As something of a global connoisseur, I can assure you that not all spa experiences are pleasurable.
Once, in South Korea, I found myself butt naked and face down on a massage couch only to be straddled by a thong-clad masseuse whose punishing 'treatment' was completed with a distinctly uncomfortable - and completely unannounced - round of cupping. (And no chaps, it's not what you think. Cupping is actually an ancient Asian therapy where your skin is sucked into cups via pumps or heat, leaving scores of circular welts and bruises on your back. Nice, eh?)
I digress. Despite some shady spa history, it's still always with delight that I embark upon searching out the latest therapies in the name of research.
The county is chock with hip hotels boasting sumptuous spas that provide the perfect setting for a hen party or spot of pre-wedding pampering. So gather your gal pals for some decadent downtime where you can dine, doze and unwind in sweetly sublime style...
For reviving mind, body and soul...
THE HEADLAND HOTEL
Its location is luxe enough. Jutting out into the Atlantic on the north coast in Newquay, the hotel is renowned for its elegant interiors, top-notch service and, of course, expansive ocean views framing Fistral's soul-stirring seascapes and beyond.
But the real icing on the cake is the luxe new spa, which has recently scooped the prestigious 'five bubble' rating from The Good Spa Guide. Purpose-built to provide an exclusive and escapist sanctuary, your pulse rate drops as soon as you step into the cloud-white lounge that coolly mirrors its beachy exterior with hints of sand, silver and breezy blues. Featuring a leisure area complete with heated pool, Cornish salt steam room, Swedish sauna, aromatherapy showers and hot tub, relaxation is offered at every sensuous turn.
As well as a fully equipped gym, St. Tropez suite, rhassoul and relaxation lounge, there are four beautifully designed treatment rooms, one of which boasts a hydrotherapy bath. The VIP suite is also available for couples and small groups to relish private luxury while they enjoy the variety of holistic and beauty experiences available, while a visit to the luxurious manicure and pedicure room, a chic spot to polish those pre-wedded fingers and toes, is a must.
From manicures to massages and facials to body scrubs, the tantalising treatment menu is extensive. I indulged in the spa's signature treatment, 'The Dreaming', which comprised 80 minutes of head-to-toe buffing and beautifying with a series of sumptuous Spiezia products to a serene and carefully selected soundtrack.
Including a full head and body massage alongside a body scrub and mini facial to finish, my muscles melted and my mind sunk into a state of bliss as my whole being centred and uplifted in sweet surrender. The ultimate holistic solution for soothing those pre-wedding stresses, The Dreaming promises some extraordinarily relaxing timeout in an awe-inspiring setting.
www.headlandhotel.co.uk
For body-fixing and beautifying...
ST. MICHAEL'S HOTEL AND SPA
Flanking Falmouth's Gyllyngvase Beach, St. Michael's Hotel and Spa presents a magnificent location. Surrounded by subtropical gardens that sweep down towards the sea, you feel instantly transported to an exotic elsewhere.
The fabulous Flying Fish restaurant, with its far-reaching sea views and contemporary coastal charm, makes an ideal introduction to the stellar service and eclectic flavour you'll encounter throughout your stay. Sup on a top tipple from their world wine list and tuck into some of the finest and freshest cuisine created from the very best locally sourced and seasonal produce for a brilliant belly fill.
When leisure time calls, retreat to the spoils of the hotel's spa, where a heavenly haven eagerly awaits. Tailoring their packages to suit all types of event, brides or hen parties can adrenalise with boot camp style activities or a session in their fitness suite, or chill out courtesy of the spa's swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and sun deck.
With a myriad of treatments that mimic my personal wish list, expect everything from aromatherapy and hot stone massages to detoxifying algae wraps, restorative mud envelopments, reflexology, beauty and make-up and specially designed signature treatments such as St. Michael's Cornish Glow and St. Michael's Cornish Body Polish.
I opted for the ESPA Holistic Aromatherapy Back, Face and Scalp massage, which pampered me way beyond expectation. Following a deep back cleanse and exfoliation, I received a nerve-tingling massage using a sublimely scented balancing ESPA aromatherapy oil mix.
My face was reborn with a holistic facial that purified and polished my skin, with instant and notably visible results. Lulled effortlessly toward the cusp of slumber, the glorious Indian head massage eased stress and tension within my neck and scalp, which was palpably present even the following day.
Offering a range of spa packages and mini break options, simply select at whim to revel in some truly decadent time for a blissfully unforgettable pre-wedding treat.
www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk
For luxe delights...
ST IVES HARBOUR HOTEL
St Ives Bay is a stirring scene. Overlooking seascapes stretching from the island round to Hayle Riviera, Godrevy Lighthouse and the distant beyond, St Ives Harbour Hotel is perfectly positioned to savour one of West Cornwall's most magnificent sights. The heavenly Harbour Spa is a sublime spot to relax, unwind and experience some seriously spoilsome treatments alongside these dreamy sea views.
A world of self-indulgence beckons. Slink out onto the sun terrace, take a dip in the swimming pool with swimming jet, sweat it out in style in the sauna or Crystal steam room - or fitness suite if you fancy a workout - and settle into the alluring range of ambient surrounds.
Scour the extensive spa menu and take your top pick from a fabulous range, including ESPA holistic facials and body treatments. Book a signature treatment such as their Face and Body Glow, which will ensure every bride-to-be is pampered and polished into sheer self-perfection.
I plumped for something devilishly different by sampling one of the hotel's brand new treatments: a bamboo massage. An aficionado of the hot stone massage, I was keen to see how the sticks stacked up in comparison. And by golly, I wasn't disappointed.
Using exquisitely scented oils smoothed over my body with a series of sticks of differing sizes meant that all knots were expertly tackled, from my neck and shoulders to my (ahem) buttocks and legs. Smaller rolling techniques treated my face and feet as pressure points were activated and facial tissues tickled into glowing gorgeousness.
Another new item on the menu - the chocolate massage - sees actual cocoa smothered over the body for a deeply sensuous and good-enough-to-eat experience. Forget the male strippers: your gal pals will thank you for this.
www.stives-harbour-hotel.co.uk
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
