The health benefits of thalassotherapy Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word Thalasso meaning sea and therapeia healing) is related to the medical use of sea water. It uses the maritime climate, the sea and its derivatives such as algae, seaweed and mud for the restorative healing benefits it has on the body and soul. Hypocrates, the Father of Medicine, was the first to discover the therapeutic virtures of sea water by observing the beneficial effects it has. By taking to the waters and immersing yourself in a thalassotherapy treatment helps to saturate your skin with body’s essential trace elements: Magnesium –…
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Whether cloudless denim skies are overhead or the weather is a tad more British, this serene oceanfront spa hotel is a breath-taking adult-only escape. 1) Wild beauty From the reed-fringed outdoor pool to the two clifftop hot tubs and sea-view sauna, The Scarlet makes the most of its spectacular coastal location. In fact, every room, chair, table and outdoor cosy daybed faces seaward. The hotel’s swooping, ergonomic buildings nestle into the hill and occupy an enviable position above the marigold sandy cove of Mawgan Porth. A private eco paradise; wild grasses grow on the flat roofs to further draw the…
Relax in a sea of English Lavender JANET BRICE discovers a burgeoning spa business in the heart of the Cotswolds where visitors are now swapping their traditional afternoon teas for the herbal variety The Cotswolds conjures up images of picture-postcard villages dotted with dipped-in-syrup cottages and rolling English countryside swathed in yellow rape seed and red poppies and lavender. So, you may be surprised to hear that this part of the UK is a hot spot for some of the world’s best spas. Taking advantage of the peace and tranquility and proximity to London (which is only 90 minutes away)…
Feeling blue? Shake off winter and step into spring… Our Spa and Wellness correspondent, Claire Simmons, enjoys an other-worldly experience in Iceland Approaching the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic tourist attractions, is extraordinary. Not least because Iceland isn’t the sort of place to evoke hot, arid landscapes with oases surrounded by gently swaying palm trees. For this is a lunar landscape touching the arctic circle and here in the Reykjanes peninsula sits a renowned spa and wellness centre. As I draw nearer, billows of steam spurt from cracks in the volcanic field, suggesting this is going to be…
I would like to book a special treat for my dad on Father’s Day but he has never been to a spa before. What treatments would you recommend and how could I help him feel comfortable at a spa? We have specific treatments designed with men in mind, such as the Gents de-stress massage, concentrating on the back, neck and shoulders and back of legs, we also have the gents facial which includes a back massage, scalp massage and hand or foot massage as well as a facial which means chaps get to experience a more general treatment. There are…
A to Z of Spa Facilities Before booking your next spa and wellness experience, check out our guide below to find our more about what facilities will help you ‘target your treatment!’ Search A-Z of spa facilities Search Aerobics studio Area used for floor exercises. Affusion shower massage Massage given under a relaxing, rain-like, warm shower of water or seawater. Increases blood circulation. Aquamedic pool Pool with specially positioned therapeutic jets for benefits such as relaxation and improving muscle tone. Bath Soaking or cleansing the body in water that is typically infused with salt, flowers, minerals or essential oils. May serve as…
Review by Penny McCormick It’s incredible to think that Bamford Haybarn Spa has only been at The Berkeley Hotel for a year. It seems such a seamless part of the chic property and blends well with the overall ethos of this fashion-forward hotel for bespoke stays and unforgettable experiences. Firstly, I love the purity of the interior design at Bamford Haybarn Spa – it’s light, airy and open – a real contrast to many spas that favour the darkness and moody hues, candlelit nooks and decidedly mysterious surroundings. Spencer Fung is the interior architect responsible for the design which might…
Algarve allure: Pine Cliffs, A Luxury Collection Resort By Chantal Borciani The air is sweet with the scent of the warm velvety carob emulsion. Cocooned in a mille feuille of warm towels and blankets my therapist moves to the bottom of my waterbed and gently sways my feet from side to side. The bed ripples sending soporific waves through my body. It continues to oscillate and then begins to retract and softly hug in against my body. Akin to a soothing bear hug, the opening and retracting motion is heavenly and with every ‘out breath’ my muscles sink further into…
Our experts Denise Leicester Founder of Ila Denise Leicester has spent a lifetime exploring the dynamics of natural healing. A qualified nurse, aromatherapist, yoga teacher and healer, her hands-on experience extends from the rural communities of India to the Dubai royal family, and spans Eastern and South American healing traditions. At the heart of her study lies a belief in the power of healing energy. In 2005 Denise developed a unique concept of wellbeing that addressed the inner essence through the skin, an absolutely pure product range created in complete harmony with nature and delivered with conscious, healing intent. “While…
A rose among thorns If you’re searching for style and substance from the ultimate English spa look no further than Calcot Manor in The Cotswolds By Janet Brice Basking in a bubbling, outdoor hot tub in the shadow of an open-fire sipping a glass of champagne – now that’s what I call a spa! Calcot Manor epitomises the spa experience with its quintessentially English setting in the Cotwolds and a classic treatment menu. But a word of warning if you’re a day visitor – try to arrive at least an hour before your massage or facial as this…