Spa review - Sienna Spa and Health Club, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester

Louise Allen-Taylor takes a nap at the Sienna Spa, deep in the bowels of an historic hotel

Relaxation room at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Peter Street, Manchester (Image: Adrian Houston Limited)

Style

Sienna is a stylish beauty and health spa in the basement of the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, formerly the Free Trade Hall. It’s open to anyone as well as hotel residents and club members. The spa opened several years ago but underwent a major facelift in late 2014. There’s fierce competition from neighbouring spas and salons but Sienna can hold its own. There’s a Nordic sauna, steam room and spa pool. The gym is well-equipped and the large swimming pool is impressive.

Ambience

Spa at Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester (Image: Adrian Houston Limited)

Slightly oriental, feminine and friendly. Staff are knowledgeable and you’re given information about the products used, but not the hard sell.

Treatments

As you’d expect there’s a wide range of facials, massages, maternity and alternative therapies, and nail bar. ESpa is the main beauty brand. Gentlemen are welcome too and there are some treatments especially for them.

Afternoon tea in the splendour of the elegant Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester (Image: not Archant)

Relaxability

It’s easy to relax here as it’s so quiet and tranquil. I couldn’t hear any noise from outside while I lay cocooned, enjoying my Espa ‘Hero’ treatment. The package (£120) included a 60 minute hot stone massage, plus a head, neck, shoulder and back massage and a firming and moisturing facial. The experience was truly relaxing...in fact, I was asleep for most of it. At least my snoring was heard only by Hannah, my therapist. My complexion looked fresher, plumped up and firmer. The skin on my body was soothed and softer.

Value for money

Good. Several packages are worth considering if you have time to lounge around for more than one treatment. Pay £15 to stay all day and use the gym and pool. I recommend afternoon tea upstairs, from £20.95. It revived me for stepping back into the real world. There’s a generous platter of sandwiches. You can even have mini fish and chips or warm pork pies. The cakes are delightful, particularly the raspberry and Prosecco jelly.

Sienna Spa and Health Club, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M2 5GP.

Tel: 0161 835 8964. www.siennaspa.co.uk