Spending the morning at a spa is my idea of hell. No mobile phone or coffee and someone touching my feet must qualify as some sort of breach of human rights.
Sitting in the softly-lit relaxation suite wearing an oversized robe and slippers, I was a phone-less jittery mess.
Outside was a real world and inside was this haven of beautifully scented rooms, pampering and tranquility. I had no place here.
This was the new Voya Spa at Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel in Redcastle.
These organic beauty products are entirely seaweed based and utilise the natural nutrients and benefits of the sea.
I was about to experience my first spa massage treatment.
Truthfully, I had always viewed spa treatments as a whole lot of faff never-mind the mystery of ‘spa etiquette’.
I also may have needed a beauty overhaul before being allowed anywhere near a spa.
What the hell was I suppose to wear, if anything, under my squishy robe?
I sipped at the glass of sparkling water and stretched out on the comfy bed-seat.
I think I was starting to chill out.
The Relaxation Suite is a sumptuous large room with dim-lighting, the soft tinkling of a water feature and a choice of refreshing drinks. Everything to induce a state of relaxation was right in this room. It worked.
It could easily host large birthday groups, friends’ spa days or other celebrations as well as the perfect spot for ‘me time’.
My therapist, Áine, brought me to a treatment room where some paper pants (mystery solved) had been left for me. She left the room to allow me to change and relax on the massage bed.
I had opted for the Voya Organic Luscious Salt Glow body treatment. (60 mins, €65).
This is an all-over course body scrub followed by a shower and a relaxing massage.
The salt scrub is infused with Dead Sea salts and Fucus Serratus Seaweed oil and the aroma is deeply invigorating. The Spa also offers a medium course scrub treatment.
Áine deftly covered my body with this luscious concoction. It was a stimulating scrub and my skin was thoroughly but gently exfoliated. It is recommended for even the driest of skins.
I then had a shower to remove the scrub. My skin texture was already incredibly soft and I hadn’t yet had the massage.
Áine applied Voya body oil with a light pressure massage in sweeps and strokes along my body.
This was a luxurious massage and very relaxing.
I returned to the Relaxation Suite for a cooling drink before my Voya Express Organic Facial.
My face was gently exfoliated followed by a double cleanse. Among the products Áine chose to use, were Maskerade, an anti-ageing face mask which helps to replenish skins moisture and
My Little Hero – Voya’s super serum.
I left Redcastle with a great feeling of wellbeing and soft, velvety skin and a newfound appreciation that Spa treatment can be a little bit of heaven.
Brenda O’Neill was a guest of the team at the Voya Spa at Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel.
Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel
Inishowen Peninsula, Moville
County Donegal
Tel: +353 (0) 74 938 5555
Email: [email protected]
www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com
http://www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com/uploads/documents/Redcastle%20Hotel%20Spa%20Brochure%20Voya.pdf
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