Signature treatments, bridal beauty packages, deluxe facilities in sublime Cornish locations...'Visit spa' should be a must on every bride's to-do list...

Spa. The very word is soothing, therapeutic, hypnotic. And, as your wedding preparations draw to a close, a visit to a spa is the just the ticket to calm your frazzled mind and lick your body into glowing bridal condition.



The emergence of luxurious spas in the county over recent years might seem a new phenomenon, but the tradition is thousands of years old. Ancient peoples from the Egyptians and Mesopotamians to the Greeks and Romans embraced its charms. So, when you slip into the warm waters of a Jacuzzi or the tension-melting bliss of a massage, you are connecting with a social and cultural tradition that stretches back into the mist of human history – and an ancient bridal beauty ritual. From the Mande Lular, a Royal Indonesian marriage ritual, to traditional Indian body scrubs specially formulated for brides-to-be, methods of bathing, beautifying and softening the skin are a vital pre-wedding custom across the globe.

Cornwall is home to some of the finest spas in the region, which offer a blissful formula for escapism. We’ve picked out a programme of pre-wedding treatments to have you looking – and feeling – your bridal best.

Deluxe delights in the country…
THE CORNWALL SPA AND ESTATE
Arriving at The Clearing Spa at The Cornwall Spa and Estate, you instantly forget where you came from. All that matters is that you are here. Descending the stairs into the spa, the sunlight glints off the water, perhaps beckoning you to recline on a lounger on the outside patio. From the sublime infinity pool, flanked by floor to ceiling glass panels ushering in the natural light, to the Jacuzzi pool, aroma steam room and sauna, the facilities are modern, sleek and inviting.



Whether you wish to unwind, energise, beautify or detox, there’s a treatment to suit. Using a divine blend of essential oils from Aromatherapy Associates and The Refinery, the signature treatments have been designed to release tension, restore balance and offer something utterly unique in this glorious setting. There is also a comprehensive choice of beauty treatments and a manicure bar. Perhaps follow your pamper session with a walk around the surrounding parkland, a visit to the juice bar or afternoon tea on the terrace. Bliss.

TOP TREATMENTS
The Ultimate Cornish Trilogy
Utilising Cornish clay, mud and pure plant oils, this rejuvenating and re-mineralising experience for your whole body works on both an emotional and physical level. Incorporating a luxurious body scrub, refreshing shower and intense aromatherapy massage, this top to toe trilogy experience will leave you feeling physically, mentally and spiritually revitalised.
£110

The Ritual
This heavenly experience begins with a warming foot ritual followed by a head to toe massage using carefully applied pressures and techniques to work the stresses and strains. A hydrating mini facial and deep relaxing scalp massage conclude the mind-calming and tension-relieving session.
£110

The Cornwall Spa and Estate
01726 874050 www.thecornwall.com

Sophistication by the sea…
THE CARLYON BAY HOTEL SPA
Nestled amidst lush grounds and overlooking the ocean, The Carlyon Bay Hotel crowns a glorious spot on Cornwall’s south coast.



As you enter the spa, your senses are enveloped in the heady scent of aromatherapy oils and everything slows to a seductively slow pace. A pool and Jacuzzi bath take centre stage in this peaceful haven; bathing comes with views across the grounds, a peep of ocean beyond. On a sunny day, you might lounge by the outdoor pool and unwind before sea views, followed by a delectable lunch served on the terrace.



The spa has its own specially formulated range of aromatherapy products and treatments designed and made in Cornwall. The sumptuous potions are rich in natural ingredients, while the aromatherapy treatments are sure to lull body, mind and soul into deliciously relaxed climes. The spa also specialises in the biodynamic Dr. Hauschka products and the rhythmical Dr. Hauschka Treatment.

TOP TREATMENTS
Dr. Hauschka Treatment
Embark on a dreamy journey from stressed out to blissed out. This treatment includes a warm sage footbath, a foot and leg massage, gentle stretching and relaxation movements, the cleansing of your face and décolleté with aromatic water, a facial steam bath, a cleansing mask and a lymph stimulation and décolleté massage.
£95

Indulgence
This aromatherapy holistic bodycare treatment includes skin brushing, cleansing and an aromatherapy full body massage, a nourishing back mask, a luxury aromatherapy facial with a scalp pressure point treatment and a luxury hand and nail treatment.
£155

Special Occasions Treatment
A specially designed beauty and relaxation package: enjoy full body skin brushing and cleansing, an aromatherapy facial and scalp treatment and a luxury hand and nail or foot and nail treatment.
£95



The Carlyon Bay Hotel Spa
01726 812304 www.brend-hotels.co.uk/TheCarlyonBay

Indulgence on Atlantic shores…
FISTRAL SPA
Arriving at Fistral Spa is a revitalising experience in itself. The salty air, restless tide and sheer drama of its beachside location is like a shot of energy to the veins.



Tucked away in The Bay Hotel, the spa is a secluded sanctuary of tranquility, boasting contemporary interiors and top-notch facilities. The warm ambience, scent of aromatherapy oils and soothing soundtrack instantly lull you into a sense of inner calm. Take a dip in the pool or Jacuzzi and gaze up at the velvety blue ceiling, which is reminiscent of a starry sky, and unwind in the softly lit relaxation room with its comfy loungers and herbal teas.

The spa uses the luscious range of products from ESPA, which melt into your skin with nourishing and fragrant goodness. A bespoke bridal package and a range of specialist treatments for men means you can chill out together with your groom in the ‘Couples Suite’ and spend quality time together away from the wedding frenzy.

TOP TREATMENTS
Bride-To-Be
This indulgent top to toe treat will lick you into relaxed and radiant bridal condition. A welcome foot ritual is followed by the luxurious total holistic body care treatment, combining full body brushing and exfoliation. A powerful de-stressing face, scalp and body massage brings harmony to mind and body, finishing up with an eyebrow wax and shape and on the move manicure and pedicure.
£120

Ladies Champagne and Chocolate Treat
This indulgent day is the ultimate treat for the girls: a welcome foot ritual, an ESPA back, neck and shoulder massage, immaculate manicure and a glass of champagne and chocolates in the bar.
£80 per person

Fistral Spa, Pentire
01637  852221 www.fistral-spa.co.uk

The beachside chill…
ST MICHAEL’S HOTEL AND SPA
Arriving at St Michael’s Spa is like taking a deep breath of Cornish sea air. Oozing a coolly marine vibe, the spa is nestled amidst sub-tropical gardens, while the sandy shores of Gyllyngvase Beach are just a stone’s throw away.

The contemporary spa has a large indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and sun deck for patrons to bask in the surrounds and watch the yachts gliding across the bay. Rich in coastal style, the marine influence is reflected in signature treatments such as the Cornish body polish, which utilises sea salt and aromatic oils, and the Cornish wild honey wrap, a blend of local honey and marine mud.

Using products from ESPA and Cornish organic brand Spiezia, the holistic treatments focus on your inner well being, with spectacular results inside and out. The spa has recently launched a range of tailor-made pre-wedding treatments, perfectly suited to the chic, salty surrounds.

TOP TREATMENTS
Here Comes the Bride
This package will have you shimmying down the aisle with a radiant complexion and fabulous fingers and toes. An ESPA regenerating facial with firming eye treatment is followed by a platinum manicure and platinum pedicure treatment.
£139



Perfect Finishes
Those all-important finishing touches are the focus here. A Cornish body polish, gold manicure, gold pedicure and eye-enhancing eyebrow shape and lash tint will leave you silky smooth and gorgeously groomed.
£119

Bridal Smoothie
A must for brides wearing a low-cut dress, this package combines an ESPA lifesaving back treatment, back and shoulder massage and marine mud. A half leg wax, eyebrow shape and file and paint to hands and feet conclude the pamper session.
£99



St Michael’s Hotel and Spa, Falmouth
01326 312707 www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk

Words Rebecca Matthews and Hannah May

Copyright WED Magazine 2010