Sometimes there is nothing better for body and soul than some right royal pampering, which is what theRetreat at theFirm aims to give its clients. This new holistic centre offers a comprehensive range of aromatherapy treatments and I chose the Eyes Wide Shut treatment, which comprised an hour-long facial followed by 75 minutes of body massage.
After a health consultation in the Chill Zone relaxation room, my therapist Catherine got to work on my face using E'spa aromatherapy products. She placed cotton-wool pads soaked in Soothing Eye Lotion over my eyes and gave me an eyeball massage, which was surprisingly therapeutic once I'd removed my contact lenses.
She applied Hydrating Cleansing Milk to my face and neck, massaged my skin until the lotion had been absorbed and then removed it with warm mitts. My skin was subsequently exfoliated, spritzed and moisturised before receiving another 10-minute pressure point and lymphatic massage to flush out toxins and tension. An Essential Mineral Mask was applied next and while this worked its magic, Catherine gave me a scalp massage for about 20 minutes. Moisturising Complex around my eyes and on my face, neck and decollete rounded off this wholly pleasurable part of the treatment.
Body massage came next with therapist Annemiek, who has a wealth of knowledge about aromatherapy and specialises in massage for mums-to-be. She had blended a concoction of neroli, lavender and bergamot essential oils according to my requirements but if you prefer to choose your own aromas, she will happily waft a selection of essential oils under your nose on the premise that whichever your body needs will smell the best to you at the time.
She started on my back, working her way from my ankles to my shoulders and neck, using firm, rhythmical strokes and kneading away tense knots. She then repeated the process on my front until I was in a wonderfully soporific state. By the time she had finished it was all I could do to crawl to the Chill Zone where I was plied with fresh fruit and tea and left to recover in my own time.
Pampering sessions can end there but the opportunity to have a quick haircut was too good to pass up. The salon is literally a step away and is so relaxed you can wander in wearing your spa slippers and orange silk robe.
