A fully-stocked champagne bar at Coco...

Located towards the less fashionable end of London’s Portobello Road, Coco Nail Bar doesn’t look especially promising from the outside but appearances can be misleading. Like Notting Hill’s best known nightspot – the nearby Supper Club – a utilitarian exterior gives way to something pretty special once you make it through the door. Inside, there’s no hint of the inner city street without; instead you’re suddenly in Dubai with luxe black and white marble, slick leather seats and a full size champagne bar. Actually the champagne bar is more LA than Dubai, but still, you get the picture. Ready for your manicure? Racks of sweetie-coloured Essie and OPI polishes line the walls, and if you weren’t lucky enough to get your mitts on one of Chanel’s sell-out shades, Coco has you covered. The hard bit is working out which colour to choose. And which cocktail to go for.

After several seasons of neons and wacky designs, I was ready for something a bit more sedate but wasn’t feeling summery enough to chance spring’s tasteful taupes. Instead, I plumped for the nail polish equivalent of the LBD: Essie’s fabulous Geranium. A gleaming scarlet, it works brilliantly with my Snow White complexion and always gets me compliments. Yes, I explained to my slightly disappointed therapist, I did want it on both hands and feet. No Mark Jacobs ice cream colours here, thank you very much. No matter: she sat me down and cracked on with my treatment. Starting with my feet, she soaked, buffed, polished and generally tidied up my trotters while I sat back with Condé Nast Traveller and a glass of champagne. As I daydreamed of Marrakech, my therapist livened up my toes with a crimson hue reminiscent of a bowlful of saffron stamens in a Moroccan bazaar. Then came my fingers’ turn for the Coco treatment: dead skin dispatched, grotty cuticles tamed and nails filed into shapely squovals. A slick of Geranium and some quick dry oil (definitely one of the best inventions ever) later, and my make-over was complete.

I left with nails so brightly shiny that I almost needed to don Raybans to look at them but garnered plentiful compliments on the Tube home. Thrilled that I’d finally found somewhere that stocked Geranium, I vowed to go back and suggest that you do too. The nail bar serves coffee, cocktails and sushi, as well as a full menu of treatments, making it a perfect rendez-vous spot for an evening with friends. If you’re after slick service, must-have colours and a glass or two of bubbly while you get your essential maintenance done, then Coco is for you.  And at a very reasonable price for a classic manicure, I’d say that’s certainly worth paying to have the best-dressed nails in London.

For more information, and to book, see the Coco Nail Bar website.

Notting Hill? No, at the Coco Nail Bar it's more like Dubai with black and white marble, slick leather seats and luxe manis and pedis

A serene, relaxing interior in the spa

You can almost feel the delicate aromas gently pulling you through the door at Aromatherapy Associates’ new Treatment Rooms and Boutique. A welcome break from the bustle of tourists and London’s well-heeled crowd outside, the spa positively embraces you with an air of warmth and well-being. So, what can you expect from one of spa’s most celebrated names? Given the location in Knightsbridge, the go-to capital for Russian oligarchs et al, the boutique is in keeping with its prestigious neighbours, presented as a luxurious yet comfortable ‘home-from-home’ that’s filled with soft furnishings and finished in rich shades of gold.

As you would expect the prices on the Spa Menu fit the local bill too with a facial costing £90 and a full body treatment amounting to £120; but if you want quality, you absolutely pay for what you get. I’m here to experience a ‘City Stress Buster’ – buzzwords that have grown in popularity as people – particularly clock watching urbanites – accept they should set aside more time for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sophie, my therapist, is a dream: informative and nurturing, she gets the consultation – which establishes my current emotional state – out of the way quickly. The treatment is administered with experienced hands, enough to put even the most spa-shy at ease. First she works around my head, using firm finger presses to stimulate my sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system: two areas, which control the rest-and-digest and fight or flight response respectively. The soothing effects of which continue to flourish for days after…

Next, using an oil teeming with geranium, rose and frankincense prescribed specifically for me, Sophie massages her way through tense shoulders and fatigued limbs. The oil, following aromatherapy thinking, works its magic on two levels: first through smell, and second through the absorption into the body’s system. The oozy, lustrous quality of the oils is at the heart of everything AA does and one half of the company’s founding duo, Geraldine Howard, has even installed a unique ingredients bar to help more of us understand their rich, far-reaching effects.

There might not be a steam room or sauna in sight, but the AA Treatment Rooms’ big sell is its expert sensory massages and treatments that never dip below its exceptionally high standards. It’s all about the healing power of touch, and – thanks to the natural beauty of AA’s oils – the spa is set to be one of the best places in London to power down.

For more information and to book, see the Aromatherapy Associates website.

The Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms are a welcome break from the bustle of tourists in chic, upscale Knightsbridge

Soothing away stresses and strains...

I was pre-warned that it wouldn’t be wise to plan an eventful evening or even drive home straight after my pampering session at the Sanctuary Spa in London’s Covent Garden, but I didn’t imagine I’d be so blissfully zoned out afterwards that the two-minute walk to the tube station, or indeed, remembering to get off at my home stop, would prove as much of a challenge.

Sanctuary’s new Spa Therapies treatment trio, and complementing product range, are designed to either Relax, Revive or send you to Sleep; each 55-minute session is tailored specifically to individual needs and carried out in one of the spa’s cosy, low lit rooms. In this instance, after a consultation with my therapist Theresa, I chose Relax. The thought of a ‘calmer body and mind’ and shiatsu-inspired massage won over the promise of being sent into a deep state of ‘physical dreaming’ using Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Frankincense, and slumber-inducing rocking motions in the Sleep option. Equally, at 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening, the idea of being revived and revitalised by grapefruit, lemongrass and orange essential oils sounded a bit too rock and roll – rather one for the day when there’s shopping to be done, or before a night out.

The combination of a giant hot water bottle (or to refer to it by its official name, hydrotherm mattress), essential oils of Cedarwood, Vetivert and Labdanum (the latter a woody scented resin used in ancient medicine for pain relief), the right pressure points being pushed and long, sweeping, uninterrupted strokes, left me in that aforementioned zombie state. The hydrotherm mattress was key to the treatment’s success. I silently scoffed at the ridiculousness of it when Theresa first peeled back the towels and advised me that that was what I would be lying back on for the session. Trying to get myself up on to it was an amusing episode in itself; thankfully I was left alone for that bit. But, as soon as the first dose of warmed Melting Body Fondant was applied and Theresa was able to massage my back without me having to turn around midway through the treatment I wondered why no one had thought to invent this before. I’ve always hated that point in a massage when you have to wake yourself up enough to turn around.

I lay there floating effortlessly as pressure points were pushed along both sides of my spine, down my calves and ending at my feet, inhaling and exhaling deeply with each one as I was instructed, to help ease tension and encourage circulation-boosting lymphatic drainage. The added movement from the water-filled cushioning creating a sensation of being massaged my more than one pairs of hands at once; a rather surreal, but wonderfully indulgent feeling. My neck and shoulder, something I noted as a concern on the pre-treatment questionnaire, were given special attention with extra pummelling. A glow-giving facial using the spa’s Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser, Pore Refining Toner and Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil, and Indian head massage were other highlights of the treatment.

My Relax session culminated in Theresa talking me through the homecare advice she’d drawn up as an on-going solution to ease reoccurring muscle tension and help rid my mind of the daily worries that can sometimes keep me awake at night. A recipe for a homemade detox drink first thing to cleanse the liver; a trio of yoga postures to align my spine, stretch my shoulders and back, and unwind muscles – which she demonstrated – and motherly advice such as wearing a scarf on chillier evenings to stop the cold getting into my neck, were all part of the tips I was given before being sent on my dozy way. All in all a fantastic treatment, which actually feels like you’re getting your money’s worth. Just make sure you have a chauffeur waiting to take you home at the end.

The Sanctuary Spa Therapies treatments are available at the Covent Garden Day Spa or at the Sanctuary Boutique Spas in Bristol, Richmond and Cambridge. For more information visit  The Sanctuary Spa website.

The Spa Therapies range of products has been expertly blended with essential oils for the ultimate in mind and body benefits

Give your brain and muscles a workout

The Pilates boom took real hold in the 1980s, and today over ten million people regularly practice this addictive exercise form. Want killer abs and super-toned arms, but not sure what Pilates involves? Here are the basics…

Who?

German-born Joseph Pilates (1883) was a sickly child, but dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength. This canny chap studied yoga and gymnastics and had an inkling that modern lifestyles were leading to bad postures and inefficient breathing. Fast forward 40 years and he opened the first Pilates studio in New York with his wife.

What?

Banish all preconceptions; it’s not just for hippies. Personal trainer and Pilates expert Susana Da Conceicao says; ‘Pilates for me is essential; it’s about truly knowing your body and bringing it back to its natural and authentic state. There are six traditional principles: Breathing, Centring, Concentration, Control, Precision and Flowing Movement.’ You get to train your brain and your muscles, and although it may look like a few small, basic moves, an intense session is jolly hard work and will really test every muscle group.

When?

We all need a little Pilates in our lives, so the best ideas is to do it as often as you can. Like anything, the more you practice, the closer you come to a healthier body that is balanced in strength and flexibility, and able to respond well to its environment and daily activities. Regular Pilates will help in maintaining well-balanced muscle responses which help keep the body injury free and working at its best.

Why?

It’s a safe and effective exercise form fit for everyone, from the ordinary person to an elite athlete. You can use the techniques to help heal injures or to simply enhance fitness routines. The results are immense – who wouldn’t want improved posture, strength and flexibility?

Where?

At a Pilates-specific centre, at your gym, as part of a class or individually at home. With or without machines, the options are endless, as are the benefits.

A simple five-minute Pilates workout

Relax in the dark at Dans le Noir? Spa...

The name ‘Dans le Noir?’ may just ring a bell. It is most famously associated with the unique restaurants in Paris, London, Barcelona, New York and Kiev, where punters eat their meal in pitch black surroundings.  Staff at the venues are totally blind, and thus perfectly equipped to manoeuvre in the dark. And the temporary blindness afforded to the clients ensures a unique sensory experience which has proved a roaring success.

The sightless yet visionary founder of the restaurant, Didier Roche, has now decided to extend the idea to a new spa, located in the heart of Paris’ 2^nd arrondissement. The Dans le Noir? Le Spa has a full team of sightless therapists, all of whom have trained at the Espace Beauté Thalgo International School; it is the first spa in the world with a full sightless team all holding nationally recognised qualifications. However, it is not the first spa in the world to employ the talents of blind therapists – they have been popular in parts of Asia for many years.

Dans le Noir? Le Spa offers a wide range of treatments, linked with three respected beauty brands; Cinq Mondes, offering luxurious world beauty rituals and products; Thalgo, boasting marine-enriched products and organic beauty brand Phyt’s. The salon first recommends taking advantage of a ‘hammam’ – a session in the steam room, which prepares the skin for subsequent treatment. After this you can choose from body scrubs, wraps, massages, facials; some of the most tantalising include the papaya purée scrub which will refine and brighten the skin; the paradisiacal cocoa wrap; the Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage inspired by the rhythm of the tide of the sea; and the Bali flowers facial which relaxes the face, neck and scalp using a Balinese ritual, and cleanses the skin.

After my hammam, I opted for the ‘découverte’ massage, which meant I left the choice to the discretion of my masseuse; she went for a combination of Swedish, Indian and Korean techniques which would both relax and energise my body. As I lay down in the dark (choosing pitch black for the full experience, but you can ask for different degrees of lighting) it was interesting to think that no one would be assessing my body on the table. Whilst I’m not shy about my body, I have on more than one occasion regretted my choice of undergarments when at a salon. But for those who are shy, for whatever reason, this experience would remove much of the anxiety of being semi-naked in front of a stranger. At Dans le Noir, no one can judge you, or your pants!

The first surreal aspect came when my masseuse electronically raised the bed – which seemed to go on for quite some time, so that I almost felt like I was levitating in the middle of the room by the time it stopped. Now, some people might argue that the natural thing to do during a massage is close your eyes, thus anyone, anywhere can almost a massage ‘in the dark’. But that’s missing the point: here I was in pitch-blackness, with no difference between my eyes shut and open. Inevitably, with one sense down, it intensifies the other senses – this applies both to the masseur and the person receiving the massage. As my masseuse got to work, I sensed a markedly greater concentration of energy compared to my previous experiences of massage. This is at the heart of the Asian tradition – blind people being believed to be bestowed with a special gift for massage.

At no point did the masseuse’s hands leave my body, creating a real bond through a sense of reassurance. From the tips of my toes to the top of my head, the attention to detail was impeccable. By giving my masseuse a free rein, I felt like I wasn’t receiving a massage she had done many times before. This was a massage specifically tailored to my own body and its needs using her expertise. After an hour on the table I felt incredibly relaxed and refreshed, and on leaving the salon I felt ready to take on anything.

If you’re not in Paris or planning on passing through soon – Dans Le Noir? Le Spa will be setting up in both London and Kiev before the end of 2011. Meanwhile, founder Didier le Roche tantalisingly suggests that we can look forward to more extensions of the Dans Le Noir brand in the near future – I, for one, am intrigued and will be watching this space!

For more information, see the Dans le Noir? Le Spa website. Bookings are via +33 (0)1 83 95 46 77 or lespa@danslenoir.com

Try a bespoke massage experience that truly intensifies the senses with Dans le Noir? Spa's selection of rejuvenating treatments

Indulgence in the ultra luxe Sanctum suite

Swish central London hotel Sanctum Soho has teamed up with celebrity skin expert Dr Neetu Nirdosh to offer guests a different kind of post-holiday glow at its Berkshire-based sister site Sanctum on the Green.

The Sanctum on the Green Experience

A 45-minute drive from London, tucked down a country lane and surrounded by fields, the hotel ticks a number of boutique boxes; nine individually designed rooms ranging from compact ‘crash pads’ with big flat screen TVs, complimentary film channels and REN products, to the luxury Sanctum suite complete with a six foot bath tub. Coupled with an outside heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sleek sun loungers, and bar and restaurant serving up cocktails and a menu of seasonal dishes from celebrity chef John Burton Race, and it makes for a nice chilled out weekend escape from the city. And, as I discovered on a recent visit, the perfect setting for the anti-ageing retreats it has launched in partnership with Dr Nirdosh.

After a quick check in, we congregate in the bar to meet Dr. Nirdosh for the first time. As soon as I set eyes on her, I find it very hard to look away. She looks pretty good in the promotional shots on her website; in the flesh she looks absolutely amazing; her skin glows and there’s not a line in sight. If she weren’t so genuinely lovely, I’d hate her. With her warm manner and the results of following her own programme on display, it’s easy to understand why she has a long list of star clients who fly into London especially to see her.

As we tuck into the array of ‘skin-friendly’ canapés laid out before us – asparagus wrapped in parma ham and blinis topped with freshly made fish paste; followed by summer berries and homemade wafery oat biscuits – the Dr noticeably skips the snacks and takes us through her methods for reversing the signs of aging: ‘wrinkles, dull drooping skin and a soft fat-ridden out of shape body’, and the six-week, four-step plan she has devised after years of research into the body’s own ageing triggers and hormones; one that promises to take the body from its natural ‘degenerative state’ and put it in a ‘regenerative state’. Still with me? It’s a method she devised after a busy lifestyle started to take its toll on her own looks and one that seems relatively easy, except for the six-hour fast between each meal. This little bombshell was perfectly timed with me popping another stick of asparagus into my mouth, a mere hour after I ate a substantial brunch in Soho. As a serial grazer, the thought of leaving so long in between meals seems nigh on impossible.

Dr Nirdosh’s Four Step Plan

● Step 1: Exercise – Exercise induced anti-ageing hormones release to tackle muscle tissue and collagen, as well as firm, tighten and lift the body.

● Step 2: Diet – Adopting special eating methods (including fasting) and eating specific foods to unlock the dormant anti-ageing gene we all have inside us, amplify anti aging hormones and boost cellular repair.

● Step 3: Skincare – Products to treat the outer layer of the skin and epidermis to boost skin cell immunity, healing wrinkles and age spots.

● Step 4: Supplement – A combination of ‘youth pills’ prescribed to tackle ageing in the inner skin layer that can’t be reached by surgery.

Personalised Advice…

With an emphasis on a natural approach to anti-ageing I was surprised when she touched on the subject of cosmetic fillers such as Botox and when it came to my appointment, I was worried Dr Nirdosh might try and encourage me to go down that route.

She advised me against it straight away, and instead after a brief chat about my lifestyle and diet and looking at my face close-up she suggested zinc, vitamin C and a high SPF to strengthen my skin from the dark spots it is prone to, as well as daily glass of Lycopene-rich tomato juice – also known for its anti-ageing properties. She also cited a vitamin B deficiency as the likely reason for the few lines I have on my forehead, caused by a busy lifestyle and insufficient fuel, and recommended I add that to my daily supplements. After my 40-minute taster, I left glowing from the intense mask and moisturiser she applied, and armed with lots of beneficial advice.

Sanctum on the Green and the added lure of the Dr Nirdosh Anti-Ageing Clinic would make for a great alternative girlie weekend or laid back hen do. There’s plenty here to have you leaving with a relaxed, youthful glow, if not from the Dr’s expert hands, then from one of the other pampering treats served up by the in-house therapist; not forgetting the powers of clean country air. Whether that also involves a bit of botox, is up to you…

For more information on the Dr Nirdosh Anti-Ageing Weekend Package and the hotel, see the Sanctum on the Green website

A short drive from London and surrounded by fields, boutique hotel Sanctum on the Green boasts its own relaxing facilities....

A selection of the easiest hair removal options available...

Long-lasting Removal

Permanent hair reduction is the holy grail when it comes to hair-free skin, so the latest developments are a godsend.  Obviously the easiest, although also the most expensive route, is a course of salon treatments.  The latest technology has moved away from the hair-burning lasers of yesterday to state of the art ultrasound that makes the whole process completely pain-free. Highly recommended is the Applisonix Selectif Pro Hair Removal system; the world’s first epilation machine to utilise ultrasound technology.  This groundbreaking method channels the ultrasound wave through the hair shaft and transforms the thermal energy through to the roots to heat, kill and remove the follicle.  As effective for fair skin as it is for darker skin tones, there are no side effects, no restrictions on exposure to the sun and there’s a 38% improvement after just two sessions, although a full course of six to eight sessions is recommended.

If committing to the expense of salon treatments seems too daunting, the latest home-use options are actually quite effective, albeit they can be more time-consuming. The Homedics mē is a salon treatment that you can use at home, promising a full body treatment in approximately 30 minutes, by combining both the power of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radio Frequency) energy. It’s clean, quick and easy to use, and is clinically proven to reduce body hair by up to 89% after four treatments, being suitable for the widest range of skin types and can be used on both the face and the body.

Still too much of an investment? The no!no! 8800 using Thermicon™ technology painlessly removes hair and slows down the rate of hair regrowth.  Using it around two or three times a week will result in thinner and finer regrowth.  While this does require a greater time commitment, it’s perfect for those who normally shave but want something more effective and with continued use, will result in near-permanent hair removal.

Hair Removal at Home

High-tech treatments are not for everyone and today there are some eco-friendly options available too.  Pink’s Boutique’s Soil Association-approved products include natural pre- and post-wax solutions made with soothing essential oils. You can ease the waxing process by prepping withe the organic pre-wax cleanser and a must-try is the  soothing after-wax Calming Lotion to really take the ouch-factor out of waxing.

If your pain threshold is even lower than waxing can accommodate, Sally Hansen’s Spray On, Shower Off Hair Removal Cream is a perfect choice for hair removal on the go.  You can use the drip-free mousse in the shower on arms, legs, bikini line and anywhere else!  The clever little spray even sprays upside down – so important for those hard to reach areas – and works well even on coarse, hard to remove hair.

Die-hard shavers will love the Venus Vibrance Razor from Gilette.  The girlie-pink razor has a soothing vibration motion that gently exfoliates skin as you shave to leave your skin looking radiant and fresh looking. The Vibrance has three ultra-thin blades for a close shave that lasts that little bit longer as well as moisture strips which lubricate the blades as you shave. Plus the ergonomic handle and soft grip make shaving quick and easy, even if you’re in a hurry.

And whatever method you choose, use the Veet Hair Minimising Moisturiser  to ensure that those little follicles don’t come back too soon! Suitable for daily use, the moisturiser softens re-growth and reduces the appearance of stubble, whilst hydrating deeply.

Tips on waxing from Expert Village

Start the day with healthy muffins...

From fast, healthy breakfasts on the run to tips on using your journey to work as part of your exercise regime, we show you how to make the most of your commute.

Brain Food

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day; you wouldn’t think of trying to drive a car with an empty tank – going without breakfast equates to pretty much the same thing! It can be all too easy to grab a quick croissant or fatty sandwich on the run and when we’re hungry, we’re less inclined to make healthy choices. A little forward-planning will ensure that you can start your day off with something healthy – and delicious!

● Boost your nutrient intake by choosing a breakfast muffin bursting with healthy seeds, nuts and fruits. It’ll keep you going all morning. Most cafes and supermarkets sell super-seeded muffins, or you could make your own. Start with a basic muffin recipe such as this one for Healthy Breakfast Muffins. You could switch the banana and blueberries for other seasonal summer fruits and you can add your favourite seeds, nuts and dried fruits for some added brain-boosting nutrients.

● For an quick, effort-free breakfast, try a delicious smoothie. Not only will a cool smoothie relieve the heat of stuffy train journeys, but by indulging in a summery breakfast smoothie you will also boost your vitamin intake. Again, shop-bought smoothies are great when you’re on the go, or you can make your own by blending seasonal berries with a dollop of natural low fat yoghurt.

● For that all important wake up call, try a calorie-friendly coffee by choosing one made with skimmed milk. Avoid adding extra fat by going for a simple but delicious skinny cappuccino.

Toning in Transit

Although there can be limited space on public transport, and sometimes it’s enough of a mad rush just to find a seat, you can incorporate exercise into your commute time.

● For a pert behind, try some clenches; when seated or standing, you can work your glutes to the max by clenching your muscles. Squeeze your glutes tightly, lifting upwards and holding for ten seconds. The hardest part of this exercise is trying to keep a relaxed face!

● Circulation can be an issue during a long commute, and it’s important to keep the blood pumping. Try not to sit cross legged, as this can cut off the blood supply to your legs which in turn slows down your circulation. Keep your legs awake and avoid the dreaded pins and needles by circling your ankles (being careful not to kick anyone…!)

● Tired shoulders are a common problem in the workplace. If you are slumped over a computer in your world of work, then try rolling your shoulders backwards and down a couple of times to relieve them.

● And relax… If you’ve had a particularly stressful day at work, then try tensing all the muscles in your body for a few seconds then releasing them. It’s an instant pick me up after a tough day in the office.

Take Some Me-Time…

Seeing your commute time as less of a slog and more of a chance for a little self-indulgence is a great way to incorporate some much needed me-time into your day. A survey in the latest issue of UK’s Good Housekeeping shows that nearly 50% of women spend less than half an hour on themselves each day. GH’s columnist Linda Gray notes how a commute can be a chance to indulge in some ‘me-time’. So why not lose yourself in a laugh-out-loud novel, download some relaxing music onto your iPod or pick up the latest fashion tips from your favourite lifestyle magazine? You’ll be at your destination before you know it.

Get a health kick early with this antioxidant smoothie recipe

Refreshments at The Chelsea Day Spa

You’ve increased the intensity and frequency of your workouts, avoided ice creams in the park, and now indulgent mornings lazing on the beach are finally on the horizon. Well, you may have skipped steps one and two, but for most of us it’s that time of year – time to relax and enjoy a summer holiday.

And the best way to prepare for a week or two of relaxation? With a blissed-out couple of hours at the spa. The Chelsea Day Spa’s Beach Body Beautiful package is a multi-tasking selection of treats that will prepare you for lounging next to the pool, whilst taking some time out in tranquil surroundings. The cute boutique spa is located in a quiet spot just off the chic shopping territory of the King’s Road in upmarket Chelsea, making it an ideal location to spend an afternoon with the girls. On arrival there’s a selection of refreshments on offer to make you feel at home, along with a warm welcome from the spa’s therapists, who really bring a personal touch to all of the services. The spa is prettily decorated, with fresh flowers, chintzy wallpaper and white furnishings; it’s a light, airy and feminine space – there’s no  New Age music or heavy incense here!

The package itself is a perfect mix of essential and luxurious pre-beach treatments and is guaranteed to put in you in the holiday mood.  There are three treatment options available of which you can choose any two as part of the Beach Body Beautiful plan. Depilation is a must at this time of year and so waxing (full leg, bikini, half arm, underarm and eyebrows are all included) is a certainly sage choice. Now for the indulgent bit; the spa’s New York manicure and pedicure – hands and feet are taken care of with a soak, massage and moisturising treatment, as well as the usual cuticle work and filing. There’s a dazzling range of Jessica nail colours to choose from, so you can select a shade to match your  swimwear.

A spray tan is a great way to get a blast of summer colour before you head to the sun and Vita Liberata’s odourless, organic tan is one of the best. There are three colour options available so that if you’re more of an English Rose than a Brazilian glamazon, you can be sure that you won’t look a fluorescent orange shade. Of course, it’s essential to exfoliate at home and skip the moisturiser so that your colour looks even and streak-free. Salon owner Faye Fasan is a pro when it comes to tanning and my tan lasted a full seven days and gave me a healthy glow that looked incredibly natural.

Even if you’re not jetting off beach-wards, the Beach Body Beautiful package is a delicious moment of summer indulgence, guaranteed to make you feel a million dollars – and in the mood for sipping a chilled cocktail whilst watching the sunset.

For more information on the Beach Body Beautiful package, see the Chelsea Day Spa’s website.

The cute boutique spa is located in a quiet spot just off the chic shopping territory of the King's Road in upmarket Chelsea...

Get truly blissed out at the Mandara Spa

As I lie back on the massage couch, eyes closed, nasal passages filled with the relaxing spicy scent of cloves, nutmeg and black pepper, skin tingling with the warmth of the just applied body wrap, and mind wandering off to a faraway place where chalk white sands and sparkling azure seas collide, it’s hard to fathom that just four floors up, London’s South Bank is buzzing away with Saturday life.

The scene for all this sensory pleasure is the Mandara Spa, a new addition to the Park Plaza hotel, and the first time the Balinese chain has opened in the UK; otherwise only found in the sort of exotic locations I can but dream of visiting in my current economical set-up.

My initial nod of appreciation is in recognition of how well the spa has achieved something so simple, yet sadly rarely achieved, and that’s a welcoming place to relax pre- and post-treatment. A peaceful white sofa-clad area, offering a generous complimentary spread of teas, moist cakes, dried and fresh fruit, and jugs of water flavoured with slices of orange and lemon; just the place to carry out the mundane – but important – task of filling out the obligatory forms. The décor too, a mix of traditional and contemporary Asian-inspired pieces in the form of the blown glass ‘bamboo forest’ and Japanese Shoji screens, is much more interesting than the drab stock photography that can often adorn the walls in such places.

Not just a pretty place, I’m quickly acknowledged by the receptionist and soon met by my therapist for the day, Aline, whose softly spoken French tones and warm presence would calm the most stressed of souls. Aromatherapy oil mix chosen – with an afternoon of activities planned, I select ‘Energised’; ‘Calming’, ‘Comforting’ and ‘Sensual’ are also available – she leads me through to my treatment room where I am to spend the next hour and 55 minutes enjoying the Mandara Harmony. The treatment promises to leave the recipient ‘refreshed and radiant’, though for those looking for something a little less timely or pricey, there’s a vast menu of traditional Balinese treatments, massages, Elemis facials, Bliss nails and waxing, even a 20 min power nap add-on for when you fancy just that little bit longer to enjoy the immediate after effects.

Aline kicks off the proceedings with an indulgent foot ritual, treating my aching marathon-trained tootsies to a gentle wash, detoxifying salt scrub and much needed rub, leaving me sporting a chilled grin to rival The Magic Roundabout’s Dylan. Next it’s over to the massage couch for part two, the full body cleanse (that’s a glorified wash to you and me), using the Island Paradise gel from Mandara Spa’s signature collection.

Despite the regular prompts to swap sides, I fall into a permanent state of semi-sleep, drifting between thoughts of how lovely the whole thing is, and how I wish I really was on that aforementioned beach. Before I know it, I’m doused in the Boreh wrap and cocooned in plastic and cloths – must nicer in practice than on paper – which is left to heat up and work its restorative magic while Aline sets to work on massaging my head and face, using firm pressure points in place of make-up smudging, greasy oils.

After a quick shower in the spacious ensuite cubicle to wash off the Boreh spices, I’m back on the bed and ready for the grand knot-kneading finale. Using long, firm strokes, coupled with the uplifting aromas of the energising Citrus Spice oil I selected at the start, Aline seeks out the aches in my back, calves and shoulders and pushes them away with a welcomed firmness that manages to be both soothing and relaxing.

Sadly, like all good things, it had to end at some point, and I’m soon dressed and back in the lounge supping on a mint tea to awake my senses in preparation for the real world; feeling, as promised, positively refreshed and revitalised.

Mandara Harmony is priced at £140.00 for 1hr 55mins. For more information and booking visit the Mandara Spa website or email mandaraspawestminster@pphe.com.

The calming, Balinese-inspired reception area at the Park Plaza Hotel's Mandara Spa brings an oriental flavour to luxe relaxation