A summer selection of revitalising treatments available at some of the area’s top spas
Soothing Shells
TREATMENT: Lava Shells Rescue Massage, £70, Eden Hall, Newark
DETAILS: The exotic-sounding Lava Shells Rescue Massage uses marine polished sea shells to soothe aching muscles. The smooth shells are glided over the body, with warm lava shells used for deep tissue massage and cool glacial shells used for general fitness aches and pains. Different massage techniques are employed to target specific areas of the muscles which can be responsible for tension. With aches and pains significantly reduced, you’ll leave feeling completely invigorated.
Afterwards, take a dip in the salt-water vitality pool, relax in the aqua detox centre – which includes a herbal caldarium – or laze in the outdoor hot tub.
De-Stress in the Peak
TREATMENT: Tension Relief Massage, £60, Losehill House Hotel and Spa, Hope
DETAILS: Summer should be a relaxing time and nowhere sets the tone for peace and tranquillity quite like the picturesque Losehill House Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, facilities at the spa include a pool with marvellous views over Win Hill and the Hope Valley.
When it comes to treatments, Losehill’s Tension Relief Massage, which targets the back, neck, shoulders and scalp, is the perfect way to unwind. It begins on the back with Swedish and aromatherapy massage techniques, followed by a head massage incorporating the neck, shoulders, scalp and pressure points to the forehead and eyes. The treatment can help to relieve anxiety, eye strain, headaches and insomnia.
Skin Scrub
TREATMENT: Pig in Mud Scrub, £30, Owl House Spa, The Crew Yard, Langley Priory, Diseworth
DETAILS: Prepare your skin for a summer of events with a detoxifying body treatment such as Owl House’s aptly named Pig in Mud Scrub. Based on an ancient cleansing ritual, the treatment takes place in a Turkish-style herbal steam chamber, also known as a Rasul. Mineral-rich mud or a bespoke body scrub are applied to the body as warm herb-infused steam fills the Rasul. The variety of scrubs available reflects the seasons and there’s currently a strawberries and cream ‘flavour’ on the menu for summer. The therapy ends with a tropical rain shower to cleanse the skin.
Other facilities at this boutique spa – awarded ‘Day Spa of the Year’ at the English Hair & Beauty Awards – include eight treatment rooms and a chic manicure and pedicure area with luxurious seating and sunken foot baths.
Wrapped Up
TREATMENT: Elemis Ocean Wrap/Float, £70, Moddershall Oaks, Stone, Staffs
DETAILS: A body wrap is a great way to detoxify and cleanse the body both inside and out. The Elemis Ocean Wrap/Float includes an energising seaweed treatment that is combined with either warm essentials oils to relieve aching, tense muscles, or with rich marine extracts to improve the dimpled appearance of cellulite and to reduce fluid retention. Once the mask has been applied to your body, let your thoughts drift away as you are cocooned in a comforting body wrap or float.
Afterwards, try out the country spa retreat’s outdoor vitality pool, kelo sauna, feature shower and ‘pamper zone’.
Happy Feet
TREATMENT: Hot Oil & Milk Pedicure, £35, Devonshire Spa, The Dome, Buxton
DETAILS: Before stepping out in your sandals, ensure that your feet are looking their best with a rejuvenating Hot Oil and Milk Pedicure. The treatment includes a gentle massage, which helps to relieve swollen ankles, and a nourishing Frangipani oil and milk bath to soothe and moisturise the skin. It is suitable for even the most neglected feet and a similar therapy is also available for tired and over-worked hands. Once your feet have been buffed and polished, visit the spa’s aromatherapy room, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, ice fountain and monsoon shower for a thoroughly pampering experience.
Facing the Sun
TREATMENT: Miracle Facial, £56, Ragdale Hall, Melton Mowbray
DETAILS: With the extra sun exposure and heat at this time of year, treating yourself to a professional facial will help to keep your skin looking healthy. The Miracle Facial from the Created by Ragdale range uses a Clarisonic Brush Cleanse to deep-clean and exfoliate the skin for a smoother complexion. An anti-ageing gold and plant collagen mask is then applied to the face, to help improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines, whilst the shoulders and scalp are massaged to ease away stress and tension. Natural face-lifting techniques are then used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for younger looking skin.
Ragdale Hall’s contemporary spa facilities include a candle pool, waterfall pool, colourflow cave, volcanic salt bath, cave shower and rose sauna.
Tighten & Tone
TREATMENT: Mineral Detox Cellulite Buster, £65, Champneys Springs, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics
DETAILS: Champneys’ tempting ‘cellulite busting’ treatment allows you to sit back and relax whilst working on your beach body at the same time. The treatment targets the hip and thigh area through a combination of body brushing and exfoliation that cleanses the skin and reduces visible dryness. It combines a bamboo and manual lymphatic massage to remove toxins and includes the application of a seaweed body mask to stimulate and detoxify the skin.
The therapy also helps to boost circulation to leave skin looking brighter, firmer and smoother.
For a real health kick, work on the rest of your body in the spa’s Cybex gymnasium, tennis courts and fitness studios. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely swim in the large swimming pool or take a dip in the Thalassotherapy pool.
