Tag Archives: spa

Oskia Facial, One Aldwych Hotel

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I have often visited the One Aldwych bar for delectable cocktails, but have never ventured elsewhere in this luxurious London hotel. Last week I was invited to try the new Oskia signature glow facial in the health club at the hotel. Scheduled in for Saturday lunchtime, it was the perfect weekend timeout after a busy week at work.

The spa was quiet and calm. After a glass of citrus infused water, I changed into the fluffy bathrobe and went to explore. It is rare to find a central hotel with a pool (chlorine free) and I full took advantage of this facility, exercising with a few revitalising lengths before my treatment. There is also a sauna and steam room for guests who wish to relax and warm the skin, ideal before a massage or facial.

I was delighted to learn that Oskia is a British brand. The range of beauty products is made with natural ingredients and works effectively to promote healthy and glowing skin. Oskia is fast becoming known as one of the UK’s leading beauty brands, and it is great to see a London spa supporting a company from this country, when most opt for Parisian or American skincare.

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The lovely Carleen took me through to the treatment room for my Oskia facial, 75 minutes of pure bliss. She quickly identified my skin as a mix of normal and combination and talked through my daily routine and use of products. Usually I am scolded for my lazy use of exfoliator or eye serums, but Carleen seemed to think I was doing a good job keeping my skin healthy. This facial is intended to illuminate the skin and boost radiance, but will be tailored to each guest, so the best results can be achieved. Carleen gently cleansed my face, used the brightening Micro Exfoliating Balm, and massaged my neck and face, which made me feel instantly at ease.

The facial involved a variety of Oskia products, each with its own purpose. After some deep cleansing and extraction, Carleen restored my skin with a soothing scented oil and added moisture around my eyes with the Eye Wonder gel. My favourite product was the Renaissance Mask, used towards the end of the treatment. This indulgent mask aims to awaken and add nutrients thereby brightening the skin and ensuring an even skin tone. While the mask soaked into my skin Carleen massaged my arms and feet, which was an extra treat. The facial finished with the Nutri-Active Day Cream, a great moisturiser for everyday use, lightweight and good for all skin types – it is ideal for use in the hot summer months.

After the treatment, feeling peaceful but famished, I was pleased to receive a delicious healthy snack from the chef at the hotel restaurant, Indigo. The filling but fat-free salad was made from

Quinoa with peas, broad beans and smoked almonds. It was very tasty with a spritz of lemon juice on top. If you feel like something a little more decadent you could choose a refreshing cocktail inspired by the nutritional ingredients in the Oskia products.

Near to the shops, theatres and restaurants of Covent Garden, One Aldwych is perfectly positioned. The heavenly Oskia facial would be a lovely addition to a girly day out in London.

More information on the Oskia treatments at One Aldwych here.

One Spa, Edinburgh

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One Spa in Edinburgh is quite exceptional. Part of the Sheraton Hotel and yet operating as a separate entity, it provides a place for ultimate relaxation in the centre of the busy city.

It took us a while to find the entrance of One Spa, hidden away in the maze of the hotel. This spa and health centre has a range of facilities and treatments to rest and rejuvenate the body, an indulgent retreat for anyone in need of some ‘me time’. Even early on a Sunday morning, the venue was full with hotel guests and local regulars. Sadly the therapists were all booked up weeks in advance, so we were left to our own devices to experience ‘Escape at One’.

Escape at One gives guests the opportunity to spend up to three hours creating their own spa ritual. Changed out of my wintry clothes and wrapped up in a cosy towelling robe, I was ready to go! I used the time to enjoy the impressive thermal suite which I found balanced my body, cleansing the skin and clearing my mind. There are a range of exotic rooms – hot, cool, steamy and humid. The circuit is designed to sooth and refresh, a calm and tranquil place to unwind.

After the thermal journey, I energised my muscles with lengths in the pool and then immersed myself in the hydro-pool. This high tech pool is half indoor and half outdoor with various jets to invigorate the body’s essential core. It is rare to find a spa with hydro-pool facilities, so I took the opportunity to relish this specialist experience.

If you do manage to book a treatment there are plenty of special, unique offerings to choose from, many of which use the lovely and luxurious ESPA products. Those feeling peckish can replenish and hydrate in the café where they sell deli-style sandwiches and freshly squeezed juices.

When it was time to face the bitter outdoors again, I found my mood uplifted and my body recharged from head to toe.

More information and book a treatment here.

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, Cafe Royal, Piccadilly

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At rush hour Piccadilly Circus is perhaps the busiest, most chaotic place in London. And yet, two floors underground you will find the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, the ultimate place to relax, recuperate and rest. The spa is a a heavenly extension of the luxurious Café Royal Hotel.

The spa has an impressive, illuminated swimming pool in the centre of the spa. Surrounding this are various relaxation rooms and private studios, perfect for one-on-one sessions. Every week there are several classes to enjoy including yoga, pilates, tai-chi and meditation. Akasha also have London’s first Watsu pool for hydro-treatments. In the Earth Lounge refreshing drinks and a healthy menu are served.

After admiring all the facilities I got changed into a cosy bathrobe. I was here to try the new Sodashi Crystal Opalescence Facial – 90 minutes of total relaxation and bliss. My softly spoken therapist, Erin, was incredibly knowledgeable and informed me of the different qualities of the products used and the processes she would be going through during my treatment.

Sodashi is an amazing beauty brand from Australia using completely natural ingredients. The products are totally chemical-free and yet have miraculous effects on the skin. The main part of the facial treatment involved a trio of special Western Australian crystals: Rose Quartz for calm, gentle nurturing and stabilising energy; Green Aventurine is an all-purpose healer, and; Carnelian which represents confidence and is good for cleansing and purifying. The smooth stones caressed my skin, massaging and soothing my face and neck. I think I must have fallen asleep at some point as I remember waking to a warm flannel comforting my face.

During the facial my skin was softened and exfoliated using a range of other Sodashi products. Erin used the Clay Cleaner with Lavender to cleanse my skin and continued with the Face Polish to exfoliate and remove all excess dirt and oil. Occasionally I would be asked to breathe in aromas or a light mist of toner would refresh my skin.

My favourite part of the facial was the final massage. Erin seemed to instinctively know exactly where my tension was and kneaded into my shoulders, and deeply massaged my scalp. I didn’t want it to ever end.

Learn more about Akasha Spa at Cafe Royal here, and look out for more information on the Sodashi brand coming soon.