Bali Health Spa is cleverly concealed in the aromatic streets of Manchester’s Chinatown. But once you have found theinconspicuous entrance and made your way up the staircase you will not want to leave in a hurry. This Balinese-inspired day spa and tea house is instantly calming, a welcoming retreat from the busy streets of the city centre.
After jumping off the tram and running through the streets, we still arrived embarrassingly late for our 11am massages. The staff were unfazed though, efficiently placing slippers on our feet and escorting us upstairs to the couple treatment room. We were talked through the special features of our chosen massage (the BALI Signature Energising Massage) which uses their own oil blend and herbal poultice. Both therapists focused on our individual needs, for me this was the tension in my mid and upper back.
The spa treatments incorporate both Western and Asian techniques and are carefully tailored to suit each client. The room designs take inspiration from world class spa resorts, luxury hotels and Asian massage centres hoping to offer a simple but special luxury. Our room was petite but very comfortable, with soft heated beds and a delicious scent in the air. The treatment began with a warm foot flannel followed by the herbal poultice. My therapist then worked her way through the stiff knots ensuring the pressure was strong enough for me throughout. In just 35 minutes we were both totally soothed of all aches and pains, too relaxed to even get off the beds. As a parting gift the staff gave us the herbal poultices to take away and use in a relaxing bath at home.
Rejuvenating pods are a special feature at Bali Health Spa and enable the venue to cater for large groups. Twelve pods with built-in massaging seats are available for use on the second floor. You can create your own private sanctuary with the 30 or 60 minute massage programmes, or use the facilities whilst enjoying another beauty treatment. As I sat in the comfy leather chair drinking my lemongrass tea, I was lucky enough to receive a thorough pedicure. A lovely girl soaked and sanded my feet, removing all dry skin and exfoliating until they felt softer than ever. After an hour of luxurious pampering, she added the finishing touch, a coat of red Jessica nail polish.
Open seven days a week with impressively convenient hours, the Bali Health Spa is a haven for ultimate indulgence. Whenever life in the real world gets too hard, this beautiful spa will alleviate stress and put balance and beauty back into your day.
More information here: www.balihealthlounge.com
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.
