It's the perfect time of year to think about a treat for or the body and FLORENCE KNIGHT has discovered just the place for it

Relaxing river

It's the perfect time of year to think about a treat for or the body and FLORENCE KNIGHT has discovered just the place for it

Too many late nights, a few extra nibbles and drinks over the festive period and a reluctance to brave the cold and rain to exercise outside meant many of us started the New Year like the weather – grey, dull and sluggish.

So it was a welcome relief to visit the River Spa in Wadebridge where the warm, friendly reception clients receive would brighten up the most overcast day.

Owner Sara Young previously worked in sales and marketing for prestige firm Rolls Royce aircraft engineering before an interest in health and beauty and a passion for Cornwall led her to retrain as a beauty therapist.

Originally working from her own home Sara was keen to create the same relaxing and friendly environment when she moved into bright, welcoming premises at Eddystone Court in the centre of Wadebridge.

The River Spa offers a wide range of treatments from an express nail polish through to a full spa experience.

All the treatments are organic and products are sourced locally where possible. I opted for the Head in Heaven – 75 minutes of pure bliss. Relaxing in one of the warm, scented treatment rooms; the cares of the day dissolved as I enjoyed a head, neck and shoulder massage. The head and shoulder massage alone was incredibly therapeutic but there was more as the treatment is combined with a luxury facial.

Again stimulating massage was used to ease away the post-festive stresses assisted, by the gorgeous-smelling organic skincare products. So relaxing was the treatment that I was soon drifting off to sleep.

The whole experience felt really indulgent and left my skin feeling and looking absolutely heavenly. I left, literally glowing with good health and the effects lasted.

Demand by clients to extend the River Spa magic further afield led to Sara opening a satellite spa in Polzeath last November and there are plans to open a treatment room at the prestigious St Enodoc Hotel, Rock, this Spring.

She may no longer be dealing with aircraft parts but Sara is still providing a Rolls Royce quality service, albeit in the beauty market.

Find River Spa at 2 Eddystone Court, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge, Cornwall. PL27 7FH. Telephone: 01208 895 652 info@riverspa.co.uk riverspa.co.uk