Spas aren't just for girls. Most offer pampering treatments for men too so we sent Lenny Haywood along to the Spa by Kasia at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel in Chester to find out what all the fuss is about
Describe the treatment.
The treatment, a Clarins Skin Blitz Facial for men, �58, formed part of a spa day package and included use of the spa facilities and lunch.
After arriving at the spa we had to fill in a consultation form (a standard procedure according to my girlfriend) before our shoes were replaced by slippers and a spa therapist showed us round the spa and to the changing rooms, carrying our shoes for us on a tray. After getting changed into swimwear and fluffy robes, we met in the Waterfall Lounge where our day started with a cleansing Asian tea ritual before we headed down to the pool to make use of the facilities.
My therapist met me again in the Waterfall Lounge for my treatment and led me to the treatment room. I was given a quick run-down of the treatment before it started, but opted not to be told about each stage, so everything was a lovely surprise. Various creams were applied and wiped off with two hot towels which felt really nice, massaging across my face. While the final mask was doing its stuff I was given a head and neck massage which really relaxed me.
Did you feel relaxed or energised by the treatment?
I was given the choice of whether I wanted the treatment to be relaxing or energising and after a hectic week I opted for relaxing. I did feel relaxed after the treatment. I didn’t really know what to expect as this was my first visit to a spa. I couldn’t believe how soft my skin felt or how clear it looked after the treatment. The spa also has lots of relaxing ‘break-out’ zones where you can quite happily sit and relax and lose yourself watching indoor waterfalls.
Did you have to get undressed for the treatment?
Just down to my swimming trunks. I was then asked to lie down on a heated treatment bed and covered in sumptuous soft towels.
What was the best thing about it?
Without a doubt, each hot towel massage. Oh, and the head massage. And then the back of the neck massage. Can I have more than one best thing?
Would you go again? And try any more treatments?
As perhaps the least metro-sexual-modern-man I know (mostly unshaven, scruffy hair with a love of oily engines) the thought of spending �58 on an hour of pampering seemed ludicrous. But in the interest of relationship-harmony I went with an open mind thinking ‘I’ve got to try it at least once’ and I am very glad I did. The whole experience was divine. I would definitely have another facial and maybe try something even more luxurious next time.
Clarins Skin Blitz Facial for Men, �58 for 55 minutes. Spa by Kasia at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, CH4 9DG. 01244 572199, www.spabykasia.co.uk, www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk.
