All posts tagged: spa treatments

The under the radar spa brands you really need to know about

Published by Mark Smith

Visiting over 30 spas a year, I come across some of the best brands that the spa and wellness industry has to offer. Whilst you may be very familiar with the likes of ESPA and Elemis, travel a little further afield and there’s a whole world of smaller, niche, boutique spa brands delivering exceptional treatments and the most delightful products. I have selected some of my favourite brands in this story, some you may have heard of, others, I am sure will become very familiar over the next year or so as they spread their wings across Europe and broaden their footprint in the UK. A fair few of these are from Australia – which is renowned for excellence in beauty and spa. Join me on a journey of discovery – as these are the brands you really need to know about. Sodashi Created by Megan Larsen in 1991, Sodashi is one of my favourite brands. A personal friend, Megan is an inspiration. Her heart and soul comes to life through the products. Sodashi is …

Review: Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux, France

Published by Mark Smith

Les Sources de Caudalie really is a unique spa that connects the brand with its origins in the vines of South Western France. Situated amongst the bucolic vineyards in picturesque countryside just 20 minutes from Bordeaux, it’s international reputation for food, wine and spa is unparalleled. The hotel at Les Sources de Caudalie The hotel features modern rooms that pay homage to traditional French design. Many of the original rooms are decorated with antique furniture, whilst the new suites, opened in 2014 retain the warm sense of charm, with a more contemporary colour palette and quirky design notes that work perfectly in the country setting. Cosy and comfortable, they are of the highest standard with well-appointed bathrooms that are (naturally) stocked full of Caudalie products. The property is the spiritual home of the Caudalie brand (and is the ideal escape for couples wanting to taste wine from the neighbouring Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte whilst dining in the two Michelin Star restaurant, La Grand Vigne. The food was exquisite. That’s not to dismiss the other restaurants. …

Review: Jurlique, London

Published by Mark Smith

Jurlique has opened a smart new concept store in the heart of London, right on Oxford Street. Walking through the door you are instantly transported to a place of calm and serenity. The heady scents of the natural products helps to lower the anxiety levels win an instant. For even greater calmness you can book in for a facial or spa treatment using Australia’s favourite natural brand – Jurlique. It should be high on your list of must-visit destinations. Especially as you traverse the crowds of Oxford Street. Treatment Review I booked in for a Best of Both Worlds Treatment which combines a back, neck and shoulder massage with a relaxing and revitalising facial. The treatment begins with a foot soak then a much-needed relaxing back and shoulder massage using Japanese Mint Oil. I was given a choice of three but this one really hit the spot. You then experience a thoroughly pampering facial using the natural products from the Jurlique range. Deep cleansing and light exfoliation prepare the skin for a fabulous mask and some …

National Spa Week 2016

Published by Mark Smith

It’s that time of the year once again when you can abandon all guilt and book a spa treatment, or pull out all the stops and book a spa break. Why? Because it’s National Spa Week and there’s some great deals and offers to be had. Running from 31st October to 4th November, National Spa Week celebrates UK spas and salons by putting them in the spotlight for one dedicated week, giving them the opportunity to showcase the many real physical and emotional health benefits of the treatments that they offer to the UK public. National Spa Week 2016 Participating spas and salons will be providing some fantastic offers and promotions on a range of treatments so that you can discover for yourself why regularly visiting a spa is a necessary personal investment, not just a one off ‘treat’. I’m booked into Ockenden Manor to celebrate the week too – to experience a new Elemental Herbology signature treatment (the brand has just launched at the spa). The main aim of Spa Week is to promote the many health …

2016 Global Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast

Published by Mark Smith

Spafinder Wellness 365 has announced its 2016 Global Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast. The 13th annual trends forecast of its kind, it provides a definitive guide to the top ten spa trends for 2016 poised to shape the wellness, hospitality, travel and spa industries and chart new territory in wellness for consumers in the new year. The 2016 Forecast is unique for taking a detailed look at not just what, but why, where, and how, new directions in wellness will evolve in the year ahead. The full report can be read here. This year’s trends show wellness stepping in to meet the challenges of major societal crises, including a rising generation of children who are stressed, anxious and overwhelmed at unprecedented and alarming levels (“Parenting Well: Serious Spa & Wellness for Kids”), and adults who are suffering the effects of a hyper-connected workplace, demanding hours, and sedentary habits (“Workplace Wellness Wakes Up”). Another emerging issue? Healthy sexuality, as providers eschew the extremes of sensationalism and shame to shape new models for exploring and developing individual …

Review: L’Horizon Hotel & Spa, Jersey

Published by Mark Smith

THE HOTEL: Situated on the wide sweeping bay of St Brelades in Jersey, L’Horizon Hotel & Spa is everything a British resort should be. Friendly and welcoming it offers picturesque views of the sea, sand and open skies at every opportunity. Most rooms have a terrace with chairs and sea view to sit and admire the breath taking views. Modern, light and airy, the hotel is one of the Hand Picked Hotel Group’s three hotels in the Channel Islands. With a relaxed, laid back feel, you instantly switch into holiday mode and are completely at home. Dining options include the terrace on the sea wall which makes the most of regional seafood and locally sourced produce fare on offer. It’s a large hotel but you never feel crowded and can escape to the beach in minutes. Book a sea view room, you won’t regret it, waking up in true morning to the sound of the sea is worth every penny. THE SPA: Newly refurbished, the spa has had a £800,000 investment to extend the health …

Postcard from Madeira

Published by Mark Smith

An emerald-green dot in the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a nature lovers dream. Mountainous and picturesque, the island offers walks through the levadas, swimming in the ocean, diving, whale and dolphin watching, adventure activities and much more besides. It’s sub tropical climate and mild winters ensure that it’s gardens thrive so a visit to the botanic gardens or one of the various Quinta gardens is a must. There really are some spectacular plants to be seen. Just three and a half hours from the UK, served by many direct flights from TAP, easyjet, BA and Monarch, it’s possible to have a long weekend in the capital of Funchal, but a week or more will give you a real perspective on the magical moments the island has to offer. Marking it’s territory as a wellness destination, you can opt for an Ayurvedic retreat, yoga break or just indulge in some chill out time at one of the spa. In fact here are so many hotels with spas it’s hard to list them …

Air Malta creates spa in the sky

Published by Mark Smith

Air Malta is bringing the spa culture of the mediterranean island to the skies with the launch of The Sky Spa, said to be the first ever free in-flight spa experience onboard a commercial short-haul flight. Those flying from London to Malta get the first opportunity to benefit from the new in-flight spa experiences on board flights KM 116/7 to and from Gatwick. The initiative has been devised by the local spa group Myoka Spas and will be available on selected flights. And it’s free – and to economy passengers too. Passengers are offered various beauty product samples and later pampered with complimentary treatments, including hand, feet and neck massages accompanied by musics piped through headphones. Customers are also presented with a €20 voucher for use at any Myoka Spa in Malta. “This experience is just the beginning and part of a series of similar projects that Air Malta will be launching in the near future aimed at enhancing customers experience and showing that the airline ‘cares more’,” the airline said. Related articles Air Malta …

Review: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

Published by Mark Smith

THE HOTEL: Situated in one of the most iconic parts of Bath, the grand sweeping arc of the Royal Crescent leads you to the refined elegance of the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. A five-star, 45 room and suite Relais & Chateaux property, set within a Grade 1* listed Georgian townhouse the hotel underwent a major multi-million pound refurbishment in 2014. So I thought it was time to see what the hotel has to offer and what delights the spa has in store. Checking into one of the best addresses in Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel combines elegance and old world English charm with a modern friendly approach. From the smooth, seamless arrival, to the welcoming fire burning in the drawing room, it’s a really friendly and relaxed hotel. Definitely make a reservation to dine in The Dower Restaurant – the tasting menu is impressive. THE ROOMS: Classic and elegant with modern luxury is how it’s described in the brochures and that’s pretty much spot on. With a refined colour palette, our suite featured muted …

Six Senses Spa opens at Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella

Published by Mark Smith

World renowned Six Senses brings its unique spa concept to Marbella with the launch of the new Six Senses Spa at Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella. Opening 1st July the spa has been specifically designed to capture the charm and character of Andalusia’s famous white villages and it’s spectacular views of the coast line ensures guests are enraptured by their surroundings Local architecture and craftsmanship have been the inspiration: white and blue tiles combined with oak floors, arch entrances and vaulted ceilings. A true haven of peace has been created to enjoy the best Six Senses treatments. The spa treatment menu offers a wide selection of Six Senses massages, facial and body treatments, wellness therapies and rituals as well as beauty and health treatments. The selection has been locally inspired, combining indigenous herbs with sea salt, olive oil and rich minerals to offer a complete Mediterranean experience. Together with the treatments, Yoga programmes and integrated wellness are especially significant. The “Yogi” masters create personalised programmes adapted to the client’s specific health targets. QMS Medicosmetics specialise …

Saunas cut the risk of heart problems for men

Published by admin

A new study has shown that men who use saunas regularly reduce their risk of heart attack by nearly two thirds. So guys, it’s time to head to the spa and sweat it out in the sauna. The study, by scientists from the University of Eastern Finland monitored 2,315 men aged between 42 and 60 for a period of 20 years. The remarkable findings, published in the latest edition of Jama Internal Medicine, a journal published by the American Medical Association, revealed that those who had visited saunas the most frequently – and most notably – for longer periods – were the least likely to have died from heart attacks. And the results are impressive. It discovered that middle-aged men who use a sauna four to seven times a week can cut their risk of a heart attack. And not just by a slim margin – by nearly two thirds, compared with those who never use a sauna. Using the sauna two to three times a week reduces the risk of death by heart attack …

Spa Trends 2015 – Spafinder Wellness 365 report

Published by admin

Spafinder Wellness 365™ has its finger on the pulse of everything to do with spa and wellness. Every year it compiled a comprehensive report on spa trends and makes very interesting reading. It’s 12th report is a definitive guide to the key spa trends 2015, so it covers what’s happending in the world of wellness—including spa experiences, fitness, beauty, travel, nutrition and corporate wellness. SPA TRENDS 2015 The top global spa and wellness trends for 2015 are: FOREST BATHING: Mindfulness Meets Nature CANNABIS: New Spa & Wellness Connections WELLNESS TRADITIONS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD: Beyond Hammams and Argan Oil INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: BLUE COLLAR WELLNESS WELLNESS HOMES, COMMUNITIES & CITIES MY FITNESS. MY TRIBE. MY LIFE: Super-Social Fitness SPA ON ARRIVAL (& EN ROUTE): The New Travel Ritual HYPER-PERSONALISED BEAUTY: Made-for-Me Will Matter More GUT REACTION BEYOND THE STARS: Luxury Redefined FOREST BATHING: Mindfulness Meets Nature The Japanese concept of forest bathing (“shinrin-yoku’) has nothing to do with water. It revolves around a deceptively simple practice: quietly walking, with a mind intent on the sounds, scents, …

Six Senses launch singing bowl rituals

Published by admin

Taking a more holistic approach to spa treatments, Six Senses Spas has introduced a signature Singing Bowl Ritual to precede and conclude every treatment. Singing bowls have traditionally been used restore the flow of energy and enhance wellbeing and this new ritual is designed to enhance the guest experience and overall wellbeing. Following key chakra points and using gentle vibration techniques, the singing bowl is used to signify a sense of place and to mark the start and finish of the therapy. The use of sound and vibration has a powerful effect on the body and mind. Thought to have originated in the pre-Buddhist Tibetan Bon culture, singing bowls are presently used in Nepal, India, Japan, Korea and China. The new Singing Bowl Ritual will be introduced in Six Senses 27 award-winning spas in 18 countries around the world. www.sixsenses.com

Where to spa in 2015

Published by admin

The spa market never stands still and 2015 is already shaping up to be an exciting one with spa resorts opening across Europe and some impressive locations abroad, it’s time to get booking ahead for the best opening deals. Portugal – Six Senses Douro Valley Overlooking the vineyards of the Douro Valley, this is the first European spa property for Six Senses. Taking over a 19th century manor house, it’s given a 21st century make-up bringing it bang up to date ensuring its ready to deliver some top notch spa treatments. www.sixsenses.com Italy – JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Venice This has recently opened on Sacca Sessola, a private island in the Venice lagoon, this new 266 room resort is set in 40 acres of olive groves and has an eight-room spa. Promising views of St Marks Square – this is the place to spa in style in 2015. www.marriott.co.uk Maldives – Amilla Fushi Minimalist lines, sea views and daily spa treatments – what could be better. Modern villas and infitity pools set the …

Spa retail therapy at Q Hotels

Published by admin

Christmas shopping can be a nightmare, so the clever people at QHotels have created a set of pampering spa offers for weary festive shoppers. The spas at The Park Royal and The Oxford Belfry, two of QHotels’ portfolio have created the Christmas Shopping Pamper package. Both hotels are close to popular Christmas shopping hotspots (Cheshire Oaks and Bicester Village) and will offer the package up until the 24th December for those who like to leave gift shopping until the last minute. The package includes: • An invigorating ESPA foot treatment to soothe and revitalise tired feet and heavy legs after walking from shop to shop, helping to reduce puffiness and soothe aches and pains • A Deluxe Manicure, which includes a relaxing hand massage to soothe hands weary from carrying shopping bags, and a manicure to repair any broken nails Charlie Thompson, Group Spa Support at QHotels, said “Christmas shopping is fun but can be really tiring too. This new package is a great way to relax and treat yourself after you’ve spent all day …