Rebecca Matthews discovers a whole new level of wellbeing at The Linen Rooms, a unique new spa experience in the heart of Falmouth
I don't find it easy to switch off. For all my visions of being a green tea-drinking, yoga-practising, chilled-out kind of gal - in reality, I'm a caffeine-fuelled, round-shouldered (thanks to constantly being attached to a laptop/phone), manically busy working mum with a mind that chatters with to-do lists all day - and much of the night. So the therapists at The Linen Rooms - the luxurious new wellbeing sanctuary at Merchants Manor - certainly had their work cut out in their endeavour to 'clear the head and relax the body.'
Their mission started the moment my husband and I stepped into the luxe hotel. Set in the heart of Falmouth, the early 20th century building has undergone an extensive refurbishment in recent years to create an elegantly styled sanctuary in the heart of the maritime town. The mellow tones of clotted cream and dove grey, the comfy furnishings and relaxed ambience instantly began to lull my busy mind to a more tranquil place.
I was warmly welcomed by my therapist, Sarah, who escorted me to The Linen Rooms, which are tucked away on the first floor - the scent of fragrant essential oils trailing up the stairs and along the hall enhanced the restful, calming vibe.
A private corner reserved for the preparation and preservation of fine linens was a common feature in great turn-of-the-century houses. With linens being revered as a symbol of nature, light and purity, the pampering space is aptly named: the large windows are cloaked by a dreamy haze of white linens - which ushered in the late afternoon light - and the shelves are dotted with lush potted plants and little bottles of pure organic potions. Finished with soothing blue tones, gold accents and soft leather chairs, the space is beautifully designed to instill a feeling of serenity.
Settling into the chairs, Sarah poured me a delicious herbal tea to begin the journey. The teapot and little cup reminded me of those I had drunk from deep in the souks of Marrakech, evoking The Linen Rooms' philosophy of wellbeing, which is anchored in ancient culture. A focus on centuries-old rejuvenation techniques blended with cutting edge thinking on how to nurture body and soul is key to the ethos.
This is where Inlight Skincare steps in. Lovingly created in a secluded corner of the Lizard Peninsula, the luxury formulas are a concentrated and highly nourishing blend of pure organic ingredients. Medical doctor, herbalist, homeopath and beauty guru Dr Mariano Spiezia has poured many years of research, scientific knowledge and a love for nature into the range of skincare products, which, harnessing the therapeutic properties of plants, has visible, lasting results on the skin.
I opted for 'Enlightenment', the Inlight Facial, which, in my opinion, may also be referred to as 'Utter Bliss'. Designed to leave you feeling cleansed, refreshed and revived, the treatment combines a series of divinely relaxing techniques working with Ayurvedic points and lymphatic drainage to instill calm and rejuvenation. Inlight's products are an essential component of the experience, and the heady scent of their sumptuous products - such as the divine Chocolate Face Mask and Floral Face Tonic - enveloped my senses. I was so relaxed that, at one point, I felt like I was floating - suspended from the moment, my physical body and most certainly the to-do list. It was heavenly.
When the journey ended, and I reluctantly came back to earth, Sarah commented on how smooth and silky my skin looked. After such a wonderful experience, I'd forgotten that the treatment promised visible results as well. Sure enough, my skin looked smoother and clearer, and felt gorgeously soft for days afterwards - it felt like a rather beautiful bonus.
My husband enjoyed a similarly mind-calming, deeply relaxing experience. He opted for 'Dig Deeper' which is designed to restore synchronicity and release stress via a four-handed deep tissue massage using Inlight's firm and tone oils. He emerged from The Linen Rooms with a similarly dreamy expression to the one I imagined I was wearing.
Completing the wellbeing experience, a luxurious new spa has recently opened on the ground floor of the hotel. The redeveloped pool area, complete with a new hydrotherapy pool, a current lane in the main pool and a state-of-the-art steam room is elegantly designed to create a feeling of calm. It's a perfect spot for an indulgent hen do (followed by high tea or cocktails in the lush, subtropical gardens or the chic lounge bar) or quality timeout for you and your fiance to relax and revitalise away from the wedmin. Next time I need to still my mind, I know exactly where I'll go.
Merchants Manor
www.merchantsmanor.com
Inlight Skincare
www.inlight-online.co.uk Copyright Wed magazine 2016