London Bridge Plastic Surgery

If going under the knife fills you with dread, a plastic surgery clinic may not be your first port of call for an anti-ageing treatment. But the London Bridge Plastic Surgery (LBPS) clinic, not only offers cosmetic surgery, but also superior, advanced facials from their highly skilled medical aesthetics team.

As a flagship SkinCeuticals Skin Health Clinic, LBPS offers state of the art skin treatments for pigmentation, redness/rosacea, acne & acne scarring, wrinkle and anti-ageing treatments to keep you looking your best, without a knife in site.

Why Is This Clinique So Unique?

This LBPS clinic is distinctive not only in treatment options, but also in their consultations. They have the latest technological ability to provide the best skin analysis on the market. Their Visia machine provides you with a 360 degree skin check, analysing everything from pore size to sun damage. Despite an often disappointing starting point, your analysis is visible straight away and so forms the basis of your forthcoming treatment options. By undergoing this type of analysis at the beginning of your skin programme, it’s also one of the most effective ways to track your progress. Completing a second analysis post treatment, the improvements in your skin are evident.

The Skin Health Clinic at London Bridge Plastic Surgery

LBPS skin health clinic is a large, modern and spacious treatment room. It’s provides a welcoming atmosphere for any newcomer to the aesthetics world. Cheryl, the main aesthetician has an excellent manner to make you feel right at ease as you walk through the door. Her knowledge is unparalleled in treating a variety of skin issues, explaining your options clearly, whilst outlining any limitations the treatments can entail.

Skin Rejuvenation Treatment

After my consultation Cheryl opted for the Harmony Laser 360 Skin Rejuvenation to help tighten the skin around my eyes, my biggest area of concern. Laser 360 is a new aesthetic treatment that combines three technologies into a single, treatment plan to help achieve younger looking skin. I was looking for a firmer, taughter skin result around my eyes to regain a more youthful, contoured appearance which would take place over the course of six treatments.  The first treatment lasted around 30 minutes and was relatively painfree. Afterwards, there was an immediately visible tightened effect and a noticeable difference in what I always referred to as tiredness. I’ve yet to complete the rest of the course but initial results are promising!

The beautiful interior of London Bridge Plastic Surgery

Is the Skin Health clinic at the London Bridge Plastic Surgery Right for Me?

Are you looking for the most advanced skin treatments outside of surgical procedures? Then yes, Cheryl at the LBPS clinic can give you one of the best consultations available with an approachable and credible manner. If you have the money for a full treatment programme, then the LBPS skin health clinic will create a suitable and bespoke treatment plan to ensure results. If you’re also thinking of next step procedures, then this clinic offers it all.

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Cowshed, Shoreditch House

Cowshed Spa takes its unusual name from the creation of their first spa based in Somerset. An old cow shed at the beautiful hotel Babington House hotel converted in 1998 into a serene and relaxing space to host a vast array of revatilising treatments. Not only that, but the clever people behind Cowshed also created a whole host of products under the playful Cowshed name to be incorporated into their daily treatments to provide pampering results for their in-house treatments as well as at home.

Fifteen years on and Cowshed is now an award winning brand, with a host of different spa locations across London and the South East, including Shoreditch and Oxford Street as well as many swanky international locations.

Cowshed Spa, Shoreditch House, London

Cowshed Spa Shoreditch, is primely situated on the ground floor of the private members club and hotel, Shoreditch House in East London. A discreet entrance, leads through to their efficient reception and retail area. The shelves are decorated with their own brand products and gifts. Each shelf hosting a different product range for a chosen mood, with distinctly unique and relevant names such as Moody Cow, Gorgeous Cow and even Knackered Cow. If you look closely enough, you’ll also see the range of SkinCeuticals products situated on their shelves to provide for a range of advanced facial treatments on their menu.

Fabulous Cowshed products, Shoreditch House

Cowshed understands the modern women’s need for a bit of time for herself. A row of deep seated, comfortable pedicure chairs and footbaths line the light filled main room of the spa, offering you guessed it, pedicures and manicures. But the real joy of this room is the personal TV screen and headphones for each customer. The TVs show reruns of the infamous Friends programmes and other girly orientated series for you to escape to whilst your treatment is being performed by experienced and friendly therapists.

Downstairs in the compact area of the spa are five treatment rooms, each one decorated to provide a subdued and relaxing environment where body treatments, such as massage and body scrubs take place, as well as highly effective facials.

Cowshed Salt Scrub and Massage 90 mins (£110)

I had booked through their efficient on-line system, a Cowshed Salt Scrub and Massage as a 90 minute treatment. It was on the eve of my wedding. I was looking for a brief respite from the stress of wedding planning, as well as wanting my skin to glow on my wedding day. My therapist explained the treatment protocol well, promising I wouldn’t have to take a shower to wash off the salt scrubs, which can always be a bit messy. Instead, she would apply the salt scrub in stages all over my body, but then remove it with heated cloths to achieve a more relaxing effect. Whilst the scrubbing is never going to provide the most tranquil experience, the soft music and low lighting definitely help to give you a sense of escapism.

Once the salt scrubs are removed, your skin left feeling softer than you can recall, the second part of the treatment starts to really give you the calming feel you desire. A full body massage, with beautifully scented oils. I don’t think anything can beat a good massage to help de-stress a tense body or mind and Cowshed doesn’t disappoint.

I left Cowshed, after taking some time in their waiting area, to enjoy a few glasses of lemon infused water feeling stress-free, peaceful and my skin looked radiant.

Is It for Me?

Cowshed spas are completely different in appearance and style, providing a variety of options for your desired outcome. Babington House offers the ultimate spa break – book in for an overnight stay in one of their stunning hotel rooms and be truly spoilt in their spa. Cowshed Selfridges offers treatments to suit a time-sensitive customer in their boutique spa in Selfridges. Cowshed Shoreditch House, offers you something in between. All the outlets do offer quality therapists, a slick service and superior value treatments. You won’t be disappointed!

Cowshed Spa

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Edinburgh City Skyline

So, you’ve booked your trip to Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland. Your itinerary is filled with ideas on discovering the stunning scenery, striking architecture and fine food as well as visiting the many outstanding galleries this vibrant city has to offer. After all, you want to make the most of your time in this beautiful, historic city – but, that can be often be exhausting. So, if you’d really like to ensure you return home feeling re-energised, make sure you take at least one hour out, and book into One Spa Sheraton at the well established Sheraton hotel.

One Spa, at the Sheraton

One Spa at the Sheraton

One Spa is slick. One Spa, can help turn your day around and leave you feeling like you’ve had a weekend break, in just ‘one’ hour. Not many places can help you feel re-energised in such a short space of time. Staff are highly trained in looking after you every step of the way and their attention to detail is second to none. Even your treatment can be created bespoke, determined purely on your mood at that time.

The changing rooms, reception staff and facilities at One Spa are at the high level expected of a spa that also hosts a membership offering, but once your therapist leads you down the sedately lit corridor to your private treatment room, an elevated sense of general wellbeing washes over you.

One Spa, Intensive Facial (55 mins)

The One Spa Intensive Facial is said to ‘naturally improve the condition of the skin and enhance its appearance’. It starts with determining the right oils to use for your current state of mind. Two sets of beautiful smelling aromas are wafted in front of you, to determine which ones suit your mood best at that time.

Double cleansing, facial massage, a mask and a head massage follow as the core ingredients of this facial. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s carried out with expert precision and only leaves you wanting more. Whilst your skin might not look transformed, your energy will be.

Waiting area, One Spa, Edinburgh

After Treatment

One Spa has a relaxation room, especially for your after treatment time. Here, you can lie down, tucked up in blankets your therapist will coset around you. It’s purely time for you to read magazines, drink copious amounts of lemon infused water and naturally prolong your rejuvenated after treatment feeling. It’s a nice touch, and it’s needed. There’s no way after 55 minutes you want to leave One Spa and head out into the Edinburgh chill.

Is it for Me?

One Spa’s tag line is “Be at One – Take Time Out to Re-energise Your Mind and Body at One Spa in Edinburgh”. I’d agree. Find the time to visit and enjoy the experience. It’s the re-energising you’re after, and that’s one special touch One Spa can provide.

onespa.com

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The lake also goes against all your usual understanding of physics (where else can you lie down in the water and immediately float to the top?!) and the floating experience seems like it should be a manufacturers trick, incorporated to generate tourist interest. However, this is all as nature intended, a natural phenomenon, and the benefits for human well-being are proven to be extensive.

For centuries, mineral enriched water has been heralded as one of the most significant, natural treatments for a variety of skin conditions. Spa waters from around the world have provided relief from debilitating conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as offering pure, natural, anti-ageing benefits. The Dead Sea is arguably, the most infamous of these unique locations. Since ancient times, people have travelled in their droves, to absorb the benefits of the salt laden water and gain access to the healing properties of its mineral rich mud.

The Unique Mineral Content of the Dead Sea Water

At 417 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and has been nick-named as the ‘lowest health spa in the world’. This body of water has the highest concentration of salt in the world (340 grams per liter of water and the reason you can float so easily, despite the fact it can be 400 metres deep at points).
‫It’s the composition of the salts and minerals makes this water so unique and beneficial for the body – a reported 21 different minerals can be found. With over 33% salt content, this is one of the most dense waters with these type of minerals! (As a comparison, the ocean only has a 3% respective salt content.)

Dead Sea Water and the Effect on the Skin

This unique mineral salt content has been recorded in leading dermatology publications(1) to show significant benefits in the treatment for skin conditions where the skin’s natural barrier function has been damaged. The high magnesium content (4.9%) is thought to be the main influence in improving damaged skin. It can help with enhancing hydration, reducing roughness and redness, and has consistently shown to be effective in improving the skin’s barrier function. Bathing for regular periods in the Dead Sea water can therefore naturally help to improve the skin, restoring the natural barrier function with no drugs, downtime or side effects. It’s a perfect treatment for those who suffer from atopic dermatitis or psoriasis and have struggled with standard medical treatments, which have often provided no comfort.

Dead Sea Mud

Not only does the water itself hold significant wellbeing properties, but the Dead Sea mud also contributes to the overall benefits of a spa treatment. We’ve all seen the photos of tourists slathering themselves from head to toe in the slimy dark mud for fun, but this odd looking ritual is actually proven to work.

The mud has a high content of minerals, plus a unique ability to retain heat for many hours stimulating blood circulation (great for respiratory problems) and helping to get rid of any dead skin cells (the perfect exfoliator in other words!). Your skin feels softer and smoother in just over 10 minutes of mud indulgence. The feel of the mud as you slather it on, is smoother and altogether a lot slimier than you’d ever find in your own back garden (don’t try this at home), and glides over your skin with an ease that you’d only normally find in a manufactured cosmetic product, tested and developed for years to provide the best ‘cosmetic elegance’ to the consumer. Yet, this is totally pure and natural.

One study, published in the Journal of Dermatology, also showed how the mud had a pronounced anti-bacterial action, probably owing to the combination of high salt and sulfide concentrations, plus a low pH. This combination, might explain the therapeutic properties of the mud and the anti-acne effect attributed to facial Dead Sea mud masks. (Z. Ma’or, unpublished observations, 1998).

Dead Sea Skincare Products from Israel

With so much evidence showing how the Dead Sea can effectively treat the skin, it is no wonder that cosmetic product manufacturers harnessed these natural properties, bottled them, and exported them around the world to bring the health benefits to a wider audience.

Some of the most prominent Dead Sea skincare companies based in Israel are Kedem, Aroma and Revival. Their products contain high levels of dead sea minerals and also comply with the Israeli authorities in manufacturing. Each brand provides products that can help with everything from dry skin to anti-ageing benefits. You can purchase the real thing – packets of pure Dead Sea mud, Dead Sea salts or the more sophisticated serums containing high levels of other proven anti-ageing ingredients (Vitamin C for example). In fact, it seems that the UK is finally requesting a demand for these products with the recent launch of a flagship Kedem store and salon in Manchester, 6 King Street, Manchester, M26AQ (www.kedemcosmetics.com)

Dead Sea Spa Treatments in Israel

Specific Dead Sea spa treatments are also available from many of the local hotels around the Dead Sea. Many of these spas now choose to utilize Western methodologies with facials from the likes of US skincare brand Dermalogica but if you hunt around you can still find Dead Sea body treatments for refreshed, rejuvenated and smoother skin. The most highly recommended spas by the Dead Sea are the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa and Le Meridien Dead Sea Resort and Spa Hotel.

Medical Clinics at the Dead Sea, Israel

As well as an increase in physical well-being, the Dead Sea climate and experience can also help to provide psychological benefits to anyone who decides to spend quality time by this infamous retreat.

However, to ensure long term benefits for the more severe skin conditions, it would be best to follow a strict protocol from a resident dermatologist or doctor who can combine a prolonged treatment programme, alongside emollients and potentially other spa treatments to give the best results. There are a number of medical clinics at the Dead Sea that offer this kind of service. The Dead Sea Clinic http://deadseaclinic.com/en/ and the DMZ medical spa, run by dermatologists. www.dmz -medical-spa.com

*Always seek medical advice before you undergo any treatments and you may want to seek more thorough medical advice for severe treatments from a leading dermatologist once you’re there. The Dead Sea Research Centre continues to create research into the benefits for skin conditions and provides a contact address for anyone wishing to request further information.

Should I Visit the Dead Sea, Israel?

If you’re visiting Israel and want to know whether the Dead Sea is worth a visit to test the benefits of the mud and water, I would wholeheartedly say YES. It’s a fun experience floating on the Dead Sea, slathering yourself in mud and feeling how soft your skin feels afterwards, if nothing else! If you’re looking to really utilize the dead sea water and its mud for improving your health and well-being, the evidence is significant and the treatments can help restore skin balance, so go for it, and book yourself into one of the leading medical clinics. It can be a messy way to get results, but it works!

1. Shani J, Barak S, Levi D, et al. Skin penetration of minerals in psoriatics and guinea pigs bathing in hypertonic salt solutions. Pharmacol Res Commun 1985: 17: 501–512.

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I’ve always found a spa experience to be most enjoyable when going it alone. Escapism at its best, I selfishly don’t want to think about having to entertain anyone else whilst I’m being pampered. But, Pennyhill Park changed all of that for me.

Positioned in the beautiful Kent countryside, Pennyhill Park undoubtedly hosts one of the best spas in South East England.   With eight indoor and outdoor swimming pools, herbal saunas, experience showers, steam rooms, massage chairs and nail bars, not only do you need a decent amount of time to experience all this spa has to offer, it’s also a whole lot more fun when you’re doing it with someone else.

Pennyhill Park Spa and Facilities

As you move from the decadent changing rooms and prepare for your treatment, the fun is just beginning. Experienced therapists offer a comprehensive list of spa face and body treatments whilst making sure you’re looked after every step of the way. But once you leave the treatment room, the freedom to enjoy the extensive spa facilities creates a brilliant kid in a candy store response and all you want to do is share that fun with someone else. I was there with my mum and sister in law. Spoilt for choice, we jumped in to the steaming sauna room, then headed straight to the sparkling ice cave. Teeth chattering, and giggling like school girls, we ventured to the Canadian hot tubs to warm ourselves up and enjoy the water bubble loungers. To finish off the morning’s activities we took to the eight swimming pools – inside, outside, inside again – ending the excitement under the jets of the hydrotheraphy pool, before heading off for a leisurely lunch outside by the pool. It’s all just so enjoyable, why would you want to do it alone?

Is Pennyhill Park spa for Me?

Pennyhill Park’s spa real uniqueness, aside from their extensive spa facilities, is its ability to provide a totally pampering, enjoyable and truly social spa break. Book a package at the five star hotel to stay for a night with you and yours, your girlfriends or even your mum and enjoy the gorgeous rooms, the quality restaurants and find your feel good factor with some good old fashioned fun!

Pennyhill Park

Images courtesy of Pennyhill Park Spa.

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1) EF Medispa

EF Medispa was one of the first medispas to be launched in the UK. Today, it continues to retain its superior status, winning accolades and industry awards such as the esteemed Medical Aesthetic Clinic of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards 2015.

Pic courtesy of EF Medispa

EF Medispa always delivers an excellent service in terms of client care.   Combined with the most advanced face and body treatments, along with a range of intelligent skincare ranges, you’re guaranteed to achieve results at this beautifully designed clinic.

Unique in their approach, EF Medispa provides the latest medical treatments in conjunction with holistic therapies. Ultimately, you can treat your body not only from the outside with the most advanced aesthetic treatments, but also from within, through their detoxing and rejunvenating therapies. It’s the perfect medical and spa combination.

EF Medispa has three locations across London – Chelsea, Kensington and St. John’s Wood.

EF Medispa

2) nakedhealth

With leading plastic surgeon, Dr David Gately at its healm, nakedhealth in Wimbledon provides advanced medical aesthetics alongside traditional spa and beauty treatments, the latter delivered by a range of highly qualified beauty therapists.

Their advanced clinic achieves results for a variety of women looking for their ultimate beauty treatment – a simple manicure or pampering facial, to injectables, laser resurfacing or even a face lift for the more discerning customer.

With excellent customer service, a range of sophisticated, superior treatments, and a comprehensive range of advanced skincare, nakedhealth is leading the way in medical aesthetics today.

nakedhealth is based in Wimbledon: nakedhealth.co.uk

3) Bijoux MediSpa

Dr Elizabeth Dancy’s clinic in Belgravia, is at it states, bijoux. Yet, this small space commits to providing ‘top-to-toe face and body treatments to make you look and feel better, brighter, fresher and less tired’.

The Bijoux MediSpa strives to deliver treatments, tried and tested to deliver results. Avoiding the latest ‘new’ phenomenen, Dr Dancy will only choose the right treatments to help you achieve your best. With a range of highly developed facial aesthetic treatments including fillers and lifting thread treatments (to support sagging skin), the Bijoux Medispa also presents slimming and body treatments utilising some of the best technology, currently available on the market.

By combining the latest in aesthetics with with advice on diet, lifestyle and exercise where necessary, the Bijoux Medispa offering brings harmony and balance to clients looking for on-going, preventive treatments and results.

Bijoux Medispa

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Wakeman Road Wellbeing House (pic courtesy of Wakeman Road)

Wakeman Road brought a new concept to London in the world of wellbeing. A private members venue, it offers a wealth of health spa treatments for the time poor, often overworked city dwellers to help them restore and re-energise.

Their unique private space allows members and friends to discover a range of new, niche and ethical wellbeing products, socialise with other members should they wish, before heading up to their four room treatment area, and into a real haven to escape. Each of their practitioners are hand picked for their excellent abilities in providing restorative treatments, and delivering them exceptionally well.

Why is it Membership Only?

The Wakeman Road membership concept is a great idea. By paying £29 per month you have real momentum to utilise their services on a regular basis, ensuring you take time out from your busy schedule. Your membership fee is then deducted from the health spa treatments you receive when you visit. Simple.

What Can I Expect?

As you walk through the wooden gates into the Wakeman Road venue, you feel like you close the doors on the outside world. A welcoming and friendly reception area provides you with a comforting space to relax over a coconut water, or peruse the variety of such interesting products that adorn the space. Meet other members if they’re there. Don’t be afraid to have a chat until your therapist is ready to see you.

Upstairs, their four treatment rooms provide you with a homely, yet tranquil space to enjoy one of their many fantastic treatments.

Wakeman Road Treatment Room

Bespoke Facial, 90 mins

I experienced (twice) the best facial I’ve ever had at Wakeman Road! I let myself be totally helpless in the hands of the therapist and allowed her to determine exactly what I would require for 90 minutes. Of course, the facial included a mixture of your traditional facial techniques- cleansing, exfoliation and mask – all expertly applied and removed, with the right touch and the perfect application. It was superb. But then the magic really started. An expert in facial massage, shoulder massage and a session of Reiki on top, I honestly have never felt so relaxed, revived or so keen to go back for more. It was a totally holistic experience that not only left my skin glowing, but my whole body!

Is Wakeman Road for Me?

Do you find it hard to take time out every month from your busy schedule and fit in some ‘me’ time? Then Wakeman Road is perfect for you, as your paid monthly membership ensures you really make the time. Once you’ve experienced their treatments and realise how powerful they can be in helping to restore your natural self, you’ll always find the time to keep going back.

wakemanroad.co.uk

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Athens Olympic Park

Greece’s influence on the world is momentous. The birthplace of democracy, the source of Western philosophy, founder of the Olympic Games and world leaders in major scientific and mathematic principles, Greece is considered the cradle of Western Civilisation. In recent years, the country’s achievements may seem slightly less significant in comparison, yet due to it’s current economical infamous situation – Greece is still making a name for itself.

Greece in Modern Times

With modest investment currently available for cultural, sporting and new business opportunities in this unstable southern European country, few companies have created a breakthrough business model and made it a success. Yet, one company in the health and beauty world is pushing forward, battling against the country’s troubled times. APIVITA is taking Greece’s heritage and natural resources to new limits, producing some of the world’s leading, innovative and efficacious natural, skincare products currently available on the market.

APIVITA

APIVITA, meaning ‘Life of the Bee’ is a concept created by two Greek pharmacists, Nikos and Niki Koutsiana. Inspired by the honeybee society, the unique biodiversity of Greek nature and the holistic approach of Hippocrates’ philosophy to health, beauty and well-being, the two healthcare pioneers created a range of natural cosmetics. Each product takes their ingredients from beekeeping, Greek herb extracts and pure essential oils.
Today, APIVITA is a global, well-established company offering over 300 natural, holistic and effective products for the face, body and hair. The company values have also stayed strong. Since the formation of the company in 1979, the same philosophy, social responsibility, heritage and innovative outlook has remained at the core. It’s one of the reasons, why APIVITA has avoided the troubled times of Greece’s economy. Apivita has grown to deliver new concepts, innovative products and unique spas and stores. Their latest launch – a concept store and spa in Athens – continues their inspirational thinking and delivers a much-needed boost to Athens city centre.

Athens Concept Store

Situated just off the main strip of luxury shopping outlets in the centre of Athens, sits the new APIVITA Concept Store. Five floors dedicated to providing you with the full Greek and APIVITA philosophical experience. From incredible spa treatments at the top floor Beehive Spa through to the second level Hippocrates lecture hall, a whole floor dedicated to educating consumers on the Hippocratic holistic approach to health, beauty and well-being.

Greek Honey, Bees and Herbs

The ground floor is a veritable hive of the Apivita experience, where the company’s ranges of products, decorate the black and white walls and cocoon the symbolic olive tree planted in the middle of the store. Each of the products remain true to the APIVITA core philosophy to provide natural products that deliver results (read the full review of the APIVITA products HERE). Take the lift to the first floor and discover their very own juice and detox bar – the first organic juice bar in Athens. While you’re there, discover another of APIVITA’s unique ideas – the Personal products creation.

Personal: Tailor Made Natural Cosmetics

On the first floor, Apivita introduces their concept of a Natural Pharmacy. With the help of a qualified pharmacist and aromatherapy specialist, they will create a personal product for each individual customer, combining essential oils and aromatherapy as well as different active ingredients such as vitamins and minerals depending on the needs of the skin or the hair. Each product is bottled in their signature Personal bottle.

Beehive Spa

On the top floor of the Apivita concept store the real essence of the holistic experience comes alive at the Beehive Spa. It is a beautiful sanctuary created in the form of a beehive – the spa cabins are made of real wooden beehive parts and the ceiling is made of honey tinted crystal elements – it’s a true beehive experience (minus the bees). The spa menu offers a variety of of Hippocratic treatments – from their signature massage treatments through to detox facials.

Beehive Spa Detox Facial (75 mins)

The Detox Facial is a thorough skin clean out to leave you glowing. It’s an excellent treatment, elevated by the efficacious APIVITA products and the therapist’s experience. Every step of the way you’re guided through the treatment’s benefits as well as the products used to treat your skin – it’s rare to find such a balance today, but APIVITA creates the mix exceptionally well. The detox facial starts with a double cleanse, tone and lymphatic drainage facial massage. Steaming, the painful process of extractions, and a mask follow, dependant on your skin’s requirements, and reactions to the products used. Whilst the mask is doing its wonders, you’re treated to a hand and arm massage, before the finishing touches of moisturising and sunscreen are applied. It’s not a complicated facial, but it’s expertly applied and the effects are incredible. My skin felt so clean post facial and it definitely glowed more than I can remember, despite me having the awful effects of a full on cold.

Is it for Me?

The APIVITA concept store is a must do visit whilst in Athens. Discover their products at this unique concept store and spa, understand their inspiring philosophy and indulge in an incredible treatment – it’s so interesting, unique and beneficial to any woman, you won’t want to miss out.

You’ll also find their products to be so effective, natural and reasonable – there’s not a sting in site.

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Doctor Fish

Living in the natural sea and thermal spring waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, just outside of Athens city
centre, are shoals of Garra Rufa, otherwise known as Doctor Fish. These small fish naturally set to work at sloughing off any dead skin cells on your body, whilst you take a ‘relaxing’ swim in the water. The fish are said to help at cleaning the skin and providing a type of ‘massage’ whilst they do.

Vouliagmeni is therefore a lake with a difference. Whilst it might feel slightly odd to swim amongst the mineral waters and nibbling fishes in a colossal lake, you understand this is a natural phenomenon, which can in turn just be a bit of fun, if you don’t want to take the healing properties idea too far.

Fish Spas

As the benefits of the Garra Rufa fish were discovered, Doctor Fish spas began to emerge across Europe, with differing points of views on their effectiveness and levels of hygiene standards. These type of outlets took the concept of destinations such as Lake Vouliagmeni, and turned them into initiatives for the mass providing Fish Spa treatments on the high street. Yet, it doesn’t seem quite so natural or beneficial, whilst sitting with your feet in a glass fish tank the size of your sink.

Is it for Me? 

Enjoying the mineral enriched benefits of Lake Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni is a beautiful natural lake, with the additional healing properties of the thermal waters, and the skin exfoliating Garra Rufa. You can spend a morning or afternoon at the lakes, taking a dip in the water and having lunch in their lakeside, decked café. If you’d like to have a bit of fun and experience Doctor Fishes cleaning techniques in their natural surroundings, take a short drive out of Athens and have a dip at Lake Vouliagmeni. You’ll have an experience, but don’t expect the full skin diagnosis – these Doctor Fish are just for fun.

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As the name suggests, I was expecting to walk into the Bali Health Lounge and experience a slice of Asia. Although the experience was a veritable mix of traditional Balinese styles combined with new Manchester neon, the Bali Health Lounge does provide an oasis away from the bustle of this busy Northern city to enjoy a pampering spa treatment in Manchester.

What’s It Like?

Hidden amongst the outskirts of Manchester’s China Town, entering the Bali Health Lounge feels as if you’re actually heading upstairs into one of the many Asian restaurants that make up this street. But once inside, it’s clear this a relaxed, health and beauty establishment.

Payot, the professional skincare line from Switzerland is their brand of choice. It adorns every wall within their reception area, before you reach their reception to be greeted with a warm welcome and an obligatory and necessary consultation form to be filled out before your appointment.

Bali Health Lounge

Their lounge area is set up to accommodate groups looking to enjoy an afternoon spa experience – an interesting mix of Asian teas, combined with Manchester pastry goodness – before being whisked upstairs to either their first floor manicure and pedicure area, or their top floor Quiet Zone where the more traditional health spa treatments take place.

15 spa treatment rooms adorn this top floor space, all neatly sectioned off from one another with low lighting, dark wood and Balinese wooden ornaments. Once inside your room, the darkness and oriental music helps to calm your mind and you definitely start to feel Zen.

30 Minute Aromatherapy Back Massage, Spa Treatments Manchester

I’m never sure whether you truly get the best results from a 30-minute massage treatment. No sooner have you lain yourself down on the treatment bed, enjoying the comfort of the fluffy covers, pre-heated bed and a bit of pampering before you’re being told it’s all over and it’s time to get dressed and go again. I’m also a person who enjoys a massage that really sorts out those permanent knots and crunches around your shoulders and lower back, rather than having delicate hands float across your back, to absorb the rich oils. At the Bali Health Lounge, the aromatherapy massage is definitely an experience to relax you rather than fix you. Warm oils and a soft touch massage are genuinely pleasant. It’s enjoyable, relaxing and does exactly what it says on the menu, but it just left me wanting more.

Bali Health Lounge Treatment Room

Is it for Me?

If you’re looking for some ‘me time’ whilst in the city of Manchester and want to combine your northern experience with a touch of Asian style, then why not try out the Bali Health Lounge. You get complimentary drinks! I’d suggest booking for a treatment that lasts at least 60 minutes to really gain the benefits. Or book in a group of you for an eclectic and slightly surreal experience – indulge in an Eccles cake whilst sipping on an Oolong tea.

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