Pause and Rebalance

There is nothing I love more than getting a spa treatment, from facials, to reflexology and massages – it is the ultimate way to treat your mind, body and soul. The spa at Galgorm leads the way in spa experiences in Northern Ireland and recently launched a“Refocus and Balance” day spa package in partnership with OTO CBD.

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been seen everywhere over the past few years in oil drops, vitamins and lotions, with it being hyped as a natural remedy to elevate the likes of; stress, anxiety, muscle aches, sports injuries and arthritis. With its relaxing qualities it seems only right that it is used for massages, so I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.

On arrival to the spa itself, I already felt relaxed – it exuded an ambient atmosphere with tranquil music and sumptuous smells filling the air. Once I had slipped into a cosy robe and slippers, my spa therapist showed me to the treatment room, while my guest got to explore the thermal village.

This treatment is all encompassing, covering everything from head to toe – and starting with toes I had a lovely, relaxing footbath, which was just a taste of what was to come. My therapist then introduced me to the OTO CBD products, with a choice of three oils to pick from; rejuvenate, re-energise and relax. All three oils have a unique scent, and the scent which appeals to you the most is the one your body needs. For me, it was the third scent that I liked the best, as it was sweet and floral. The oil that I selected focused on relaxation – to pause and re-balance the body. This is exactly what I felt like I needed.

Another unique aspect of this treatment was the Quartz bed that I lay on. It featured thousands of heated quartz beads, which mould around your body like a cocoon. I sometimes find that massage beds can feel rigid and uncomfortable, defeating the purpose of having a relaxing massage, whereas this bed made me feel like I was floating.

The treatment started with some guided deep breathing to allow my body to fully relax, followed by exfoliated brushing to prepare my skin for soaking up all the magnificent oils. Then it was onto a musclerelieving massage throughout the whole back of my body using a combination of hand techniques, bamboo rollers and handpicked crystals. This treatment wouldn’t feel out of place on a wellness resort in Bali – it certainly didn’t feel like I was a 20-minute drive from my house. With sitting at a desk during the week and then playing hockey at the weekends my muscles (and the knots in my back) needed a good workout, so my body was definitely thanking me for having this done.

It finished with a massage of the décolleté, face and scalp to relieve tension and I could feel my stresses just slip away. It is safe to say that I didn’t want the treatment to end. However, it didn’t end there – I got to spend some relaxation time in the Orangery afterwards, where I was treated to a herbal tea and refreshing sorbet. I then met my friend in the thermal village for a soak in the outdoor hot tub, followed by lunch in the Elements café. Here I had a delicious bacon and brie panini, while my friend had a Caesar salad – it was the perfect end to a relaxing morning at the spa. For the rest of the day and into the week my body was still feeling the benefits of having been refreshed and rejuvenated. I can’t wait to go back – it will definitely be appearing at the top of my Christmas list this year!

OTO CBD Signature Treatment

Duration: 60 minutes, Price: from £95 For more information visit www.galgorm.com