Tag Archives: massage

Selma CitySpa, Stockholm

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At the top of the towering Clarion Sign Hotel in Stockholm is a rooftop spa that will transport you away from the stress of the city to a world of relaxation. The skies were getting heavier outside as we walked into the smart design hotel. We popped straight into the lift and zoomed up to the top floor where a couple of smiling therapists were waiting for us.

Selma CitySpa, as it is known, has thought of everything the modern girl about town desires: a stylish spa with a healthy sushi bar, and treatments which pamper and sooth. The muted purple and beige interior immediately offers a tranquil environment for guests. After changing into the huge towelling robes we were taken through for our treatments.

The staff here were genuinely friendly, my mum was still chatting to her therapist long after her facial had finished! I enjoyed an expert Swedish massage which ironed out some serious knots in my shoulders and lower back. Lying on the comforting heated bed I could have easily have drifted off. My mum, who admitted it was only her second facial ever, absolutely loved the opportunity to sit back and let a professional examine and assess her skin. They layered different lotions and potions on to leave her skin looking bright and beautiful.

As I wandered round the spa I noticed an Olympic champion swimmer walking outside to the open air rooftop area. I followed her and the film crew to discover an azure blue pool, heated to 35 degrees, so guests can enjoy it all year round. It is the only one of its kind in Stockholm and it certainly gives the spa the wow factor.

The spa offers a lovely light room for manicures and pedicures and a Bliss counter for speedy refreshing treatments.

Up in the clouds, Selma CitySpa is Stockholm’s most heavenly spa. A secret for those in the know, and a real treat for us in between sightseeing stints in Stockholm.

More information and book a spa treatment here.

Many thanks to Visit Stockholm for their help with this trip.

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.