It's that time of year where everyone seems to be coughing and spluttering. We leave the house in the dark and come home in the dark, and it's that little bit more difficult to drag ourselves to the gym. We're lucky if we get one or two days of blue skies per week. It's no wonder that we become obsessed with getting some winter sun. After a testing few months, I knew I needed some pampering - I normally try and get an holistic treatment at least once a month (I'm a qualified therapist so I know the benefits) but I'd definitely fallen behind on my self-care routine.
I became a big fan of the Mineral House spa at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle last year when I attended a blogging event - I had one of the best massages in my life and enjoyed using the facilities - use your imagination whilst lounging by the ten metre pool and you could be sunning yourself abroad. I've been to the hotel for meetings since, but it's been too long since my last treatment there. The Mineral House is one of the only spas in the North East to use Germaine de Capuccini products in their face and body treatments, which help to create a memorable experience for spa clients (their anti-ageing products are some of the best on the market).
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| The treatment room and gorgeous Germaine de Capuccini products |
In an attempt the thwart the lethargy caused by the change of seasons, I decided upon the Winter Warmer Spa Day (which includes almost an hour of treatments and the use of the spa facilities for two hours) on a Saturday afternoon. My therapist introduced herself and took me through to the relaxing therapy room which smelled amazing. She asked me to choose a Mediterranean inspired candle (lavender, orange or citrus) and informed me that the wax would be drizzled over my back and used instead of oil in the massage (just the idea of it was making me drift off). After much debate I chose the citrus candle because I felt like I needed to be reinvigorated, and citrus oils are great if you need a lift.
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| You can add extra treatments to the package for next level pampering! |
She explained that I would receive a 55 minute Winter Ritual with three elements - a full body Pinda pressure point massage, the Mediterranean warming candle back massage and a Baobab scalp massage. The pressure point massage was divine - warm muslin pindas (plant pouches or healing pillows) are used to massage acupuncture points all over the body. It's like a 'no hands' deep tissue massage and the heat from the pindas is so warming and comforting. By the time your therapist is drizzling aromatherapy candle wax over your back, you're pretty much guaranteed to be drifting off. The combination of the warm wax and the soothing massage techniques is truly special. The ritual ends with the Baobab scalp massage, which helps to get rid of tension in the neck and scalp. I loved the smell of the nourishing Baobab seed oil (obtained from an African tree) and my scalp and hair felt fantastic afterwards.
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| The atmospheric jacuzzi |
I'm pretty sure my amazing therapist had to gently prod me awake as I was so relaxed after such a comprehensive pampering. Luckily I didn't have to move very far to find my robe and slippers and float to the lounger next to the pool, where I promptly fell asleep for twenty minutes. I managed to do a good few laps in between easing more knots out in the jacuzzi and sweating it out in the steam room. I was supposed to have dinner in Hawthorns Restaurant (the spa package includes a 20% discount in Hawthorns and the Gin Bar where you can create your own cocktails) but as I was still fighting off a cold I decided to come back to eat another time.
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| Get in a few lengths and feel energised in the ten metre pool |
The Winter Warmer Day Retreat is excellent value (just £55 for three mini treatments and use of the facilities, as well as the restaurant and bar discount) - great for a special gift or a treat for yourself if you're feeling a bit run down and uninspired. I left feeling rejuvenated and re-energised, and promised myself I would be back in four weeks (I've got my eye on the Crystal Harmony body massage next).
The Winter Warmer Spa Package is available in November and December 2017 and January 2018 and is priced at £55. To book call 0284 305 3149 or email info@mineralhouse-ncl.com
*I received this Spa Package in return for a review
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