Tag Archives: massage

The Phoenicia Spa, Beirut

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The Phoenicia is a huge bustling hotel but is also home to a gorgeously relaxing Spa… for those guests who need a little help and encouragement to relax. There is an air of tranquility as you walk in, the staff’s voices are soft and music murmurs gently in the background.

Previously at the Phoenicia I had tried the indoor pool which is situated just inside the spa, now I was coming to experience an invigorating massage. There is little fuss, you are quietly greeted and offered tea or water… thankfully without having to fill out copious health packs. After changing into my Phoenicia robe and slippers, I followed my therapist upstairs to a small peaceful room and lay face down on the elevated bed. I was pleased to discover that the Phoenicia use ILA products, a prestigious British brand, perfect for spa treatments.

After discussing the various massages on offer, it was decided I would have the Kundalini Back Treatment: a gentle, nurturing massage that uses chakra and sound healing to activate and channel the Kundalini, the dormant energy at the base of the spine, realigning the body’s rhythm and restoring a balanced state. This massage is ideal for emotionally exhausted souls, the soothing treatment has a profoundly restorative effect on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

A ritualistic soundtrack (I know it well and was slightly tempted to sing along) played while the therapist worked his hands through the tension in my back using hot textured stones to remedy all knots. Moroccan Argan oil was massaged deep into the tension realigning my posture and calming my body. My therapist was very considerate checking at every stage that the heat and pressure was to my liking. I wandered out woozy, exhausted from my hour of blissful relaxing!

There is a lot on offer at the Phoenicia, is it easy to miss the unassuming spa; however for a really luxurious stay I would recommend a massage or facial, there are plenty of tempting treatments from which to choose.

Visit the website for more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with bmi, British Midland International. British Midland International flies direct from London Heathrow to Beirut offering ten flights per week. Flights are twice daily on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays with a daily service on all other days.  Fares are available from £485 return including all taxes and charges. For more information and to book visit www.flybmi.com

SenSpa, New Forest

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We spent the perfect day at SenSpa in the New Forest. A trip to this luxurious spa gave my best friend and I the rare chance to spend the whole day relaxing and indulging in the picturesque English countryside far, far away from our busy lives in London. Just a two hour drive from the city, SenSpa is a popular destination and we were amazed by how many other women were visiting to relax and catch up, obviously we were not the only ones to have this bright escape idea!

Located within Careys Manor Hotel, the spa provides hotel guests with fabulous facilities, though many travel just to visit the spa. The hotel itself is very traditional, surprising compared to how luxurious and modern the spa appears. SenSpa is Thai themed with the layout, treatments and food all based around this country’s culture and rituals.

Our day of pampering and relaxation was full and varied – there is so much to sample here, we almost got agitated trying to fit it all in! I would recommend staying the whole weekend if you can. We began with a tour of the venue and then proceeded to the comfortable changing rooms to lock away our phones, put on our bikinis and wrap up in soft towelling robes. We strolled down to the pool for a refreshing swim and a try of the bubbling jacuzzi. Unlike with London based spas, there is no rumble of traffic outside, and for the first time in a long while I experienced total tranquility. I particularly loved the high-tech hydrotherapy pool which I have never tried before. The stimulating bubble jets massage your whole body, applying different pressure to each muscle. The theupeutic pool relieves tension and releases toxins, as well as supposedly speeding up your metabolism.

After taking full advantage of the pool, we tried the unique steam and sauna rooms and the assorted tropical showers! I loved the effects of these rooms, specially designed to smooth and soothe your skin. We really enjoyed the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room decorated with glistening mosaic tiles and a huge precious stone, and it was easy to unwind upstairs on the heated loungers of the restorative tepidarium.

We were given authentic Thai pyjamas and starving after hours of exhausting relaxation (!) we entered the Zen Garden Thai Restaurant where a table had been reserved for us in the glorious May sunshine. Here we were able to totally indulge in the authentic Thai cuisine all freshly prepared by the chefs. Every dish was light and delicious, made with locally sourced organic ingredients and minimal fat. SenSpa have truly succeeding here making Thai food feel healthy and providing us with energy for the rest of the day. We tried the spring rolls to start, crispy and tasty, served with a plum dipping sauce. Then the green chicken curry and red beef curry arrived swiftly for our mains. We barely spoke during the curry course – we were enjoying the moreish creamy fragrant sauce too much to justify halting for conversation! For dessert, with my milky cappuccino, we shared the innovative lemongrass creme brulee served with a spoonful of mango sorbet… a wonderful mouthful of sweetness to finish the meal.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Mind and Body that followed lunch. A half an hour session that consisted of stretching and deep breathing left us feeling stressfree and relaxed. At 3pm it was time for our much anticipated treatments: hot stone massage for me and an oriental foot massage for my friend.

The treatments were performed to the highest quality. Lying in dimly lit rooms, we fully relaxed and let the therapists work the strain and tension from our bodies. My therapist was very considerate checking throughout the temperature and ensuring the treatment was performed to address my concerns. Sensual oil and warm stones were applied and massaged into my body sending me almost to sleep and curing me of any unwanted knots.

We left very relunctantly. SenSpa is a calming oasis, and the most wonderful way to spend a relaxing and rejuvenating day out of London.

Visit the SenSpa website here for more information and to book.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MISS: Afternoon Tea and Spa at Maison MK, Marrakech

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Having spent a morning wandering around the maze of Marrakech, we eventually found the unassuming exterior of Maison MK and entered through a large wooden door into the calming reception area. Greeted by Emily, Maison MK’s British manager, who was equipped with the customary Moroccan mint tea, we were given an informative tour around the cosy six bed riad, restaurant and spa.

Owned by two British photographers, Maison MK opened in 2008 and has since built a reputation as one of Marrakech’s most coveted luxury boutique hotels. The decor is trendy yet fun, with an orange colour scheme providing the backdrop for unique photography and various quirks including rubber ducks in the swimming pool and a Papier-mâché camel head in the smoking room (think Camel cigarettes). Desperate to visit the riad and try the renowned cuisine, they kindly managed to squeeze us in last-minute for a thirty minute back massage and traditional English afternoon tea.

Our masseuse was a smiley young Moroccan woman who introduced herself warmly, although unfortunately her name now escapes me. She welcomed us to the spa through a striking glass door which featured Arabic calligraphy citing the names of each person who contributed towards the renovation of the riad. The treatment room was a peaceful haven lit by twinkling floor candles, scented with Maison MK’s signature orange flower and cinnamon fragrance, and decorated with dried rose petals. Using Morocco’s prized Argan oil, my back and shoulders were gently relieved of any tension which had been racked up from a morning spent wandering the chaotic souks, and gave me a chance to completely switch off and relax. Other treatments at the spa included a traditional Moroccan Hammam, a variety of massages, plus manicures and pedicures.

Post-massage, Milly and I spent time on the stylish roof terrace basking in the sunshine on comfy grey sun loungers, accompanied by relaxing music and some friendly local cats. Afternoon tea was served on an upper dining terrace and bar, with spectacular views of the city and the rolling Atlas Mountains. We were offered a choice of Forte teas – I opted for ginger and lemongrass, Milly had Earl Grey – before being presented with three tiers of cakes, pastries and sandwiches. The no-crust sandwiches featured fillings of cucumber, egg, beef, and a standout cream cheese and chive. Crunchy chocolate and orange macaroons and a superbly moist ginger cake filled the middle tier, whilst the best was left to last on the final tier; a delicious tarte au citron, featuring beautifully buttery pastry and a sweet lemony filling. The apple and cinnamon scones were a wonderful consistency, but the accompanying cream wasn’t quite up to our Cornish clotted standards, however, we imagined it’d be rather difficult to source it in Africa! A Moroccan twist on the traditional English fare was the addition of a super sweet honey covered almond pastry which set our teeth tingling, but I especially enjoyed.

Maison MK’s afternoon tea brings a little bit of London to Marrakech, whilst the spa offers the perfect opportunity to take a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both offer an alternative (or addition) to staying at the riad and dining there in the evening, although we hope to visit again to indulge in anything else we might have missed out on!

Visit the Maison MK website here for more information.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Miss, Holly Hunter.