Tag Archives: massage

Lowry Spa, Manchester

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Whilst staying at the Lowry Hotel I was tempted to remain in the building all weekend. The weather in Manchester is often dreary, wet and cold and this homely five star establishment offers a warm and luxurious place to relax and indulge.

After a long, deep sleep and a leisurely breakfast, I visited the Lowry spa. It was relatively early on a Sunday morning and couples were wandering around enjoying the facilities and rejuvenating treatments. Although there is no pool, the spa offers sauna and relaxation rooms so guests use these as they wish.

I enjoyed a Signature Back and Scalp massage followed by an express therapeutic facial. I can never decide between massage and facial so this was the perfect compromise for me. My softly spoken therapist managed to instantly calm me, and it helped that the bed was wonderfully warm and enveloping. As I directed, she pressed through my knots with strength, methodically pushing through the tension in my upper back and shoulders. Gradually the tightness loosened as she patiently massaged oil into my muscles. Then she moved onto my head to relieve all pressure in my scalp.

It felt like an added bonus afterwards when it was time for the mini facial. Cleansing and exfoliating (a step I fail to remember regularly in my skin routine!) my face instantly felt fresher and brighter. A moisturising mask left my cheeks plump and my forehead silky soft. It was lovely to leave the treatment room with a clear head and relaxed body. I could then go and read a magazine and enjoy the rare opportunity for total tranquillity.

With many alluring spa packages and day offers, the Lowry spa is ideal for both staying guests and outside visitors… the perfect retreat away from the loud and lively city.

More information on the Lowry Hotel spa here.

Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.

 

Hot on the Highstreet Week 195: Fashion Week Ready

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For all those fashionistas out there in need of a beauty fix during Fashion Week, I have compiled a little black book of helpful contacts and beauty bars who will primp and preen you ready for another day of catwalks and couture chaos.

Blow dry – After back to back shows and after parties you will be feeling drab and drowsy. Blow dries are the perfect pick-me-up, a quick and glamorous solution to tired limp locks. Blow Bar in Islington is a lovely little boutique, closer to the catwalk try Hersheson blow dry bars in Westfield Shepherd’s Bush or New Change in the city.

Mani-Pedi – For stand-out nails, WAH Nails is the best of the bunch. Located downstairs in the Topshop flagship store on Oxford Street, here you can mimic the trends from the designers or select a design from the colourful Wah inspiration board. If you are hanging around the Notting Hill area I urge you to try Sophie Gass, this stylish salon will prettify your fingers and toes whilst you sip a cappuccino and browse on their ipads.

Speedy Facial – The Bliss brand is brilliant for quick and revitalising treatments. Visit the Sloane Avenue venue and try the 30 minute Oxygen Blast facial, which I found had amazingly relaxing and glowing effects.

Roots refresh – FOUR salon is just off Regent’s Street and specialises in hair colour treatments. The charming girls will lighten and brighten your roots, so you’ll be ready fabulously fast.

Mini massage– Stiff from carrying too many lookbooks and squeezing into uncomfortable heels? Treat yourself to an indulgent mini massage, best found at the Space NK Spa. I can recommend the 30 minute Reviving Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.

Hopefully after these little luxuries you will look and feel like a supermodel, and will be ready to watch the pros strut down the runways all day long.

Armani Spa, Milan

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Everything about the Armani Hotel Milan feels exclusive especially the super slick and stylish spa. Located high up on the seventh floor is a place of ultimate tranquility that reflects the Armani lifestyle and design philosophy. It is a minimalist space with personal fitness area and gym, sauna and steam rooms, private rooms for individual treatments and, the piece-de-resistance, a stunning relaxation pool overlooking the city.

After a day of exhausting sightseeing, we could not wait for the Armani experts to work their magic. Walking into the contemporary spa reception we were both amazed by the modern appeal of the place. With the atmospheric music and subtle lighting I felt I’d entered another world – it is easy to relax in surroundings like these.

We were treated like royalty, taken through to the VIP treatment suite and given thick towelling robes. Our massage room had great views of Milan, and at this time of day the Italian city glowed with a hazy charm. Our therapists were incredibly thorough noting down all our preferences before the treatment began.

The hour-long massage was blissful. Using Armani own brand jasmin and jade oil, the therapists used their hands to systematically release all signs of physical tension, allowing much more freedom in our muscles. I gradually felt the stress seep away.

After the treatment we wandered to the main spa area to try out the other facilities, grabbing a bottle of water from the help-yourself snack bar. The mini saunas are high-tech and luxurious with one-way glass that allows the occupier to see out without intruders spying in. The pool is the main attraction, a truly beautiful feature, that looks magazine perfect, it’s just a shame the views are somewhat shielded by blinds.

This extraordinary spa is just one part of the Milanese wonder emporium offering visitors a taste of all things Armani.

More information and book here.

milan.armanihotels.com