Just stepping into reception at the QMS Skin Spa at the Lowry Hotel is a tonic, writes Louise Allen-Taylor

Great British Life: QMS Spa at the Lowry HotelQMS Spa at the Lowry Hotel (Image: not Archant)

Something exciting has happened to the spa at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester city centre. It recently reopened after being closed for over two months and voila, its facelift is fabulous.

It’s now called QMS Skin Spa at The Lowry Hotel as all the products and treatments are from one high-end German brand, whose full title is QMS MediCosmetics, Medical Competence in Cosmetics. Sounds impressive. The Lowry is the only QMS spa outside London and it’s the brand’s very first hotel spa in the UK. Liberty’s beauty hall in London stocks the products, but overall this is a pretty exclusive deal on our doorstep.

The decor here is a fresh revitalising white which certainly gives it a medical air (think Clinique counter writ large) but the effect is softened by gorgeous turquoise leather chairs and trims here and there. Tiffany’s shade of blue came to mind.

But onto the really important bit - the treatments. I loved mine. I enjoyed an Upper Body Tone & Hydrate Treatment (£88) which aims to firm and tone the upper body. This treatment is based on a sequence of exfoliation, detoxification and hydration. It finishes with a personalised back massage with nourishing body oil, and yes, my skin did feel toned and particulary smooth afterwards - as the blurb promised.

Great British Life: QMS Spa at the Lowry Hotel, reception areaQMS Spa at the Lowry Hotel, reception area (Image: not Archant)

Then, just as I was about to nod off, my therapist had a quick chat with me about my skincare routine and what I hoped to achieve from my facial. To suit my concerns, we decided upon the Sensitive Skin Purifying Treatment (£61).

This is designed for problematic and congested skin and should clear impurities, calm inflammations and ‘regenerate the basic functions of the skin’. It was a blissful hour and my complexion felt soothed - as well as my mood. I definitely left with a ‘calmer’ clearer and plumped up complexion.

I really enjoyed my QMS treatments and also, the feeling of sanctuary that imbues this spa. It’s very quiet and relaxing and that is important in spas, for me. Go see for yourself.

To book or for more information please visit www.thelowryhotel.com or telephone 0161 827 4000.