TRIED & TESTED ESPA Powered by the Light Salon treatments at King Street Townhouse Spa

My first visit to the King Street Townhouse Spa in the centre of Manchester and what a surprise. For a start, it isn’t actually part of the hotel but a couple of doors down and is a subterranean complex of treatment rooms and state-of-the-art sauna, wet room, and experience showers.

The reason I was there was the launch of ESPA Powered by the Light – a new spa treatment that combines the power of ESPA’s natural skincare with The Light Salon LED.

I love ESPA as a brand, as they are all about natural, beautifully scented products that cocoon and pamper your face and body, but now they’ve been harnessed to the phenomenon that is light therapy, a previously costly treatment that is also extremely popular thanks to the fact it’s non-invasive with minimal complications.

It’s a treatment that essentially further advances ESPA’s resultsdriven facials without compromising the brand’s roots in aromatherapy and nature-derived formulations. There’s a lot of industry experience piled into two facials available: the LED + Nano-Dermabrasion Tri-Active Treatment and the LED + Nano-Dermabrasion Active Nutrients Treatment, which use the power of touch combined with LED and microdermabrasion. From the get-go, the whole experience feels nurturing. There’s a smoothie and tea that have been specially formulated to suit my sleep-deprived self and later, the energizing and deliciously healthy kale and quinoa salad followed by a pistachio cake I chose from an uber-healthy menu for lunch.

Then there’s the treatment itself, which begins with the deep inhalation of ESPA’s beautifully scented oils before cleansing and microdermabrasion. Finally, I’m strapped into a facial mask that will deliver the LED light. It’s slightly weighty but no more uncomfortable than that.

LED energises the cells to work more youthfully promoting collagen and works on the barrier to promote healthy skin. The body absorbs light and uses it in a way that is applicable to you, so it’s effectively bespoke. There’s a super-relaxing facial massage included somewhere too, but oh dear! I’m afraid I drifted off so couldn’t tell you whether it was before or after the mask. Honestly, you’re just going to have to try it.

Post or pre-treatment, there is plenty of opportunity to relax at the King Street Townhouse Spa on heated marble loungers (they only allow eight people into the spa at any one time, so you won’t be queuing up for one). This is a gorgeous subterranean escape from the city with each area taking you to a different place, from Greece to Scandinavia, via essential oils that run through everywhere, changing frequently to complement the seasons.

The results of the treatment on my mature skin were definitely apparent. Everything felt a lot firmer, my skin was glowing and youthful and the effects lasted days. The treatment is also available at Hale Country Club & Spa and treatments start at £120.

By Janet Reeder