Ama Releasing Abhyanga, Sequoia at The Grove, Hertfordshire

This Ayurveda treatment has been developed to balance elements and chakras in body and spirit. Using Espa products, a salt and oil scrub is applied to stimulate whilst the face is cooled by a gentle facial cleanse.  Following a warm shower, experience the Ayurvedic Marma point massage as a warm infusion of oils and herbs are applied. True to these words, I felt thoroughly relaxed and sleepy and so took a nap in the relaxation cabin and sipped on a sweet floral herbal tea before heading out of the spa’s stunning grounds.

Sensory Rating:

Scent ****

Eyes ***

Relaxation ***

Glow Factor *****

1 hour 50 minutes, £160 - www.thegrove.co.uk

Environ Facial, Paul Edmonds, London

Linda Palcic, at the beautiful Paul Edmonds treatment rooms in Knightsbridge, transforms and nurtures the skin. Linda takes both a holistic and bespoke approach to facials and is a known ‘beauty guru’ (she has worked in the industry for 18 years).  Once relaxed she placed a (fake) fur rug over my body and immediately identified my skin concerns. For me, there was a need to de-stress the skin and encourage healing all over the body. When we experience stress, our breathing becomes shallow and weak. This inhibits the amount of oxygen flowing to the skin tissue and leads to a dull, grey complexion. After a series of deep inhalations (using chamomile and lavender), a steam cleanse and lymphatic massage – I fell into a deep state of relaxation. The facial itself, applies simple but ancient techniques to sooth the senses assaulted by modern life. From rose and Vitamin A cream to medically based Environ products – this is a facial that promotes and inspires healing.

Sensory Rating:

Scent **

Eyes ****

Relaxation ****

Glow Factor *****

1 hour 30 mins, from £70.00 - www.pauledmonds.com

Darphin 3d Customised Chamomile & Honey Soothing Facial, The Chelsea Day Spa

Glamorous ladies abound at The Chelsea Day Spa – and I can see why! This very spoiling soft-flower based facial reduces redness and makes the skin glow to perfection. Their bespoke approach to skincare gets results and the botanical aromas of the products restore a variety of skin concerns. I loved the rich and thick, hydrating honey-based formula.  This is a very nurturing treatment and one that is great for any girl who finds herself on the Kings Road and in need of a pick-me up moment!

Sensory Rating:

Scent ****

Eyes ***

Relaxation ****

Glow Factor *****

1 hour, £85 - www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk

Exotic Moisture Dew Facial, Elemis Day Spa

Nestled in London’s old-world but on trend Lancashire Court; is the Elemis Day Spa. After a rather revealing skin analysis prior to your facial – guests are led to an eastern inspired treatment room. The facials available are varied but stressed and de-hydrated skin will benefit from their maximum moisture day cream and skin-bliss capsules in rose and lavender. The exotic cream moisture mask with orange and bergamot is a feast for all the senses.

Sensory Rating:

Scent ****

Eyes ***

Relaxation ***

Glow Factor ****

1 hour, £70 - www.elemis.com

Como Shambhala Urban Escape PURIFY Holistic Facial at The Metropolitan Hotel

This holistic wellness-centre offers Asian-inspired treatments to heal mind, body and spirit. Therapies include emotionally rebalancing holistic techniques and facials.  The PURIFY-infused steam compresses help cleanse the skin through manual lymphatic stimulation. A warm herbal bolus massage infused with turmeric, ginger and lemongrass is used for the massage to stimulate the skin and detoxify through acupressure channels on the face, head and shoulders. A fantastic recommendation for those after a deep cleansing facial combined with serious massage techniques.

Sensory Rating:

Scent *****

Eyes *****

Relaxation *****

Glow Factor *****

1 hour 15 minutes, £80 - www.comoshambhala.como.bz

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Reviewed by Reena Patel and Antonia Pearce

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