THE TRENDY ONE
Bliss, London (Blissworld.co.uk)
Sub Editor Helen Nianias popped to the Bliss day spa in London
Spa heaven!
“If you want to spoil yourself, Bliss’ mega-relaxing Youth As We Know It Night Facial is the ultimate anti-ageing treatment. My therapist began by giving me a skin consultation and decided that my air-con-battered complexion needed rehydrating. An array of luxurious treatments followed, including a cooling cucumber eye mask, a mushroom enzyme peel to remove any nasties plus hot paraffin wax bags on my hands and feet to leave my skin super-soft. Then a shoulder, back and chest massage targeted tense spots. Finally, after 60 minutes of full-on pampering, I was left to relax on a comfy sofa with a glass of milk and a plate of brownies. Bliss indeed! Costing £153.20 it isn’t cheap, but it’s definitely worth it for a treat.
This treatment is also available at Bliss counters in Debenhams stores across the UK.”
Added ahh! Book an Oxygen Blast brightening facial, £35, at Bliss counters in Debenhams nationwide and you can bag a free Mega Blast Upgrade, worth £15.
- To claim this offer, quote Fabulous Reader Offer when booking an Oxygen Facial at Bliss counters in Debenhams. Valid until November 6, 2012.
THE HEALTHY HOT SPOT
Ragdale Hall Health Hydro & Thermal Spa, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire (Ragdalehall.co.uk)
Writer Joely Carey headed to the country for a relaxing retreat
“Ragdale was built back in 1785, but there’s nothing old-school about this red-brick haven of relaxation, which combines five amazing pools with a host of water features that ensure you’re pampered like never before.
I enjoyed the spa’s most popular treat, the Refresh And Revive Day, from £123. It started with a welcome drink, before the Refresh And Revive Face And Back Therapy session for 50 minutes (you can also pick from a Soothing Back Massage or the Ragdale Introductory Facial) then a delicious three-course buffet lunch.
But it’s all the bits in between that give it the amaze factor. It was hard to tear myself away from the candle and waterfall pools – they’re like a water park for grown-ups, and you can’t help but unwind. Be sure to check out the whirlpool, cascade and massage jets too. Your bod will thank you for it.”
Left: Now that’s what we call a pool party! Right: Relax by candlelight
Added ahh! Get a 15 per cent discount off breaks of two nights with two or more sharing a superior twin/double room.
- To claim this offer, call 01664 433 000 quoting Fabulous by December 31, 2012.
THE SEASIDE SORTER
Fairmont, St Andrews (Fairmont.com/st-andrews-scotland)
Contributing Editor Eimear O’Hagan swapped her bucket and spade for coastal pampering
Golf and grooming in one hotel!
Round of golf? Nah, we’re OK here thanks
“The Fairmont is right by the sea, with amazing views of the rugged coast. And with two golf courses to keep my other half happy, I was free to be pampered.
After a busy week, my face was in need of some TLC. I opted for the Kingdom Of Fife Luxury Facial, £145. The glycolic exfoliation makes this 90-minute treatment amazing. Glycolic acid was brushed over my face (not as scary as it sounds!), exfoliating dead skin. Next my hands were given an anti-ageing treatment, followed by a gorgeous scalp, hand and foot massage.
When I looked in the mirror, I was amazed. My skin was glowing and soft, and the lines around my eyes and on my forehead had been smoothed, leaving me looking younger. Wow!”
- For more details or to book this exclusive offer, visit the spa reception, call 01334 837045 or log on to Fairmont.com/standrews. quoting reference FAB12. This offer is redeemable until November 30 2012.
THE CELEB FAVE
Editor Rachel Richardson nipped into the TOWIE crew’s local pampering hole
Thoroughly modern glam in Essex
“As you might expect from a beautifying emporium in Essex, Lifehouse is big and bold. Set in 12 acres of countryside, the complex has 89 bedrooms, luxe treatment rooms, a vast pool area, gym, juice bar, restaurant and outside deck area.
The relaxation spaces give you a settled feeling well before you check in for your treatment using ESPA products. The friendly staff made me feel like a VIP as I floated through a Lifehouse Day, from £113, which included a 50-minute Serenity Face And Body Treatment, two-course lunch, cream tea, use of the swimming pool, salt inhalation room, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, and a country walk. Too relaxing!”
Left: Those Essex guys have this stuff down to a tee. Right: Beautify, then stuff your face with a cream tea!
- To redeem this offer, quote code FAB1012 when booking via 01255 860050 or at Lifehouse.co.uk.
THE ROMANCER
The Boudoir at The Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena (Galgorm.com)
Junior Shopping Editor Lucie Clifford went for a spa love-in
It’s spa-tacular!
Bubblicious fun for two
“Set in the most idyllic location surrounded by 163 acres of lush greenery, The Galgorm Resort & Spa near Belfast does its upmost to make you feel completely relaxed, at home and loved-up. The spa has all kinds of luxe add-ons, with an indoor thermal pool, two outside whirlpools facing the beautiful River Maine, and enough steam rooms to keep you and your pores more than happy. It’s all about doubling up, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway, with cute touches like double heated beds for you to cuddle up on as you gaze out at the beautiful scenery. Oh, and the treatments were beyond amazing. While my other half was taken away for an invigorating Mermaid’s Purse Body Wrap, £70, I enjoyed the Hydrating Body Cocoon, £70. Rich rose oils and creams are layered on to your freshly exfoliated body and you enjoy a soothing scalp massage as they work their magic. It’s 55 minutes of pure loveliness.
The AA rosette restaurant was excellent, too. With nine – yes nine – courses, including an 18-piece cheeseboard, you certainly won’t go home hungry! So when you need some well-deserved down time, the Galgorm Resort & Spa is a fab spot for it. Absolutely lush.” Jet off to Belfast from £39.99 each way with Easy Jet. Visit Easyjet.com to book.
Added ahh! Get 20 per cent off a Two-Night Delight package, usually £250 per person. This includes two full Irish breakfasts, two three-course dinners, a Mud Serail for two plus a choice of Maine Massage, Aromatherapy Associates Facial, Hydrating Body Cocoon or a Deluxe Manicure each.
- To claim this offer, mention Fabulous when booking via Galgorm.com or 0208 2588 1001. Offer valid until December 20, 2012.
THE CITY PIT STOP
Chi Yu, London (Chi-yu.co.uk)
Writer Natasha Pearlman escaped hectic city life
“The minute I entered Chi Yu, a small but perfectly formed building just off Oxford Circus, I started to unwind. Treated to Japanese tea, I was talked through my skin type – slightly dry, a problematic T-zone and a bit tired, apparently – and prepared for the signature Chidoriya Japanese Facial, £73, using a Matcha green tea mask and natural, organic Chidoriya products. Blissful doesn’t come close – the jade stone rollers and Japanese facial massage helped breathe life back into my skin. And the gentle exfoliation with silk pods brought a shine, especially around my eyes where dark bags were weighing my look down. While this facial might not get to all your problem areas (you’d need to pop in on a regular basis to achieve this), it will revitalise even the greyest of complexions. And thanks to the relaxing facial massage that completes the 60-minute session, you’ll feel like you’ve been on holiday.”
From Chi to you
Added ahh! Save 20 per cent on any full-price Chi Yu treatment.
- To redeem this offer, quote Fabulous Magazine October Offer when booking via Chi-yu.co.uk or 020 7486 0304. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours notice.
THE SCENIC SAVIOUR
- To redeem this offer. quote FABSPA when booking via Parknasillahotel.ieor 064 667 5600. Valid until December 31 2012.
