Tag Archives: spa

Kempinski Spa, Munich

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Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten, Munich is found on Maximilianstraße, one of the city’s four royal avenues along with the Brienner Straße, the Ludwigstraße and the Prinzregentenstraße. This luxury five-star hotel was built in 1858 and belongs to the Kempinski chain and is also part of the prestigious Leading Small Hotels of the World group. After entering through the grand regal entrance, we were directed towards the lifts weaving our way through the smartly dressed guests.

The Kempinski Spa is hidden within the depths of the hotel, with inconspicuous signposting and little corridor lighting. Bizarrely the reception desk is situated in the main swimming pool room, I immediately got the impression they were lacking in space. It is certainly a boutique spa with small changing rooms and only a few treatment rooms. However they utilise the space well, with sun loungers and a tiny bar area giving variety for visitors.

The team here offer a large range of treatments, which are carefully and thoughtfully chosen to ensure the needs of all guests are met. I was amazed to learn about the HydraFacial options, a high tech treatment which works miracles on troubled skin. This spa was the first hotel spa in Europe to offer the HydraFacial, evidence of their forward-thinking approach. Other spa treatments focus on the seasons: massages and facials specially designed for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

We tried two of the body massages between us, the detoxifying Spring in Your Step for me, and more traditional Classic Massage for my friend. The classic body massage is well suited to male guests who are in need of a relaxing treatment without the faff. Using richly moisturising oils the massage calms every muscle in the body leaving you feeling lighter and brighter. I was delighted to be trying a more specialised massage… using a brushing technique, the body is stimulated and revitalised. Kathrin was one of the best therapists I have met in a long time, stopping frequently to check the pressure on each area of my body and ensuring that the massage was tailored to my needs. This massage particularly works on the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and impurities from the body. The dry brushing is designed to awaken a sluggish system before the muscles are nourished and soothed with an oil-based massage. Kathrin worked hard on my upper back and neck to iron out my tension and knots, and left me feeling relieved and in a state of total relaxation.

Hot tea and a quiet nap by the pool completed our time at the Kempinski Spa. Considering my first impressions of this unusual spa, I found the treatments to be memorably beneficial, and the staff here definitely proved  that this is not just another hotel spa, but one which deserves to be acknowledged in its own right.

More information on the Kempinski spa here.

Many thanks to the Munich Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Beauty Bazaar, Liverpool

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In my opinion, Liverpool is the perfect city for a girl’s weekend away. There are plenty of cute cocktail bars, vintage boutiques, afternoon tea cafes and art galleries. Though the one thing the female species really enjoy indulging in is some beauty therapy and relaxing spa treatments. Luckily, Liverpool is home to the Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar, a luxury hall of the top beauty brands, everything to preen and nourish your hair, skin, face and nails.

The Beauty Bazaar is centrally located in town and open 7 days a week to look after all your last minute beauty needs. After a long night’s sleep we arrived at 10am ready to be pampered from head to toes. The team had created a little programme for both of us to concentrate on our needs and desires. I started at Nails Inc where the lovely Greta filed and prepped my fingers and toes and coated them in a creamy toffee shade called Basil Street. For men the nails brand offer full pedicures to tidy up and shape the nails and soften the skin.

On the top floor more intensive treatments take place, I experienced a facial and bikini wax here though you can also have therapeutic full body massages if you are in need of total relaxation. The therapists are thorough and thoughtful ensuring you are very comfortable with the temperature and lighting in the room before proceeding. I particularly enjoyed the facial which deeply cleansed and soothed my worn winter skin, and then moisturised with rich lotion so my skin looked plump and glowing when I left.

For the ultimate brow grooming head to Blink where the girls thread immaculately to give defined eyebrows. I warn you it can be painful, especially if you have sensitive skin, but the results are so much better than waxing. Blink also offer head and neck massages which will completely relax and de-stress you. We completed our morning with tea and champagne at the WOW bar where guests can also devour an afternoon tea should you feel peckish after your treatment.

An essential item on any girly itinerary for Liverpool and with the festive season coming up there has never been a better time to visit the Beauty Bazaar for a bit of beauty extravagance.

More information and book a day of indulgence here.

A Return Trip to The Scarlet, Cornwall

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I often get asked by dithering lovebirds where I would recommend going for a romantic weekend away in England. I have no better suggestion than Cornwall. Easily accessible by train with almost exotic beaches and wonderful rugged landscapes, it is a relaxing and calm escape from busy city life.

A few weeks ago I visited the Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall for the second time. When I first stayed in 2011, I was wowed by the luxurious eco design, natural yet indulgent environment and immaculate service, and was prepared to be less impressed second time round. Yet, stepping inside the serene Scarlet entrance I felt my heartbeat slow, my breathing regulate and my muscles relax, it was just as wonderful as before and I felt overwhelmed with happiness to be back.

After brief tour of the gorgeous facilities, we were dropped off at the spa, an ideal place for couples to truly unwind. We soaked for thirty minutes in the soothing cliff-edge hot tub with a glass of bubbly and admired the awe-inspiring views of the ocean. In the outdoor area there is also a natural pool for keen swimmers, though we favoured the warmer inside area and collapsed on the beanbags in the quiet relaxation room. Before my treatment I was asked to fill out an intriguing Ayurvedic form, illustrating my body and personality type; Vata, Pitta or Kapha. My therapist was gentle and friendly and asked me a few questions to establish where the stress and tension may be located, she then devised a completely bespoke combination of facial and massage to suits my needs. In line with the Ayurvedic approach, the Scarlet spa is very zen, with a muted colour scheme and cocoon-like pods for treatments. I felt sleepy immediately as I sunk into the warm bed surrounded in draped material and let my worries melt away.

The isolated location of the Scarlet means the spa is a popular part of the hotel. I had to fight for my space in the indoor pool, and the relaxation room was full of dressing-gowned guests! There are other pleasant rooms to rest and read, enjoy a cup of tea or play a game of pool. After a stint at the spa we retired to our room, trying out the giant bath, natural toiletries (Rosemary and Bergamot by St Kitts) and gazing out from the little balcony. We enjoyed one of the ‘generous rooms’ with an open plan bathroom with a luxuriously large bath, and separate wet room with a frosted glass door. The furniture is natural – warm wooden tables and soft grey chairs. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, the lighting subtle with numerous settings so you can ensure it is exactly as you wish.

The Scarlet is a hotel for foodies, the culinary offerings here are both health-conscious and indulgent. We were treated to dinner and breakfast in the sea-facing dining room. Chef Tom Hunter is thoughtful and inventive with an emphasis on seasonal Cornish produce, the dinner menu changes daily. Three courses cost £42.50 and there is a lovely variety to choose from. To preserve my appetite, I opted for a warm salad of chargrilled vegetables with westcomb ricotta cheese, heritage tomatoes and gremolata, a vibrant, colourful and healthy dish. My guest chose a more comforting bowl of Pappardelle pasta with roast crown prince squash and old Winchester, it was simple and brilliantly tasty.

Main courses were regal in their presentation. Loin of Dexter beef with braised ox cheek, bone marrow crust, dauphinoise potato and rainbow carrots was a delicious dish, the top meat drizzled with rich sauce and complemented by the lovely vegetables. For poultry fans, the Cornish chicken breast is a must, served with confit leg ravioli, honey glazed parsnips, chard and pearl barley, it is a fantastic combination of textures and flavours. Naturally the plate was scraped clean within minutes.

Our dessert choice was a no-brainer… we shared the White chocolate mousse with honeycomb, raspberries, pistachio cake and natural yoghurt sorbet. It was spectacular, the perfect spherical honeycomb ball filled with sweet silky white mousse and balanced with the red fruit and nutty cake cubes.

We woke, later than usual, with the blessing of no alarm, after deep restful sleep. Noticing the sun emerging from the clouds, we grabbed our jackets and headed for the long stretch of beach below the hotel. It was blissful inhaling the fresh salty sea air and absorbing our stunning surroundings. Tired out from our walk, we returned for homemade granola, fresh coffee and pancakes with roasted apples. What more could you wish for from a Cornish weekend away?

More information and book a stay at The Scarlet Hotel here.

***My new travel book, CORNWALL by Weekend Journals is available to order here. Use the code TMM10 to get 10% off.***