Escaping to the seaside always feels like a treat, but there are special delights in

store for those visiting the Roslin Retreat in Thorpe Bay, explains Petra Hornsby

It’s no secret that people in Essex like to look good. Every high street will feature a choice of nail bars, hair salons and beauty parlours, all busy trimming, grooming, tanning and waxing. But it would seem that for some, beauty is only skin deep and, in order to achieve something a little deeper, only a spa experience will do. In Southend, one seaside spa and retreat is finding out just how keen people are to be pampered to the core.

The Roslin Retreat is situated at the Roslin Beach Hotel overlooking Southend’s picturesque Thorpe Bay. Open to hotel guests and to the general public, the retreat has gone from strength to strength; so much so, that the hotel has recently unveiled impressive expansion plans, which are due to begin at the start of 2015.

Megan Harris, spa manager, explains why the Roslin Retreat is enjoying such success: ‘Quite simply, we cater for a very varied clientele. Perhaps a few years ago, visiting a spa was considered to be an extravagance reserved for a more mature person on a higher income. Now, responding to demand, we offer a range of prices for a variety of treatments that suit all ages and requirements.’

‘We are open to corporate clients, mothers and daughters or couples and friends wanting to celebrate a birthday or forthcoming wedding. Selected bespoke packages from our extensive range of treatments are available by arrangement and we can also offer tailormade gift vouchers.’

Reading through the treatment menu offered by the Roslin Retreat, it is clear that there is something for everyone and making a choice about what to have might be a challenge. The Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap or the equally delicious sounding Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, both of which are treatments as part of the Elemis range, are rather tempting as are the facials offered by Thalgo featuring marine goodness. Provencal plant extracts can refresh and rejuvenate skin bombarded by pollutants and affected by stressful living.

The Roslin Retreat also recognises the particular needs of both women and men with treatments and products specifically engineered for the general wellbeing of each gender and respective niggles and problems. The Urban Cleanse for him and the Shrink to Fit Cellulite Smoothing Treatment for her are just a taste of what’s on offer.

The expectant mum is also catered for as Megan, pregnant herself, explains: ‘Our Mama Mio treatments are hugely popular and these days there are quite a few bumps to be found at the Retreat. We are lucky to have specialist therapists who are specially trained in pregnancy massage. Relaxation is clearly very beneficial for both mother and baby and we can provide the perfect environment for this.’

So exactly how will the new plans benefit the already very popular spa? Megan adds: ‘We will be offering more treatment rooms, five in total, including a double room for couples, plus a wet area with sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool. Our nail bar will have three manicure desks and two for pedicures. We are also planning a relaxation lounge with a terrace overlooking the sea.’

The demands of modern life can take their toll on our physical and mental wellbeing so there are several reasons to head towards Thorpe Bay and the many inviting facilities the Roslin Retreat has to offer, if you need an excuse.

The Roslin Retreat

The Roslin Beach Hotel

10-16 Thorpe Esplanade

Southend on Sea

SS1 3BG

01702 586375 www.roslinhotel.com