I finally spent a long overdue day at The Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden recently. I took along my mother and sister (who treat it like a second home) and, whilst they padded around in their comfy robes, having massages and enjoying the pool and restaurant, I went undercover. In other words I was trialling the brand new Glacial Shells Detox Massage; a treatment designed to boost circulation and sluggish digestion and to tackle cellulite. My fabulous therapist had no idea that I was on a secret mission, but happily explained everything before a brisk body brushing and then the all important Glacial Shells.
These incredibly smooth shells are filled with either super heated or super cooled gel and in turn are used to massage along your lymph lines from foot to tummy. First the cold shells then the hot shells are firmly pressed and slid along your legs from ankles to thighs and then a quick hot/cold/hot/cold which really leaves your skin tingling. I can’t say that it is the most relaxing of treatments, but then if you have ever tried any anti cellulite treatment you will know that very few are, but it certainly was skin firming and tightening and it left my cheeks rosy (and no I am not talking about my face) and my tummy flatter for a few days afterwards. I have a theory that this would also make a great upper back and shoulder treatment to relieve tension and pain. How often have I been to my osteopath and Pilates instructor and they have told me that the secret to treatment of acute muscle pain is alternate hot and cold packs? So it makes sense that this would be brilliant at alleviating work weary back and neck tension.
I was finally pampered and moisturised with a deliciously scented, circulation boosting Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Oil and given a lemon detox drink to help cleanse my liver. I then went on to the restaurant and had a wonderfully light seared tuna and wasabi salad. The result was that I had a definite spring in my step, was given a much needed energy boost and felt lighter and brighter. This makes this the perfect pre party pampering treatment to help you slip into that LBD or super tight skinny jeans, or even post party detox treatment if you feel that you have overdone it.
A special thanks to my therapist Theresa (who had no idea that I was going to write about her until after I had my treatment), and to Natibel and Laura who looked after my sister and mum. It was the anniversary of my father passing that day and they really do know how to look after you, cosset and cocoon you at The Sanctuary. We promise we will all be back again soon; in fact I think my Mum and Sister would like to live there. • The Sanctuary Glacial Shell Detox Massage is £85, for 55 minutes.
