Tag Archives: massage

Nara Spa, Acton

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It was an absolute joy to discover Nara, the new luxury spa in Acton. For some time now Churchfield Road has been going up in the world, with the arrival of Sainsburys and several cute coffee shops, boutiques and upmarket hair salons. Nara cements my belief that this West London neighbourhood is, eventually becoming a cool place to hang out.

With a Saturday afternoon to spare I went along to Nara, taking along a male correspondent to try out Nara’s best treatments for women and men. There is a great deal on offer from familiar beauty treatments to new, advanced aesthetic procedures. Looking through the leaflet of tempting options, we found it almost impossible to pick. Nara is a large and spacious venue and immediately after walking in, one feels relaxed and at ease… the staff are very smiley and chatty and endeavour to make your time at the spa as enjoyable and calming as possible. There are six tranquil treatment rooms available and the salon seems to be busy most of the time (I walk past often)… obviously the people of Acton have been craving some indulgent spa time!

Eventually, after a lovely cup of tea, we decided: Swedish massage for him and Nara’s signature Deep Cleansing Facial and a Hot wax for me.

All the treatments were amazing – thorough and pampering while also attending to our individual health concerns. The massage concentrated on areas of tension to relax the muscles whilst improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The aromatic oils used are absorbed deep into the skin to nourish and relieve stress. My facial was less of a pampering treatment, but targeted every problem I mentioned with my skin. After observing my skin type and needs under the light, the therapist began combating the issues she had noticed. After a refreshing clean and steam, my face was fully cleansed with extraction and diamond microdermabrasion, a surprisingly un-intrusive method of dead skin removal. A thick mask was then applied to help with the dehydration and loss of moisture using the gorgeous Jean D’Estrees skincare line. Meanwhile I was given a heavenly foot massage. I left the room feeling bright and fresh with revitalised skin.

Nara uses Lycon wax, the same as STRIP… it is the best hot wax I have ever encountered: less painful and more soothing on the skin. My therapist was so expert and speedy that the bikini wax was over in no time at all. Very efficient, very proficient and almost painless.

Before leaving the lovely Nara girls insisted we stay for quick manicures. A lovely quick treatment to get your hands and nails in top condition and apparently just as popular with men and women!

With Acton Central Station just a step across the road, there is a link to Chiswick, Kew and Richmond, and an easy connection to the District Line. It is establishments like Nara that make me thankful for living in Acton, and if you’ve never been to Acton before, you now have a reason to visit. I’m not sure how I’m going to stay away, ideally I’d spend every weekend in Nara.

More information here.

http://www.narahealthandbeauty.com/

Champneys, Forest Mere

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Champneys is a haven of tranquillity and luxury and the Forest Mere branch provided the perfect sanctuary for my best friend and I on our weekend away from the city.

Located just an hour from busy London, this beautiful location provides instant relief for the mind, body and soul. On a sunny Friday morning the drive to Forest Mere filled us with excitement, the entrance stuns with a dazzling lake view and fresh green countryside all around you, it is refreshing and invigorating. We were welcomed and well looked after, exemplary service that continued throughout our stay.

We spent a heavenly 24 hours in the resort, enjoying nutritious delicious food, thoughtful and enjoyable classes and indulgent treatments. Meals are served in various dining areas, a selection of salads and healthy dishes are available, and in one corner a chef makes personalised specialities… we tried noodle stir fry and tortilla wraps. The food is good though fat and salt are obviously limited, I struggled a bit with the lack of salt on the table and felt very naughty specially requesting it!

All the facilities at Forest Mere are conveniently close and after our lunch we went straight to the changing room to try out the swimming pool. Aside from lengths, the huge sparkling blue pool is used for water exercise groups, a class we thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst moving to the music you are instructed to push through various routines and drills, good exercise but more importantly great fun! The Ballet core strength class and hula-hooping were equally enjoyable and hilarious at times; the teachers are all encouraging and motivating with a good sense of humour.

The treatment rooms provide ultimate seclusion and a blissful sense of calm. I was lucky enough to try the Bamboo massage and personalised facial. Both were performed with expertise by the therapists, the massage was energising while the facial pampered my skin and deep cleansed and moisturised leaving my complexion bright and awake.

After changing and refreshing in our attractive Premier Suite, we went down for supper. Three courses are offered with a surprising range of options. The food was exceptional – starving hungry from the day of exercise and relaxation we scoffed it down with great appreciation. The menu is designed to nurture the body providing you with essential nutrients whilst avoiding any unnecessary nasties! That night we slept like exhausted children in our giant plump bed.

I felt aware while relaxing that this is a health spa to improve your wellbeing rather than just a hotel for pampering and idleness. Champneys is a home away from home, comfortable and comforting but without pretentious and unnecessary extravagance. I would love to go back regularly, but even after just one visit I feel I have kickstarted a healthier routine.

Visit the Champneys website here for more information.

http://www.champneys.com/

Golborne Place, Notting Hill

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Golborne Road, though initially tricky to find… is a treasure-filled street, with characterful cafes, quirky fashionable shops and a rowdy market scene. I was delighted to be visiting Golborne Place, a little venue which describes itself as an ‘urban escape’ providing classes and treatments to inspire body and mind, encouraging a happier and healthier lifestyle for all.

Director Monica Zamora opened Golborne Place as a centre for healing and relaxing.  She is a former principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet but retired when she broke her foot. It was a devastating injury but Monica discovered Gyrotonic, a holistic form of exercise that enhances health and fitness. Golborne Place offers one-on-one Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis classes and lessons.

There are also a wide variety of therapists available offering specialist techniques to ensure you receive a treatment that will improve your health and fitness. I received a heavenly holistic massage with Amy Moffat. After a full tour of the building I went through to the small treatment room upstairs. Amy chatted to me briefly about my needs and strains understanding how she could remedy my aches and pains.

I felt completely relaxed almost immediately when lying down on the massage bed and soon fell into a light doze. Amy released tension in my upper back systematically kneading the knots and balancing the body. Amy’s massaging aims to help all of the body systems to work at their optimum level, giving particular attention to areas that show physical and emotional strain. After the hour I felt totally peaceful but re-energised.

Golborne Place is a calming sanctuary away from the hubbub and chatter of the Portobello excitement. I’m hoping to return soon to try out a ballet class, though I am tempted by everything they offer!

More information here: http://www.golborneplace.com/