrit word essentially meaning "union", which describes its holistic approach to balancing and bringing strength to your mind and body through a series of physical exercises. A beginners' class should introduce you to the basic theory of yoga, and guide you gently through some basic positions and circular breathing techniques.

GOOD FOR Flexibility; relaxation; can improve posture and muscle tone See also Meditation; Pilates WM

Remember – spa treatments are not ‘miracle cures’ and few have any medical evidence to support them. But that does not mean that you won’t enjoy the experience, or find them relaxing and rewarding.

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The Good Spa Guide Good Spa Guide @GoodSpaGuide

www.goodspaguide.co.uk SPA DIRECTORY

Find the right spa in the right location. Spas with the "GSG recommended" stamp have all been road-tested by the Spa Spies™; our in-depth spa reviews tell you why they’re all thoroughly deserving of that status.

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.

FEATURES

Confused about spa etiquette? Want to know more about Ayurveda? Our articles cover the A-Z of spa.

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COMPETITIONS

Enter our free prize draws to win luxury spa days and stays, or gorgeous skincare goodies.

AWARDS

Our annual Good Spa Awards shine a light on the best spas in Britain. Nominees and winners are selected by our expert panel of Spa Spies, and by our readers.

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!

22/04/2016 17:25

GROOMING

SPA+ grooming Since we’ve embraced the wellness trend, most spa-goers visit spas for a holistic sense of wellbeing. But dip your perfectly pedicured toes into grooming treatments – they can be deeply relaxing as well as beautifying.

any spas offer the same and enjoyable as a massage or facial. Try a beauty and grooming pedicure with a glass of bubbly watching treatments as a beauty baby ducklings waddle across the lawns at salon, and some even have Rookery Hall in Cheshire, for example. Or quirky grooming stations an indulgent spray tan treatment – basically or fabulous suites devoted a pleasant exfoliating massage where you to nails, brows, make-up emerge with a flawless golden glow. and hair. Yet a recent survey Of course, there are practicalities suggests spa customers involved with some beauty are more into feeling add-ons that need to be rather than looking good. taken into consideration According to the when booking as part latest Good Spa Guide of your spa day (see our survey, over 90 per cent tips below). But once Sophia Loren of spa customers want your inner glow has been a massage, 38 per cent want manicures and thoroughly stoked by the spa treatments pedicures and only seven per cent would and facilities, we think there’s no better go for beauty treatments, such as tanning, way to complete your spa experience. waxing, brows or hair and make-up.

Plus, the effects last long after: a splash of It may be that we divide beauty between glam to take you back to the real world, inner (spas) and outer (beauty or tanning reminding you of your special spa day. salons) – and never the twain shall meet.

Here’s the lowdown on some of the We Spa Spies may be biased, but we find beauty and grooming treatments offered most spa beauty treatments just as relaxing at many of our favourite spas.

“Beauty is how you feel inside, it reflects in your eyes.”

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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GROOMING

"Perfectly rendered statement brows are more important these days than lustrous eyelashes."

NAILS

Manicures and pedicures at spas can range from a couple of chairs near reception to entire rooms with thrones and nail stations.

Groups often hire out these rooms, and they’re particularly popular with hen parties.

Our favourites include the Mad Men style Champagne Nail Parlour at Dormy House in the Cotswolds (above) for a spot of post-spa grooming and fizz. The huge and stunning new nail salon at Champneys Tring has plush purple pedicure thrones, and offers a wide range of Jessica treatments for hands and feet, nail art and mani/pedis for men.

A manicure at a spa can clean, shape, strengthen and colour your nails, and soften the skin on your hands. It also has the side-effect of relaxing you as there are pressure points on your hands that relate to other parts of your body. Sometimes your manicurist will use reflexology or other hand-massage techniques as part of your treatment. You can opt for a hot stone manicure, or get extra soft skin with intensive paraffin wax and heated mittens.

A traditional pedicure begins with a therapeutic foot spa to soak, clean and soften your feet, followed by an exfoliating rub.

Your pedicurist will cut and shape your nails and then massage cream or aromatherapy oils into your feet. Many pedicurists will also massage your lower legs, or give you a reflexology-based foot massage to help you relax. Some pedicures include hot stones, others use mud, wraps and even algae. High quality polish will be applied at the end.

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Your treatment will begin with a consultation, during which your therapist will recommend the right shade for you.

First she will rub petroleum jelly around your eyebrows to prevent the dye from staining the skin. Then she will comb the tint from inside to out, using a disposable applicator.

The tint will be left for about 10-15 minutes and removed using a cotton wipe. Some dye may be left on the skin through the hairs, but this will disappear after a day or two.

Waxing, threading or tweezing – what’s the difference? Basically, waxing is better if you have G thicker brows as the regrowth SHEL ELAC AND L BRAN AC ARE BO takes longer. You may have D NA MES F TH to put up with the red halo GEL N SLIGH AILS WI OR For both a manicure and around your brows after the TH TLY TECH DIFFEREN pedicure you can also have treatment. If you want a more NIQU T ES gel-based polishes which last ‘undone’, natural effect, tweezing up to two weeks. The idea is that and threading are better. The the gel bonds more securely than advantage of having tweezing done regular polish, which results in a longerby a pro is that it’s easy to get trigger-happy lasting, shinier finish. Your therapist will and end up with crazy-thin brows if you apply a basecoat, colour and a top coat, try it at home (especially with a magnifying and then cure your nails under a UV light. mirror). Threading is an ancient Indian hair You also might hear gel nails being referred removal technique using strands of cotton. to as Gelac or Shellac; they’re both brand It’s quicker than plucking as several hairs names with a slightly different technique. can be removed at once. All you have to do Many spas offer a glass of bubbly with is lie down, eyes closed, and stretch the skin your manicure and pedicure: it certainly around your brows with your fingers as adds a little glamour to the experience! your therapist sets to work.

TIP: Leave yourself time after the treatment Shaping and finishing – usually – while shop bought polish often takes five involves a few snips with mini scissors and minutes to dry, salon colour can take up to any extra tweezes to make sure your brows 12 hours to dry completely. This isn’t the case are perfect. At the end, your therapist may with gel manicures as the polish contains offer to apply a cooling gel containing aloe to polymers which harden under UV light. soothe any red marks.

BROWS

Perfectly rendered statement eyebrows are as, if not more, important these days than lustrous lashes. Brows are now a regular staple on most spa menus, with some spas even having dedicated brow bars. A typical brow treatment will begin with an in-depth consultation, followed by tinting, waxing or threading, shaping and finishing.

Eyebrow tint – is a semi-permanent colour formed for use on the eyebrows. A patch test is required 24 hours before the treatment, so it’s best to find a local spa.

TIP: Be aware that you may not be able to book a brow treatment as part of your spa day, especially if using the steam rooms and saunas, as your skin will be too fragile. Ideally you will need to give yourself 24 hours either side of the treatment.

LASHES

Many spas offer eyelash tints, which also require a patch test 24 hours before treatment. Some offer a range of lash extensions to create different effects, from natural (great for holidays) to dramatic (Kim Kardashian).

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GROOMING

ER A OFF SING S A E SP DRES A SOML HAIR FROM UR FUL RVICE COLO OW a professional make-up artist.

SE AND L BL A Brides can book a wedding trial CUT SPECI UPDO A R O O plus make-up on the day, which T Y R D

Eyelash tint – very similar to an eyebrow tint. Normally your therapist will place a cotton pad below your eyes before applying the specialist dye. Remember to keep your eyes closed as the dye can sting!

Lash extensions – there are three types of extensions: synthetic, silk, or mink, with sizes ranging from 6mm to 17mm. The lashes are applied using a semi-permanent glue (if sensitive, make sure you ask your therapist for a hypoallergenic one), and pads will be placed under your lashes to protect your eyes. Applying a full set takes around two hours, and you should steer clear of water or steam for at least 24 hours afterwards. The eyelashes fall out naturally, and it is recommended you go back for a 30 minute touch up every 3-4 weeks.

TIP: If having extensions or dye, do a patch

test 24 hours before the treatment. Some people do react to the products, and it’s not a good look!

HAIR

You’ll be treating your body and skin during your spa day, but there’s no need to leave your hair out of the pampering experience.

Spas can offer everything from a cut and colour to a special blow dry or updo. There are also different masks and treatments available, from rich moisturisers to steaming.

Try a Carol Joy treatment and blow dry at The Dorchester Spa in London. The Royal Treatment includes two masks and a picture perfect blow dry. One of our Spa Spies experienced this recently and it left her with silky, shiny hair that was in much better condition, even a week after the treatment.

Some spas also offer a full colour and cut service – handy if you haven’t had time to go for a regular cut at home. The Beauty Express at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa offers a full hair menu including highlights, restyles and permanent colour.

includes a glass of fizz.

Cumbria’s Armathwaite Hall also has Mii trained makeup stylists. As part of their full make-up treatments (45 minutes, £40) the skin is prepared using Comfort Zone products, and you can have a 20 per cent discount on Mii make-up bought on the day.

Oxley's at Ambleside, Cumbria, has Jane Iredale trained makeup artists. As part of their Make-Up Masterclass (60 minutes, £35), your therapist will teach you how to apply your make-up quickly and effectively, using the right shades for your colouring.

"A tanning treatment can leave your skin looking and feeling great, as well as being an enjoyable experience."

The Snug at Moddershall Oaks in Staffordshire is a super chic beauty sanctuary set apart from the main spa, and can be hired by parties, or you can book a single make-up treatment at the end of your spa day. They use Louise Redknapp’s award winning brand Wild About Beauty, and you can either have a quick party do-over (eyes and lips) for £12 or the full special occasion works for £39.

TIP: If you’ve just had a lovely facial that makes your skin glow, go for a lightweight make-up such as Bare Minerals, or Mii which is free from talc, parabens or artificial fragrance.

TANNING

A tanning treatment at a spa can leave your skin looking and feeling great, as well as being an enjoyable experience.

Self-tanning creams, oils, sprays and lotions are a safer way to achieve an even tan than exposing yourself to the sun.

Most spas use professional brands such as Fake Bake, St Tropez or Mii. You can wear your own bikini bottoms, underwear, the disposable knickers provided – or nothing at all. Spray tanning in a plastic pod is available in most spas: your therapist will tell you where to stand and when to turn around.

Tan treatments will treat the skin first, exfoliating all over. An oil free moisturiser will be applied to more vulnerable areas, such as wrists, armpits, elbows and knees, then a tanning product will be evenly smoothed over your skin. A professional application means less likelihood of streaking. You will also get advice on how to look after your skin post-tan.

TIP: To help your tan look even better, make sure you wax/shave and exfoliate 24 hours before your treatment – not on the day. As self-tan stains, it’s a good idea to paint your nails too. Make sure you wear dark clothes after the treatment! WM

The Carol Joy London Hairdressing Salon at The Dorchester Spa

TIP: Hair treatments really should be left until the end of your spa day. Heading back into the steam room once you’ve been coiffed could ruin all of your therapist’s efforts.

MAKE-UP

At many spas, you can book a make-up lesson, have your make-up applied by a professional for a special occasion, or simply book a consultation to find out the best colours and products for your skin.

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall near Blackpool has a Learn with Mii Mineral Make-Up Lesson (£30), a one-to-one with an expert who will teach you the techniques of www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

SPA SPOTLIGHT ON...

Algarve The

Year round sunshine, golden beaches, Moorish architecture and historic castles – step away from the golf courses and discover The Algarve anew. here are so many reasons to visit Algarve (only the English call it ‘the Algarve’) on the southern-most tip of Portugal: its golden beaches scalloped by pretty limestone rocks, its sunlight spilling from brilliant blue skies from dawn to dusk 320 days a year.

There are also the wines, the freshly caught fish, the pretty castle towns, cobbled villages and groves of cork, orange and olive trees. For us Brits, an added advantage is that it’s so close: it’s just two and a half hours on a plane to Faro, the nearest airport, so you can easily pop over for a long weekend and, given its famously long summers, some short-haul sun.

It seems odd to think that Algarve used to be your typical high-rise holiday destination. Some of that still remains along parts of the south coast, but the discerning traveller these days will know that Algarve has plenty of beautiful boutique hotels, often locally run, as well as high end resorts. They will also know that the best time to head to Algarve is in May/June, or September/November, avoiding the throngs of tourists along the coast, as well as the searing high summer heat which can easily hit an uncomfortable 40 degrees celsius.

The real joy is being able to enjoy so many unspoiled areas of outstanding natural beauty. The rugged Western Algarve open to the wildness of the Atlantic is perfect for bird watching, surfing or even spotting dolphins. You can walk or cycle along blustery cliff paths and explore unspoiled sandy coves. And obviously, there are the golf resorts, many of which are in stunning locations and have their own spas.

The sea is an important element of the region, although it’s often on the chilly side, even in high summer when the sands are burning. It supplies the local restaurants and

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cafes with delicious fresh sardines and tuna, as well as squid and octopus, which taste divine simply drizzled in olive oil.

Popular local dishes include chicken piri-piri, which seems to be ubiquitous, and seafood cataplana, named after the deep copper dish it’s cooked in. The Arroz de Ligueirão is a soupier take on paella. Foodies will love the street markets, especially the coastal fish markets.

(We went to see a local beekeeper and taste tested his honeys. We are still enjoying his orange flower honey for breakfast.)

Many travellers these days head inland, up into the mimosa-covered hills and the little mountain town Monchique, where you can discover a more authentic way of life, as well as wild black pigs roaming through olive groves. Sit in cafes in whitewashed villages, eating sardines and drinking bica (espresso).

The more cultured holidaymaker may be found happily hanging out in medieval Faro, with its quiet beaches, lovely cobbled squares and winding streets with lively bars and restaurants, where you can sit and order tapas while sipping a cool Portuguese beer. If you do have a chance to visit, make sure you see the extraordinary Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), made of 1,245 skulls and bones belonging to the monks once buried there!

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SPA TIME

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

"Bela Vista was built as a seaside villa in 1918 and still retains the feel of the stylish 1920s."

BELA VISTA HOTEL Praia da Rocha, Portimão

What’s on offer?

Main: The pool at the Bela Vista Above inset: The Bela Vista resort Above: A sea view suite

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A stunningly elegant hotel with tons of character, there is nothing corporate about Bela Vista. Built in 1918 as a seaside villa, it still retains much of the atmosphere of the stylish 1920s and '30s. The villa was renovated and reopened in 2011 with a strong decorative style. The bright blue hand-made tiles that have survived through the years have been used as a starting point for the stylish modern interior, using strong aqua colours.

The hotel sits just above a wide sandy beach and the restaurant and terraces make the most of the wild Atlantic views.

The spa is in a new building across the courtyard, next to some modern bedrooms.

Décor uses bright turquoise blues alongside dark woods and white floors. The spa is on the lower ground floor, but a clever light well brings daylight into the relaxation area where there is a large hot tub, steam room and sauna.

The hot tub water jets were a little too gentle for this Spa Spy, a bit too soft on

the back if you are looking for a water massage. The nicely warm, fragranced steam room has two glass walls so it is light inside. The sauna is hot at 70-80 degrees celsius and the shower has a choice of very hot or very cold. The large relaxation beds mean you can lie back and enjoy the daylight streaming in through the light well. The treatment rooms are large and comfortable. The downstairs spa reception area has sofas and a drinks area.

Bela Vista Spa is a L’Occitane spa.

This upmarket French brand has a wide selection of rich products, and offers a variety of facials and body treatments.

Tell us about the treatments

We had the signature treatment developed by L’Occitane and the Bela Vista Spa together, using the locally grown almonds and almond oils. First I had a 15 minute hydrotherapy bath with almond oils and an almond shower gel.

I closed my eyes and drifted away in the warm bubbling water; the warmth, dark and the noise of rushing water was almost womblike.

When I opened my eyes I was almost buried in a mound of bubbles! Sofia, my

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SPA SPOTLIGHT ON...

Left: The Bela Vista lobby Below: The spa hydro pool Below inset: The relaxation room at Bela Vista Spa

therapist, rescued me from the suds and took me to another treatment room for the exfoliation. This used an almond paste mixed with almond oil. I expected to smell like a frangipani tart, but the aroma was very delicate. Sofia worked the exfoliant into my skin carefully, paying particular attention to the dry areas on my elbows and my feet.

I showered off the scrub and my skin felt silky soft and smooth. Next was a full body massage, and Sofia was very

"The signature treatment was developed by Bela Vista and French brand L'Occitane using locally grown almonds." knowledgeable about her art. She worked each muscle group carefully, using soft, long, lymphatic drainage movements. She told me after the treatment that I should always finish my daily shower by spraying cold water on my puffy ankles, and suggested walking in the sea water as the waves will massage my feet. That wasn’t

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hard here given the lovely beach just outside the spa.

I finished my two hour treatment feeling wonderfully relaxed. My back, normally creaky and tight, felt looser and my ankles were noticeably slimmer.

Food Facts

The Vista Restaurant is decorated in blue and white to match the panoramic sea views.

The modern menu is prepared by a chef who held a Michelin star at his last hotel, and those skills show in the unusual pairings of interesting foods.

We had several amuse bouche; tiny octopus tempura, an oyster served with caviar, and an eel dish which tasted much better than it sounds. Next came mackerel pieces in an Asian style dressing served with pea puree. The main course was melt in the mouth lamb. We finished with a chocolate dessert which was paired with a Portuguese tawny port. Delicious!

Don’t miss

• The sense of peace that this oasis of a hotel and spa offers. It is right on the seafront in the small town of Portimão, but feels more like a private villa than a hotel.

• A morning stroll on the beach before a breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice and just baked croissants.

• Watching the sun set into the sea from the terrace, with a glass of tipple.

• Ordering the flights of wine. The sommelier described Portuguese grapes, terroir and wine blends.

Who would like it?

FOODIES. This is exceptional, exciting

food. Good wines make this an excellent duo.

BEACHCOMBERS. The wide sandy beach is tempting from early morning until sunset.

SYBARITES. The hotel and spa are luxurious, the décor is exciting and innovative, and the rooms are small but beautifully appointed. The spa treatments are lovely and the service is very good.

Find out more at:

www.hotelbelavista.net

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SPA SPOTLIGHT ON...

Below left: A Cascade massage treatment Centre: The main pool at Cascade Right: The Cascade spa pool

CASCADE WELLNESS AND LIFESTYLE RESORT Lagos

What’s on offer?

A multi-level cascade of water welcomes guests to the reception of the Cascade Wellness and Lifestyle Resort with the gentle sound of falling water. A great way to set the scene for some unwinding and relaxation. The hotel is built on a cliff top and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, so make sure to take a walk from the hotel along the headland to enjoy the most spectacular views. The 86 hotel rooms are split into four wings, each named after a continent as a nod to the Portuguese history of exploration. The Africa wing is decorated with masks and animals, the Asia wing has stone Buddhas, etc.

Our room in ‘Africa’ had dark wooden floors, cream carpets and sofas, a zebra patterned lamp and views from the balcony of the blue sky and the sun glinting off the sea.

The hotel has a large main pool and an excellent gym complete with personal trainers and their own physio. The energetic can tackle the outdoor ‘boot camp’. If you are lucky you may find yourself sharing the climbing ropes with a football team or two. There are a couple of full size football pitches which attract football teams from around the world to come and train here.

The Brazil ladies team were in residence on our visit, so plenty of super fit women

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showing us that yes ‘girls really can’!

The spa is tucked away on the lower floor but opens out into a sheltered area of wooden decking complete with outdoor pool, which is kept at 28 degrees celsius – perfect for breezy days. There are five treatment rooms, a nicely hot sauna with glass sides so you can see outside, a small hot tub, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with reclining beds.

The changing area is very petite. The lockers are ‘bijou’ with no hangers, so it makes sense to get changed in your room and wander down in your robe.

Tell us about the treatments

Since we were staying in the ‘Africa’ wing we had the Africa Balancing Cashmere Wood Treatment. This uses Cashmere Wood Oil. My therapist Elisa explained that the word ‘cashmere’ refers to the silky sensation of the oil on the skin, not where the oil comes from. The treatment began with an exfoliation using very fine sea salt and the ‘wood oil’, so instead of feeling coarse, as many exfoliates do, this one felt soft and silky but still did the job of sloughing off a layer of dull skin. After a shower, I was covered in more of the

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

"At the end of my two hour treatment my skin felt soft, my face looked bright and I felt relaxed and very calm."

Below: A suite at Cascade Bottom: The Senses Restaurant

oil to act as a mask. Elisa wrapped me up in sheets and towels so the warmth of the treatment bed gently encouraged my skin to absorb the oil. For the next 15 minutes I drifted away as Elisa gave me a very relaxing face and head massage. I was sad to have to wake up for another shower, but very glad to have the next massage with hot stones.

This type of massage is usually delightful, but it was especially effective as my muscles had been relaxed by the warmth in the time I spent wrapped up.

The final phase of this lovely, long treatment (110 minutes) was a mini facial using wonderfully rich creams. Elisa cleansed my skin and then used the Babor Hy-Ol mixed with the Phytoactive Base.

This turned into a milky texture on my skin, which she worked in with her fingers. The effect on dehydrated areas of my skin was quite remarkable. My forehead in particular looked so much better.

By the end of my two hour treatment my skin felt soft, my face looked brighter, and I felt relaxed and calm. Elisa made sure I was comfortable throughout the treatment by adjusting the bed to prevent tension in the lower back, and supporting my ankles when I was lying face down.

Nice finishing touches.

Food Facts

"The resort is built on a clifftop with views out over the wild Atlantic Ocean, so make time for a walk on the headland."

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There are two restaurants within the hotel, the small Senses fine dining restaurant and the main restaurant that opens out onto the main pool which is open all day. Fine dining here means offering some traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist: poached egg with onion soubise and Portuguese sausage, and local fish served on a ‘stew’ of broad beans and coriander.

They also serve a range of Portuguese wines which are well worth trying.

Don’t miss

• A wander round the old town of Lagos.

You might have heard of the Lagos in Nigeria, but it was actually named after this small town in the Algarve. Portuguese explorers and traders travelled right round Africa and across to Asia as well as going west to find South America.

• Pottering around the craft stalls that line the water by the elegant

marina, and the street markets in the cobbled streets and market area in the old town.

• Supper at Dom Sebastiao, a local restaurant that serves fish caught that very day. They bring the fresh fish to your table, so you can choose which one to have, then grill it straight away.

A pescetarian’s dream meal. Ask nicely and they will let you visit their amazing wine cellar which has bottles of port dating back to the late 1700s.

Who would like it?

ANYONE who wants an active holiday. As

well as the delights of the spa. There are good walks around the hotel, and it’s a perfect area for cycling and golf.

FAMILIES. Cascade Wellness and Lifestyle Resort has villas and apartments next to the hotel, so you can book en famille and still use the hotel facilities.

Find out more at:

www.cascaderesortalgarve.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

CONRAD ALGARVE Almancil

What’s on offer?

A luxurious marble-lined hotel, proud of its strongly Portuguese architecture and styling. This area was Moorish for several hundred years so there are fountains, gardens with winding pathways and horseshoe arches. Traditional Portuguese filigree work is also used throughout the Conrad Algarve.

The central glass sided atrium in the hotel stretches up four floors, bringing in light and framing views over the Algarve countryside across to the distant mountains – the Serra de Monchique.

The spa area is on the far edge of one wing of the building which makes it feel private and sheltered. It is surrounded by trickling waterways, so the area feels

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cool even in the hottest days of summer.

The large hydrotherapy pool is kept at a toasty 32 degrees celsius and the outdoor infinity pool is a comfortable 29 degrees.

The brave can take a dip in the cold plunge which is a chilly 12 degrees. There is also an ice fountain, two experience showers, a sauna, steam room, heated tiled loungers, and indoor and outdoor seating.

Tell us about the treatments

I had the Brilliant Rose Facial using Aromatherapy Associates products.

Andrea, my therapist, took a good look at my skin and asked several key questions before deciding what to use and how to treat it, which made it all feel very personalised. She began with a neck and shoulder massage, to encourage blood flow to the face. Andrea then cleansed, toned and used two face masks; the first was hydrating and the second was

anti-aging. While the masks were working into my skin, she massaged my hands and arms. Her detailed work massaging the palms of my hands reminded me just how tight hands become when they are used constantly on a keyboard.

Once the mask was removed, the final touch was the Rose Hydrating Mist, which gently woke me up. I had zoned out completely and didn’t want the lovely treatment to end.

Andrea told me quite firmly that it is time to start using a serum, then a face oil, and then a moisturizer.

Using a moisturizer alone, as I do, is just not enough!

When I looked in the mirror I was amazed at how much better my skin looked. It was brighter, plumped up and I just looked healthier. I want to look like this every day, not just when I can travel to the Conrad Spa.

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SPA SPOTLIGHT ON...

Left: The spa pool at Conrad Algarve Below left: A Grand Deluxe Suite Below right: The Conrad Spa by night

Food Facts

Main: The Dado pool Below: Gusto by Heinz Beck restaurant

"The spa is surrounded by trickling waterways so the area feels cool even in the hottest days of summer."

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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Sadly we missed eating in the Gusto restaurant at the Conrad, designed and overseen by the three Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck, as we were there on the day it is closed. But we did get to eat in The Louro which serves modern Portuguese food. Our starter of ‘Prawn Popcorn’ turned out to be tiny prawn balls served with dips of pale pink mayonnaise and paprika, and pale green avocado sauce, served to look like a culinary game of noughts and crosses! The main course of monkfish wrapped in Portuguese ham with sautéed new potatoes was rich and colourful. The next night we had Portuguese tapas. I had fried green beans, a carrot salad and prawns cooked in garlic.

It was the perfect light meal to eat while listening to live local Fado songs.

Don’t miss

• The wide range of extra events the hotel arranges. As well as exercise classes most days, you can book in to visit the local food markets with the chef, take a wine master class with the head sommelier, spend a day following the ‘cork route’ to see how cork trees are

grown and the amazing variety of things that can be made from it. You can even go clam picking at a local nature reserve and then cook what you find for lunch.

Who would like it?

LUXURY LOVERS. The Conrad is five star

all the way and has won a 2016 Travellers’ Choice Award from Trip Advisor. It is beautifully designed and the rooms are large and luxurious. We felt relaxed and rested just being there, and the staff were helpful and attentive.

ART LOVERS. Huge metal animal sculptures by Sarah Dickens (the several greats granddaughter of Charles Dickens) decorate the main atrium. One section of the hotel hosts modern paintings and images in their own ‘art gallery’, and they often have special art events.

SPA LOVERS. The spa is restful, has excellent facilities and great treatments.

You do have to pay €15 to use the spa unless you have booked a treatment, but this helps to keep the spa quiet and uncrowded.

Find out more at:

www.conradalgarve.com

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SPA SPOTLIGHT ON...

EPIC SANA ALGARVE Praia da Falésia, Albufeira

Main: Falésia Beach Below: The Epic Sana Resort Bottom left: The Outdoor Spa Pavillion

What’s on offer?

Epic Sana is a large hotel set in eight hectares of gardens and pine forest on the clifftop above Falésia beach, one of the most popular destinations in the Algarve.

It’s light, airy and modern.

There are five outdoor pools and one heated indoor pool, three restaurants and three bars. Getting down the wooden walkways and many steps to the beach is a fitness workout in itself, but also means the beach is rarely crowded.

The Sayanna Spa has nine treatment rooms, some with outside terraces. You can also book a couples treatment in an outdoor pavilion with a garden and private Jacuzzi. There is a steam room, sauna, a Turkish bath, indoor heated pool and relaxation pool. The spa uses mostly Aromatherapy Associates products.

There’s also a fitness centre with a gym and weekly group lessons of yoga, Pilates and stretching classes.

What makes this hotel stand out for spa lovers is the range of Wellness Retreats run by the Sayanna. Each themed stay includes diet, exercise, activities, and massages and treatments. The brave can book in for the Boot Camp which includes five hours of activities each day and a strictly controlled diet. Or perhaps try the

Ultimate Reshape with only three hours of physical activity. If you want something gentler there is an anti-aging week, a yoga week or a luxury de-stress week with the focus on meditation, massage and reflexology. The cleansing detox retreat is apparently very popular – if you’re going to try a liquid only diet, why not do it in such a beautiful location!

Tell us about the treatments

I had a facial and body treatment. The facial used a Spanish range of products called MCCM. Renata, my therapist, exclaimed that my skin is ‘unbalanced’,

very dry in places but oily in the middle.

Her planned treatment would, she said, rebalance my skin. She cleansed my skin and then applied a peel which she left on for about five minutes – it tingled a bit in places but was not uncomfortable. Renata explained that the areas which tingled were the most dehydrated. Next up was a lifting and plumping facial massage, and a finishing moisturiser.

My body treatment used the Aromatherapy Associates Rose range which Renata choose because it is both hydrating and anti-aging. It began with a body scrub which, when my skin was perfectly smooth, I washed off in the shower. Renata moved on to a relaxing massage with the rose body cream, working her way up from my toes to my back and neck. She then covered me in rose oil, and wrapped me up in sheets and towels. While the oil soaked into my skin, Renata massaged my scalp.

The treatment was a slow, gentle experience that induced deep relaxation.

My skin felt nourished and enriched – perhaps even brighter and younger.

Food Facts

Of the three restaurants, Al Quimia is the place to eat if you want fine dining.

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

"Epic Sana is spacious, dramatic and adorned with sculptures. Bright colours are juxtaposed with wooden floors and floor to ceiling glass windows."

Awarded a ‘golden fork’ (one of 26 in Portugal) it takes Portuguese traditions and ingredients, and presents them with a modern twist. You may not want to eat dishes such as lobster in sea broth every day, but it’s an experience not to be missed. My partridge with red berries was delicate and fresh. Everything is served with panache and arranged on the plate like a piece of modern art.

Opt for the flights of wine that accompany the meal and you can try some of the best wines and beers the region has to offer.

We also joined a risotto making class with chef Luis Mourao. We made half a dozen risottos and the pick of the bunch was a flavour completely new to me; citrus risotto. It was light and delicate, perfect for serving with fish or shellfish.

Don’t miss

• Leaving your heart on the ‘Love Tree’.

Pick up a red or white wooden heart from reception, write your message and it will be added to the many hearts already swaying in the breeze out in the forest.

• The regular classes. You can join in with yoga, Pilates, cycling or a boot camp depending on the day of the week.

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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(1)

(2)

Who would like it?

THE STYLE CONSCIOUS. The hotel

is spacious, dramatic and adorned with sculptures. It uses bright colours juxtaposed with wooden and white floors and plenty of glass, so the sun streams in everywhere.

OUTDOOR LOVERS. The gardens, forest walks, beach and five pools mean you can spend all day out enjoying the sunshine.

ANYONE WHO WANTS RESULTS. The themed weeks mean you can focus on losing weight, getting fit, reducing your stress levels, or just looking better.

(3) Above: (1) The indoor pool at Epic Sana (2) The relaxation room at the Sayanna Spa (3) Al fresco treatments in the Epic Sana grounds

Find out more at:

www.algarve.epic.sanahotels.com

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SPA SPOTLIGHT ON...

NEED TO KNOW CURRENCY: Euro TIME ZONE: Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK

Other spas to try VILA JOYA On a clifftop high above the Atlantic Ocean, Vila Joya is a palazzo style boutique hotel with Moorish architecture, a garden full of palm and cypress trees and a relaxing spa. The Vilajoy spa takes pride in stimulating all of your senses – try the sound healing treatment or yoga classes.

There’s a sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and even a facial room which looks out over the ocean below.

VITA VILA PARC Vita Vila Parc opened in 1992 and quickly established itself as one of the most luxurious hotels in the Algarve. The quiet spa is set in its own building away from the main hotel. Treatments include La Sultane de Saba and Kanebo body treatments and facials, Margaret Dabbs manicures and pedicures, and more holistic osteopathy and physiotherapy. Once you’ve been pampered, try the Jacuzzi, two saunas, tepidarium and steam room.

VILALARA THALASSA RESORT If you’re looking for a holiday to kick start a lifestyle change, Vilalara Resort can help

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LANGUAGE: Portuguese, but English is widely spoken GETTING THERE: Flights to Faro take just under three hours.

Lisbon is 2.5 hours’ drive, but on a good motorway.

If you don’t want to drive try yellowfish transfers for airport transfers. We found them reliable and prompt. If you want to push the boat out book the cabriolet... so you can put the top down and enjoy the Algarve sunshine!

you tackle weight management, stress management, boost your immune system and improve your energy levels. On the clifftops between Albufeira and Portimão, the large resort has 111 rooms, five outdoor pools, a golf course, 11 hectares of gardens and the spa. Try thalassotherapy spa treatments or venture into the Longevity Medical Spa if you’re looking for a more drastic change.

VIVENDA MIRANDA BOUTIQUE HOTEL Vivenda Miranda takes the health and wellbeing ethos and infuses it throughout the hotel; food is locally sourced with lots of vegetarian and vegan options,

treatments are in association with Neal’s Yard Therapies and the pool is salt treated.

Health, fitness and wellbeing courses throughout the year include a raw food week, a Pilates and yoga week, and a ‘healing’ week featuring mindfulness and tai chi sessions.

REAL MARINA HOTEL AND SPA Only 15 minutes’ drive from Faro airport, Real Marina Hotel and Spa sits at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park, a coastal lagoon home to 20,000 birds during the winter. The modern hotel has two restaurants, an outdoor pool with views over the lagoon, and a more traditional spa. There’s a heated indoor pool, a hydro pool, a steam room and a sauna, but the treatment menu is where it gets interesting. Try shiatsu, naturopathy, Ayurvedic massage or hydro massage.

EUROTEL ALTURA In the Eastern Algarve, Eurotel Altura has enough facilities to keep the whole family happy for a week. While the little ones are busy in the kids club, head over to the wellness centre and spa. There’s a hydro pool, hammam, experience shower and relaxation room. Treatments include wraps, scrubs, massage, facials, manis/pedis and options for mums-to-be. WM

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SUN CARE

Sun Care KNOWING YOUR UVB FROM YOUR UVA

Advice around sun protection can seem contradictory. Some suggestions are dated, and some may be biased towards a specific product. We spoke to dermatologists Dr Nick Lowe and Dr Philippa Lowe at the Cranley Clinic in London (www.drnicklowe.com) to find out the latest advice in protecting your skin from the harmful elements of the sun’s rays.

T

here are some great things about sunlight. It stimulates vitamin D production, and can help with skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne. But it can also be very damaging to the skin.

Most people scan the sunscreen shelves looking for SPF – which rates UVB protection – but there are actually two elements of UV radiation in sunlight.

Both UVA and UVB can have harmful effects: both can cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layers, and these are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn. UVA rays penetrate the ozone layer (and cloud cover), and although they won’t burn your skin, Dr Nick Lowe explains they can damage collagen and make your skin age prematurely.

Sunscreens protect your skin by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. While your SPF will protect the skin from UVB rays, it won’t necessarily protect

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against UVA. If you’re looking for good protection, the Drs Lowe say to look for the UVA circular logo. There are some other UVA rating systems, including the PA system which is Japanese/Korean and used on some European brands, but is not universally accepted. PA+++ gives you high protection, PA++ and PA+ lower.

SUNSCREENS PROTECT YOUR SKIN BY ABSORBING OR REFLECTING UV RAYS.

What SPF should you look for?

What level of sun protection you use will depend on your skin type. For those with very fair skin (skin type 1), who always burn and never tan, Dr Nick Lowe recommends using a summer protection of SPF 50+UVA. He also recommends 50+UVA for people with fair skin, who do tan but only very lightly. For those with olive skin it drops down to 30+UVA, and for those with very dark skin it goes down to SPF 15+UVA. There is some debate about whether the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is enough to make the higher protection worth using. The difference between factors is incremental; SPF 30 is not twice as protective as SPF 15. When applied properly an SPF 15 protects the

skin from 93 per cent of UVB radiations, factor 30 will protect from 97 per cent.

But both doctors agree that it’s worth going for the higher factor. Dr Phillipa Lowe says, “There’s a minimal difference but it’s enough for my [fair] skin”.

Are you applying enough sunscreen?

The final check is to see whether you’re using enough sunscreen. Dr Phillipa Lowe says, “You should be using a lot more than you think”. Break each side of your body down to eleven areas; your face, each shoulder and upper arm, each lower arm and hand, each lower leg and foot, and your upper and lower torso on both sides.

Each part of your body needs about one millilitre of sunscreen (or as Doctor Nick Lowe says the size of a ten pence piece).

Your whole body should take about an ounce of sunscreen. Also, remember to reapply it at least every two hours or sooner, especially in particularly strong sun or if you are swimming and sweating.

Both doctors say that the best way to protect your skin is using sun protective clothing, and to stay out of the sun in the mid-day hours. It may not be particularly practical if you have a new swimsuit you want to show off, so properly applied sun lotion is your next best friend. WM

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SUN CARE

SPA SPY TRIED AND TESTED DECLÉOR AROMA SUN EXPERT PROTECTIVE HYDRATING MILK SPF 30, UVA HIGH PROTECTION 150ml | RRP £24 www.decleor.co.uk We wish all sun creams smelt this amazing! The Aroma Sun Expert Hydrating Milk has a gorgeous subtle spa scent that lingers on your skin. The cream is packed full of nature inspired ingredients including rose essential oil, vanilla and jasmine extracts, which gives the light and gently floral smell.

Packaged in a red squidgy tube, the milk goes on smoothly, and massages into the skin leaving it looking nourished and almost shimmery. It’s hydrating as well as practical, and the argan oil made my skin look and feel fabulous.

At SPF 30 the protection is enough to suit fair to olive tones, and the broad UVA protection will help defend your skin against longer term sun damage.

The Aroma Sun Expert Protective AntiWrinkle Cream (50ml, £27) is slightly thicker than the body cream, but not so much that I would be worried about instigating a holiday breakout. At factor 50, this would be great as a holiday SPF… a sandy beach, long days of sunshine and a cocktail or two. Now we’re talking!

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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BAREMINERALS SPF 30 NATURAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30, UVA PROTECTION 4g | £25 www.bareminerals.co.uk If you use an SPF daily, reapplying can be time consuming – do you have to remove your make up first or apply over the top? The bareMinerals SPF is a quick and easy answer.

The sunscreen is in a powder form that you can brush onto your skin. It has a relatively sheer coverage so will also even out and mattify hot and oily skin. It feels very light on the skin, a bit like a finishing powder. The reflective particles in the powder will also reflect the sunlight providing a physical shield from UVA and UVB. The inbuilt brush means you can pop it in your handbag and reapply whenever you need to; no mess, no fuss. Just a gentle word of warning, the pigmentation is relatively dark – you may need to order a shade lighter than you would expect.

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SUN CARE

NATURA BISSÉ DIAMOND WHITE OIL-FREE BRILLIANT SUN PROTECTION

GERMAINE DE CAPUCCINI GOLDEN CARESS ADVANCED ANTI-AGING EMULSION SPF 30, UVA HIGH PROTECTION 50ml | £42.15 Germaine de Capuccini is all about the science, and this antiaging emulsion embraces that philosophy. The SPF 30 cream also has 'age and spot sun repair technology'.

It comes in a stocky, squeezy tube that fits in the palm of your hand. The cream is light, very pleasant to smooth on, and sinks in immediately. If you have dry skin you may want to layer this on top of your normal moisturiser or a sun serum.

The scent is unobtrusive, with hints of vanilla, sandalwood and jasmine.

I used it on my face and body and then took a long walk along a bright, sunny beach. My face – which often reacts to new sun creams – didn't burn and felt soft and nourished, even after the exposure to sun and wind. Perfect coastal sun protection.

BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50, PA+++ 30ml | RRP £65 | www.naturabisse.com The Natura Bissé Diamond White SPF comes in a silver and pearl tube with a pump action top. It is easy to measure and applies well with your fingers or a brush as part of a make-up routine.

The cream feels quite thick, and despite being oil-free my skin did still look a little dewy. It felt moisturising and hydrating for several hours after application. Delightfully, it doesn’t have the traditional sunscreen odour. No more sickly coconut! The top level SPF and UVA protection means it’s perfect for very hot and sunny weather. The cream has a slight pigment to it, so there is some coverage – almost like a BB cream. There’s a single colour so although it’s adaptive, it may not work for everyone.

The oil-free base should help keep holiday blemishes under control, and the coverage is perfect for giving you a little confidence while lounging around. It’s great for those with oily or fair complexions. This will definitely make it into my beach bag during the summer.

SPA SPY TRIED AND TESTED

KERSTIN FLORIAN FACE SERUM

SPF25 15ml | £43 Sun serums are said to provide extra protection when applied beneath your normal SPF factor face cream.

This one from Californian skin care brand Kerstin Florian contains jojoba to combat dehydration, camomile to calm redness and anti-aging vitamin E. The box is more elegant than the small pump action bottle containing the serum, a thin oil that smells powerfully of camomile.

I applied a tiny dollop to my face and it spread easily and evenly. My skin felt hydrated without feeling oily. It’s a nice product with a decent beauty ethos (technology research-based natural products) and I like the idea of extra nourishment beneath my everyday protection.

The UVA protection isn't listed as being high, so you may want to use this with a moisturising SPF and UVA sun cream.

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THALGO AGE DEFENCE SUN CREAM BODY LOTION SPF 30, UVA HIGH PROTECTION 150ml | RRP £23.75 www.thalgo.co.uk We tend to equate higher factor sun cream with a thicker consistency, but the Thalgo Age Defence Sun Cream is quite light.

The cream smells subtly of vanilla and maybe sunflower – very summery – and has the consistency of a gelato, but without being sticky.

Once smoothed onto my skin it sank in quickly and left a faint, glimmering sheen. My skin felt cool and nourished, exactly what you need when you’re getting ready to step out into the sun.

I have very fair skin and used the cream in the hot Portugal sun and it worked: I didn’t burn at all, not even my nose, which always goes red!

Thalgo Sun Repair Cream Masque: Sunburn Rescue (50ml, £23.75) is a smart move if you do overdo it. The masque comes in a white and bronze tube, has a very smooth texture and absorbs quickly, while the lovely smell reminded me of warm sand. It felt like cooling crème fraiche on my parched skin, leaving it fully quenched, smooth and happy.

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SPA GARDENS

Spa Gardens You’ll find nature-inspired colours, artworks and aromas in most UK spas, but why settle for imitation when you can embrace the best of nature during your spa day?

Photo: Barnsley House Spa

ith summer just around the corner, now is the time to wander through rose gardens or between borders of colourful flora; breathe in the sweet scents of herbs from kitchen gardens, and take a walk across lush green lawns through archways and arboretums.

BARNSLEY HOUSE SPA | CIRENCESTER

The gardens at Barnsley House were designed in the 1950s by celebrated horticulturalist Rosemary Verey.

Throughout the years, the gardens have gathered a bit of a cult following: even the Prince of Wales is thought to be a fan. Today the guests at Barnsley House can enjoy wandering around at their leisure and there are ‘tours with tea’ available to the paying public. The gardens are visually delightful and full of produce used for the dishes at Barnsley House’s restaurant. Year round, the seasonal www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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colours provide a beautiful backdrop to the Cotswold stone hotel. Walk down stone pathways bordered by miniature sculpted hedges next to manicured lawns and feast your eyes on the flowers. Enjoy the Laburnum Avenue walk beneath a leafy canape of branches, the pathway bordered by purple plants. Cast your eye over the sheer detail which went into the mini knot garden and neat vegetable patches.

Barnsley is a piece of garden artwork with features similar to those of stately homes – a beautiful addition to the quaint Cotswold house, and not to be missed while on a spa day.

Barnsley Spa is hidden away in the gardens of Barnsley House, surrounded by trees and ornate shrubs. Secluded from the main hotel, the atmosphere is tranquil and intimate with only six guests allowed in at one time. The spa’s design brings the nature of the surrounding garden inside; wicker walls line the post-treatment relaxation room, and a large screen showcases grasses blowing in the wind. The main relaxation lounge is large and filled with light, with neutral furnishings and views of the pool and a walled garden.

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SPA GARDENS

LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL AND SPA | WILTSHIRE

The Walled Garden at Lucknam Park is very English, with shaped yew hedges and box hedging alongside borders planted with herbaceous flowers. At its centre is an 18th Century dovecote which marks the oldest part of the Lucknam gardens.

Moving on to the Rose Garden, you’ll see a French-style courtyard backing onto the original stable building. Fruit trees line the walls and there’s a small pond glinting in the middle. The Victorian-inspired Kitchen Garden has more yew and box hedging framing a selection of culinary herbs. On the west lawn, Lucknam has a formal and circular lavender garden, gloriously scented in the morning and evening air. You can also wander through an arboretum of 600 trees, visually lovely all year round.

Finally, take a peek at the renovated vinery greenhouse with raised beds growing over 30 varieties of produce; if you try the food at Lucknam on your spa visit, these will be on the menu.

Right: The English Heritage Listed Thorpe Hall Gardens at Lifehouse Spa Below: The Japanese Bridge at Stobo in Autumn Below right: Gardens encircle the spa at Lucknam Park

Lucknam Park Spa is set in a glass and stone extension at the back of the country mansion house hotel. Guests walk past rustic lavender beds to get from hotel to spa. You even have garden views from the tepidarium beds or the outdoor terrace around the pool. There is plenty of spa to entertain for a whole day, including a stunning swimming pool with a flickering panel of fire along one wall; but be sure to also set aside time to go and explore the delightful gardens, which span over five acres of Lucknam’s extensive grounds.

STOBO CASTLE HEALTH SPA SCOTLAND

Stobo Castle Health Spa sits in the Peeblesshire countryside, near a loch on the River Tweed. Catch glimpses of the lowlands countryside from the extensive spa facilities, or admire the view from the outside hot tubs. But be sure to venture to the Japanese garden, Stobo’s stunning oriental water woodland. The landscape falls dramatically away to waterfalls and

pools, with a signature Japanese-style bridge at its centre. Admire the garden with its echoes of traditional Japanese architecture.

Stepping stones, the humpback bridge, and trees and shrubs with Eastern origins are interwoven with ageing stone lanterns and a tea house which was part of the original historic garden. The pleasure loch was created when a dam was built to provide hydropower for the estate, its water from a natural burn in the hills above the castle.

During autumn the garden is at its most colourful with the mix of leaves from the magnificent trees and shrubs. However, in spring there are primroses and wood anemones, followed by summer’s vibrant foliage of rhododendrons and azaleas.

With 80 treatments to choose from including chromotherapy hydrobaths and bespoke wraps, Stobo is the perfect place to get your spa (and garden) fix. The spa offers separate male and female thermal facilities, plus a shared 25 metre ozone infinity edge pool with floor to ceiling windows. There’s also a hydro pool and mild steam room in the central area, and outside hot tubs to gaze out over the surrounding gardens.

LIFEHOUSE SPA AND HOTEL | ESSEX

Lifehouse Spa is surrounded by the English Heritage Listed Thorpe Hall Gardens, which have had many celebrated visitors over the years: JM Barry used to write in a summer house by a slope now named Peter Pan Walk, and another summerhouse is named after Rudyard Kipling because it was his favourite spot. Queen Mary is said to have loved the gardens, and there’s now a walkway and summerhouse named in her honour. Winston Churchill inspired the name for the Churchill Summer House as he regularly visited the owner of the grounds, Lord Byng, after they served together in the Boer War. Today, you can explore the gardens in your robe while staying at Lifehouse.

Lucknam Park's lavender garden is gloriously scented in the morning and evening air.

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SPA GARDENS Below: Rockliffe Spa Garden Right: The Spa Garden at Carbis Bay

The outdoors seating of the restaurant forms part of what was once the kitchen garden. Although not grown for use on the Lifehouse menu, the decorative plants here are edible, including herbs, olives and grapes.

Wandering further through the grounds will take you past lakes and ponds to a rock garden, and a sunken terraced garden full of wild plants. You’ll see some exotic plants still surviving among the native flora, ancient pine trees guarding the garden boundaries, and gunneras dotted near the water.

The Lifehouse gardens are a delightful mix of wild and maintained gardens, and there are plenty of tranquil summerhouses and lawns to dream away an afternoon once you've had a treatment in the spa. Choose from the standard facials and massages, or stay for a health and wellness retreat. Swim lengths in the 20-metre pool, soak in the hydrotherapy pool, and explore the sauna, steam and salt inhalation room.

HOAR CROSS HALL SPA HOTEL | STAFFORDSHIRE

You can see how special Hoar Cross Hall’s gardens are from the moment you drive up to the hall’s turreted stone archway. Impeccable grounds surround the building, with neatly cut lawns framed by yew hedges, and gravel pathways leading past herbaceous borders and fountains to a rose garden. Wander between oak and lime trees in the 30 acres of mature woodland and enjoy the tranquil Italian water garden, where a fountain draws water from underground rainwater storage.

The herb gardens at Hoar Cross are also worth a peek, as are the original Victorian greenhouses, both of which grow produce for the kitchens. You may discover the six lakes as you walk around the grounds, where wildlife is encouraged and protected.

The Hoar Cross Spa is in the basement of the hotel, with a 26-metre saltwater vitality pool, hydrotherapy pool, aqua massage, a cold plunge pool and an aqua detox area. After you’ve had a day of relaxation in the spa, step into the gardens for a stroll in the fresh air. www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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Spas with outdoor facilities Spa gardens have become en vogue in the last few years. While the gardens may not be what one pictures with acres of trees, flowers and shrubs, they do have dedicated outdoor space for spa-ing al fresco or dipping in a hot tub while soaking up the views.

while the wicker garden furniture is both aesthetically charming and extremely comfortable. Enjoy the fresh air from the warm hydrotherapy pool, or sit and gaze out into the garden from the cosy glassfronted relaxation lounge.

ROCKLIFFE HALL IN COUNTY DURHAM opened their spa garden in 2015 – an extension to the main spa designed to merge the outside with the inside. A glass fronted sauna and heated relaxation loungers overlook the decking area, with its fire pit, water feature and a hydro pool.

This is the perfect space to admire the gardens and grounds from the comfort of a heated pool.

SPA BY KASIA IN CHESHIRE has an Asian sensory spa garden. Koi carp flit colourfully in the water of a picturesque pond with gentle whirlpool. There’s a six foot waterfall, striking Japanese-style bridge and a traditional tea house building.

THE SECRET GARDEN AT THE GARAGE SPA, also in County Durham, is an outdoor courtyard with Shepherd’s Hut sauna, bucket shower, and a copper-bath hydro pool sheltered beneath an overhanging roof. If the sun’s shining you can lay in a lounger or cosy up in a wicker hammock chair. During the winter a fire pit gives off delicious warmth to snuggle around.

WEAVERS’ HOUSE SPA IN SUFFOLK hides a pretty patio garden behind the historic Swan at Lavenham hotel. Pots of herbs give the space splashes of green,

THE SECRET GARDEN SPA AT CONGHAM HALL HOTEL NORFOLK

Congham Hall sits between green fields and winding lanes in the wide expanse of Norfolk countryside. The petit hotel is beautifully rural with 30 acres of parkland surrounding the hall. The spa is in the herb garden – a charming rustic kitchen garden with almost 400 varieties of herbs. The repertoire includes rare and medicinal varieties such as goat’s rue, said to have once been used to treat the plague. But the main function of this lovely garden is culinary.

Gardeners pick herbs daily for Congham Hall’s chef to include in seasonal dishes and in homemade aromatic oils and vinegars.

THE SPA GARDEN AT CARBIS BAY HOTEL overlooks the Cornish coast, so it almost feels like you’re spa-ing on the beach. Swim lengths in the oval 15-metre pool surrounded by plentiful loungers, or bubble blissfully away in the hydrotherapy pool. Perched on a higher level of the garden, a glass fronted sauna offers stunning views across the bay.

CALCOT SPA IN TETBURY overlooks a sheltered courtyard bordered with lavender and pristine hedges. At the centre of the garden is a magnificent hot tub next to an open fireplace and surrounded by plenty of sun loungers.

A beautiful spot to simply lay back and breathe in the Cotswold fresh air.

Visitors come from miles away to wander through the herb garden down gravel pathways, admiring the herbal scents which are most delicious in the evening air at dusk. Spa guests can also enjoy the garden setting, with glass doors opening onto patios and views across the lawns and fields.

The Secret Garden Spa is just next to the Georgian hotel, in a modern extension next to neatly manicured gardens.

The reception area is decorated in soft lavender tones reflecting the surrounding flora. The spa’s shining feature is the outdoor hot tub – wonderfully warm and the perfect spot to gaze out over the neighbouring fields. WM

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HOW TO SPA WITH CANCER

CAN I SPA

cancer? with

Spas have been associated with healthfulness for centuries, but cancer patients have regularly been turned away from these deeply relaxing spaces. KAREN HOCKNEY finds out why spas have been hesitant to treat those with cancer, and how the industry is changing to be more inclusive.

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HOW TO SPA WITH CANCER

hen you are dealing with cancer and are at your most vulnerable, a spa should be the perfect space to de-stress and swap the rigours of a hospital for an hour or two of relaxing massage. But is it safe to spa with cancer? And if so, which treatments should you avoid or embrace?

Traditionally, there has been concern that massage might cause cancer cells to spread to MAN other parts of the body. Many sides of the fence following OFFE Y SPAS NO R W RETR SPECIALIS therapists and oncologists her breast cancer diagnosis PEO EATS FO T advise avoiding vigorous, three years ago. ‘I have WITH PLE LIVIN R G OR BE deep tissue massage directly often heard from my CANC YOND ER over a tumour or lymph nodes patients how receiving affected by cancer, as well as to complementary therapies areas that are bruised, sensitive or alongside chemotherapy helped close to an intravenous catheter. They also them to cope with their situation,’ recommend not using heat facilities and she says. ‘In May 2013, the unthinkable avoiding nail varnish or tanning treatments. happened to me when I was diagnosed Macmillan and Cancer Research UK with breast cancer. both say there is no evidence to support or ‘I benefitted greatly from regular disprove the idea that spa-ing with cancer massage therapy throughout the course is dangerous. This dilemma has historically of my chemotherapy treatment and led spas to err on the side of caution and beyond, particularly when I was making refuse to treat those who are not yet my return to work. I found massage through a five-year remission period. relaxed my tense muscles and gave me But two NHS Trusts are leading the some quiet time to switch off from the way with recommending complementary stressful experience I was going through. therapies to cancer patients. At The ‘Now that I am back up and running Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, at work, I encourage my patients to take a specialist cancer hospital in London, up the offer of complementary therapies complementary therapies including such as massage therapy. My personal acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology experience has given me insight into the and yoga are available free of charge to positive role they can play during a cancer NHS patients. patient’s journey.’

Similarly, The Christie Trust in With little medical research and a Manchester offers treatments including lack of consensus among the medical massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture/ community, whether and how you choose acupressure and reflexology to patients as to spa may come down to personal choice. part of its rehabilitation programme.

SPECIALIST TREATMENTS Consultant oncologist and Tpot (a If you decide to go to a spa, you may want specialist spa training company – more to choose one that offers specialist postlater) ambassador Dr Fiona Thistlethwaite cancer treatments. at The Christie Trust has been on both

✺

www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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"Macmillan and Cancer Research UK both say there is no evidence to support or disprove the idea that spa-ing with cancer is dangerous."

In the past few years, there has been a movement within the spa industry that is looking to educate therapists and spa managers about what is and what isn’t possible. Tpot – The Power of Touch – is the brainchild of spa training specialist Michelle Hammond and Abi Wright, founder of Spa Breaks. Their mission is to educate industry professionals to ensure that no spa or salon will turn away a person with cancer by 2018. Other training companies including Wellness for Cancer and Amethyst Trust also offer courses to educate spa professionals.

Many spas including Rockliffe Hall in County Durham and Eastthorpe Hall Spa in Yorkshire now offer specialist retreats.

St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire sent their team on a Complementary Therapy in Cancer Care course run by Angela Green at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

Karen Clevely, spa manager at St Brides Spa Hotel, says: ‘When I started

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HOW TO SPA WITH CANCER

‘I found massage relaxed my tense muscles and gave me some quiet time to switch off from the stressful experience I was going through."

Dr Fiona Thistlethwaite

out [in the spa industry], anyone who had had cancer within the last five years was not allowed to be treated. The fear was if you were massaging someone going through cancer treatment, you were improving their circulation and possibly speeding up the cancer in their body or spreading it further.’ Now St Brides has introduced a 15-minute consultation and health questionnaire for cancer patients, the therapists then recommend the most effective and safe treatments on offer.

‘Our Coastal Retreat oncology care package has been devised for cancer patients and we avoid the area of radiotherapy from two weeks before treatment until six weeks afterwards,’ adds Karen. ‘Many clients have only been touched when having radiotherapy or needles put into them, so performing a relaxing hand or shoulder massage gives them the feel-good factor. A cancer patient needs nurturing more than anyone else.’

The Christie Trust in Manchester also offers training in complementary therapy so that practitioners feel confident in treating cancer patients. Naturopath Sue Davis sent the therapy team from Lifehouse Spa Hotel in Essex to The Christie Trust in 2012 and also used the Tpot training course. Lifehouse offers recovery breaks for those enduring cancer treatment, using Spezia’s Made for Life products, which have the Soil Association 100 per cent organic seal of approval.

‘The treatments we give to cancer patients are non-invasive and gentle – concentrating on the hands and feet, and stroking and rocking the body during massage rather than anything vigorous.

But if they fancy a cracking massage, we 70 | Wellness |

use organic products so as not to overtax a system that has already been through so much.’

PRODUCTS TO TRUST

Last autumn, Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire launched a partnership with Jennifer Young’s Defiant Beauty brand, which was specially formulated for use on people with cancer. Angela Bryan, treatments sales manager at Ragdale Hall, says: ‘We’ve always felt there was something missing. It wasn’t nice saying no to people living with or beyond cancer. Jennifer uses very gentle ingredients which soothe fragile, itchy skin and she knows how to treat people with low immunity who are in need of very clean sterilised materials.’

Jennifer’s pedigree is impressive. A micro-biologist, aromatherapist and product formulator, she devised the Defiant Beauty range of five face products and five body products (available from beautydespitecancer.co.uk) at the invitation of her local cancer centre. She visited their chemotherapy ward to ask patients and nurses what was on their wish-list.

‘The patients wanted natural, clean organic products they could trust,’ explains Jennifer. ‘The nursing staff criteria was that products should be fragrance free… Not because of the power of essential oils but because fragrance can spark nausea during chemotherapy.’

Jennifer’s research, which will be presented at the 2016 International Conference of Oncologists, is revealing.

After just one treatment, 97 per cent of people with cancer experienced improved wellbeing, 78 per cent felt conditions including dry skin, aches and sore scalps had improved and 59 per cent felt ‘as well as they could’.

PERSONAL CHOICE

For breast cancer survivor Paula Kerr, who runs Fitter, Stronger luxury retreats to help those hit by injury or illness back into fitness, being turned away from a treatment left her very angry.

‘My oncologist said go ahead, so I arrived at the spa looking forward to a simple hot stone massage with lavender oil,’ says Paula. ‘But when they read my medical form, they said: ‘We can’t give you a massage but we can paint your nails instead!’ I sat outside fuming.

‘It’s important you can still have a girlie day out and not feel alienated, because the cancer is already doing that to you.’

But, if you are a cancer patient the last thing you would want is to feel that you are doing something unsafe rather than relaxing and nurturing. Some spas – Champneys Spa Hotels, Ragdale Hall and Grayshott Health Spa – have nurses on site should you have any reaction to your treatment or any concerns.

Ultimately, your oncologist should be your first port of call if you’re thinking about visiting a spa. Before deciding where to go, check whether the spa offers specialist treatments and remember to keep the pace you’re comfortable with. WM

Karen Hockney is a journalist and the author of Breathing Out, published by Urbane Publications, which charts her journey through breast cancer.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SPA TIME

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Q&A

Dear Spa Spies Our Spa Agony Aunt answers your most pertinent spa concerns

Dear Spa Spies

I’m extremely worried about stripping off in front of strangers – not for a living you understand, but for a body massage my husband kindly bought for my birthday. Should I cancel or just lie back and think of England?

Yours modestly First, let me set your mind at rest.

A body massage should not call for full nudity, particularly if it is at one of the reputable spas listed on The Good Spa Guide. Although you will undress to your pants beforehand, throughout the massage you will be entirely trussed up in towels, which will be removed and replaced as your therapist massages each part of your body. This not only preserves your dignity, but also keeps you warm.

When you roll onto your back or front, she will hold a towel up between herself and you which will act as a screen, then quickly place the towel over you when you're settled. She will politely leave the room while you dress and undress. At no point should she see your private areas. She has no reason to. Her job is to make you feel safe and relaxed in order to enjoy the full benefits of the massage.

As part of the back massage, she may roll down your pants halfway giving you what is commonly referred to as ‘builder’s bum’, as it is an area where we hold a lot of tension. If you think you might be uncomfortable with this, tell her beforehand.

If you are still tense, call your spa and see if you can have a Thai or Shiatsu massage instead, as these are often performed through your clothes. Or go for a manicure or pedicure for now, perhaps working up the courage to try a back and shoulder massage next time.

Far be it from me to endorse marital secrecy, but husbands surely don’t need to know details.

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Dear Spa Spies

Should massages hurt?

Yours wincingly It depends whether the pain is felt during or after, and what the massage is for. During a pampering, light massage, definitely not: you should be gently coaxed into a state of uninterrupted somnambulant bliss. For a deep tissue, Swedish or Thai massage, brief moments of pain sort of come with the territory, but, according to my industry sources, should not be ongoing.

If your muscles are particularly tight, they will resist any contact by screaming out in agony. But the masseur should then know to alternate hard/soothing strokes, like good cop and bad cop, until the stressed muscles stop fighting and come around. Without the soothing pay-off, your muscles will tense up further, waiting for the next attack.

The bottom line is, instead of resisting the urge to scream, simply ask your therapist “Is this supposed to hurt?”.

Dear Spa Spies

Treatments are so expensive, why should I have to tip my therapist too?

Yours Parsimoniously Of course you don’t have to tip.

It’s a matter of choice. However, I am always conscious that spa therapists work exceedingly hard and are paid shockingly little money. Yet most love what they do and dedicate their lives to making others relaxed, well and happy.

Also, I don’t know of any spa making a huge profit.

If, like most guests, you do decide to reward your therapist for their efforts, you can add a tip to the overall bill, or leave cash in a little envelope which will

often be available at the spa reception desk on your way out.

A suggested rate for a tip is between 10 and 20 per cent of the treatment cost.

Dear Spa Spies

Being in quiet rooms for a long time makes my stomach nervous and noisy.

And the more I worry about it, the more nervous I get. I really worried I’ll break wind during my massage.

Yours Breezily Farting during a massage is a good thing. Seriously. It means the massage is working! When we’re stressed, we hold everything in, including wind. When we relax, the digestive system switches back on (hence the gurgling), and our parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, which makes us let go of the bad stuff.

It’s like burping after a good meal (i.e., really rude everywhere except ancient Rome.

Joking. It’s fine!).

I’ve had therapists whose stomachs have made more noise than mine, especially during a midday treatment just before lunch. I’ve also had quite a few therapists tell me before the treatment begins that stomach gurgling is normal and

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Q&A

"Some spas have a complete no mobile phones policy. If you can bear to be parted from your hand-held, a spa is the ideal place for a digital detox."

to be expected. Most therapists take it as a compliment. Instead of worrying, take the opportunity to celebrate your body!

Dear Spa Spies

I’m booked into a posh day spa with thermal facilities and am having a treatment in the afternoon.

What do I need to take with me?

Yours Efficiently If it really is as ‘posh’ as you say, all you should need to take is a swimming costume or bikini. Top end, five bubble spas provide robes, towels, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, moisturisers, body lotions, combs, hairdryers and even disposable knickers for your treatment.

However, some spas forget something vital – usually moisturisers and combs in my experience. Two of my colleagues are allergic to some ingredients, so always take their own travel shampoos, conditioners and body lotions, sadly missing out on the fabulous products often available for the rest of us to enjoy.

I would advise taking a spare pair of knickers you don’t mind getting covered in oils or muds, just in case they don’t provide disposables.

You basically float around in your robe, occasionally getting wet, maybe dipping into a magazine or two (these should also be supplied). If you don’t want to sit in damp bottoms during lunch, simply slip on your underwear. If you’re super organised, you will have taken two costumes and feel all the more smug for it.

Dear Spa Spies

I am a man going to a spa for the first time. It seems like a very lady-dominated world and I’m a bit nervous. How should I behave?

Yours Blokely How nice – most chaps don’t worry about such things. If you are self-conscious, then you are already in touch with your feminine side and should fit right in. I think respect is the key word here. Keep yourself to yourself – spa goers do this anyway, as we are all in a vulnerable state of undress and value personal space. Don’t start conversations, especially in the sauna or Jacuzzi, as you may be mistaken for a desperate individual on the make. Don’t attempt any banter with fellow males, and certainly don’t ogle. Perhaps take an extremely involving book rather than your mobile phone, which are often banned or considered a faux pas.

Useful tip – if you’re having a facial, it’s best to shave the day before as some of the treatment lotions can feel abrasive on raw skin. Also, if you have booked an all-body treatment, not all spas carry disposable undies for chaps, therefore take spare pants or keep your trunks on.

Dear Spa Spies

Can I take my mobile phone into the spa?

Yours Technophile Officially no, and some spas have a strict No Mobiles policy.

However, many of us do slip our devices in our robe pockets, making sure the sound is turned off. There are risks involved (waterlogging, theft), plus lots of evidence to suggest that mobile contact ups your stress levels, while the blue light interrupts sleep, which would counteract your spa benefits. If you can bear to be parted from your hand-held, a spa is the ideal place for a digital detox. WM

"If you're having a deep tissue, Swedish, or Thai massage brief moments of pain sort of come with the territory, but should not be ongoing throughout the treatment." www.thegoodspaguide.co.uk

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BUBBLE RATINGS 5 Bubble Luxury

From jaw-dropping faclities to good value spas, we award bubbles not stars! Here's a list of UK spas rated by the Spa Spies®.

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

North West

Chewton Glen Spa

South West

The Spa in Dolphin Square

London

Dormy House Hotel and Spa

West Midlands

The Thai Spa at Lough Erne Resort

Northern Ireland

Galgorm Resort and Spa

Northern Ireland

The Woodland Spa

North West

Rockliffe Hall

North East

Utopia Spa at Alexander House Hotel

South East

Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

North East London

Weavers House Spa at The Swan at Lavenham Hotel

East of England

The Bulgari Spa The Vineyard Spa

South East

Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes Hotel

East Midlands

4 Bubbles

5 Bubbles

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

Carden Spa at Carden Park

North West

The Spa at Cameron House on Loch Lomond

Scotland

Fawsley Hall

West Midlands

Grand Jersey

South West

Lion Quays Hotel and Spa

West Midlands

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa

North West

Mill Wheel Spa

North West

Spa by Kasia at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel

North West

Spa Sirène

South West

Spa Verta

London

Spread Eagle Spa

South East

The Clearing Spa at The Cornwall Hotel

South West

The Club Hotel and Spa

South West

The Day Spa at Whittlebury Hall

East Midlands

The Goodwood Hotel

South East

The Grange Spa

East Midlands

The Lake Country House Hotel and Spa

Wales

The Peak Health Club and Spa

London

The runnymede-on-thames

South East

South East

The Spa and Bath House at The Royal Crescent Hotel

South West

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa

East Midlands

The Spa at Cotswold House Hotel

West Midlands

Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa

North West

The Spa at Kings Head

West Midlands

Sequoia Spa at The Grove

London

The Spa at Roe Park

Northern Ireland

St Brides Spa Hotel

Wales

The St David’s Hotel and Spa

Wales

Stanley House Hotel and Spa

North West

The Well Spa Retreat at Bluestone

Wales

Stobo Castle Health Spa

Scotland

Thermae Bath Spa

South West

Stoke Park Spa

South East

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange

London

The Belfry Spa

West Midlands

Wildmoor Spa and Health Club

West Midlands

The Garage Spa

North East

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel

East of England

The Spa at Ramside

North East

The Spa at Suites Hotel

North West

The Spa at the Midland

North West

Agua at Mondrian London

London

Agua at Sanderson London

London

Antara Spa at the Chelsea Health Club

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

South West

Bailiffscourt Spa

South East

Bamford Haybarn

West Midlands

Barnsley Spa and Skincare Centre

South West

Calcot Spa

South West

Carbis Bay Hotel and Spa

South West

Chuan Spa at The Langham London

London

C-Side at Cowley Manor

West Midlands

Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa

South East

Eden Hall Day Spa

East Midlands

Hale Country Club and Spa

North West

Headland 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

West Midlands

Norton House Hotel and Spa

Scotland

Ockenden Manor Spa

South East

PH2O at Park House

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3 Bubbles Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa

Wales

The Haven Spa

South West

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RECIPE

Nutritionist AMANDA HAMILTON gives us the low down on spa-inspired smoothies.

R E A DY, S E T, G O

S

with digestion friendly smoothies

moothies have been around for a while and, let’s face it, those early pioneering brands are looking a bit dated. Health activists and Instagrammers are forever on the hunt for the latest functional food ingredients, and kefir is top of the list.

For those not yet on the tummy trend, kefir is the latest food star that offers multi strain diverse probiotic cultures in a much more natural form than a supplement. Kefir ‘grains’ are rich in vitamin B, vitamin K and good bacteria. They are traditionally mixed with milk but can also be used with milk alternatives such as coconut water to create a fermented drink. If all the mixing sounds like too much hard work, you can also buy kefir from Ocado and specialist health food stores.

To make your own probiotic smoothies, blend cold pressed juices with coconut milk kefir. Keeping it unprocessed retains all the natural plant phytonutrients. AH

RED

GREEN

Blend together:

One small cooked beetroot (you can buy ready cooked beetroot, just make sure it's not in vinegar) A squeeze of lemon Top up with coconut water and coconut kefir.

AMBER Juice:

Three carrots Two celery sticks One apple Half a lemon Top up with coconut kefir and blend.

Blend together:

Half a cucumber A handful of kale A handful of spinach Two broccoli florets A quarter head of fennel One green apple Add a dash of lime and blend with coconut kefir.

You can also make this into a creamy smoothie by adding half an avocado to the mix.

AMANDA HAMILTON is one of the UK's most popular nutritionists and health commentators.

She runs her own retreats and licensed spa programmes across Europe, including a new Juice Detox Break at Macdonald Marine Hotel and Spa in East Lothian. You can see more information about Amanda and her upcoming retreats at: www.amandahamilton.com

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W H AT Y O U R T H E R A P I S T WO N ’ T T E L L YO U Ever wondered what is really going on in the mind of your spa therapist? We convinced one professional to spill all…

E

very therapist has their least favourite treatment.

Mine is waxing.

It was clear from the off that my forte was massage and facials. But beauty treatments and me didn’t hit it off.

I’m not sure why, I just found them a little stressful. Maybe I needed the scent of essential oils to keep me calm.

My dread of waxing started very early on. I had become a therapist to make people feel great, not to inflict pain and make them all hot and sticky, even for the positive result of smooth hair-free skin. Hate is strong word but I truly hated waxing class at college.

As trainee therapists, we had to convince family and friends to be our models in order to pass each treatment section. Not surprisingly I had lots of volunteers for massage and facials – they were practically queuing around the block for those – yet when it came to waxing, it all went a bit quiet. Not a single volunteer was a bit of a white lie. Waxing is a true art stepped forward. I managed to bribe female and speed comes with practice – I wasn’t family members to suffer for my art (and going to be that quick! Poor dad lay on some genuinely did suffer, especially in my the treatment bed thinking it would soon early electrolysis attempts!), but men were be over. The shoulders took about fifteen a different matter. Clearly minutes, but I had to they don’t understand keep going, placating him "POOR DAD, HIS the concept of ‘no pain, with remarks like ‘Just a FEET TWITCHED no gain’, especially when little bit more to do!’ as I it comes to beauty. But I WHEN I RIPPED OFF worked my way down to had to do a back wax if I THE WAXING STRIPS his mid back. His feet kept wanted to pass the waxing twitching as I ripped off BUT HE NEVER module. I needed a willing the strips, but he never male victim.

COMPLAINED." said that it hurt (men It was all getting a bit don’t, even with massage desperate when my Dad announced he pressure). It took me forty minutes in the was off to St Lucia on holiday. Dad wasn’t end. His skin was red, but lashings of aloe exactly a gorilla but I suspected he must vera soon sorted that out. have some hair on his back. It was time In fact, I was pretty pleased with the to find out how supportive he was of his result. Although Dad said he was too, this trainee therapist daughter. Luckily I have was fourteen years ago and I’m aware that always been a daddy’s girl so, through he hasn’t had his back waxed since. Luckily gritted teeth, he agreed to be my guinea pig.

I was able to make it up to him with plenty I said it was just his shoulders and that of hot stone massages. I think he’d agree it would only take twenty minutes, which that it was worth the sacrifice.

78 | Wellness |

After college, I went straight into working in a spa where very few waxing treatments are done. The beauty of working in a spa is that most spa goers want to relax and will visit a local salon for beauty treatments. I could put away the evil hot wax strips and concentrate on lovely essential oils, scrubs and masks.

My love for massage grew with my experience – my favourite treatment being deep muscle massage. I wasn’t a sports massage therapist, so it’s not the same as deep tissue, but I did advanced training in tension relief and ‘no hands massage’. This gave me the skills to use my forearms to stretch and elbows to give a deep pressure.

It also prolongs your life as a therapist as massage can take its toll on your hands.

I was always conscious to make sure the last massage of the day was as good as the first. With four to five hours of massage a day, with other body treatments and facials woven in between, I was a happy spa therapist – just as long as no one asked for a Brazilian… WM

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SPA TIME

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