Apart from being a great gift or personal treat, different types of massage can be used to relieve pain, reduce stress and tension, relax knotted muscles, promote circulation and cleansing of the body's waste and to promote restful sleep.
Some types of massage can also help with the symptoms of PMT, emotional trauma and even skin complaints - what more reasons could you possibly need to indulge in one of the best beauty treats we know?
Read the massages ELLE recommends below and find the one to suit your needs and budget.
Price: £180
Stockist: Spa Intercontinental
Best for: deep relaxation.
If you are in need of a treatment which not only relaxes but actually works then the English rose Signature Treatment at Spa Intercontinental is for you.
The treatment starts with a luxurious rose petal foot soak, scrub and massage to instantly relax you. This is followed by hot towels, infused with rose oil, placed across the back to open the pores, soften the skin and to help relax you further.
Warm rose oils are then used with a combination of Balinese, Thai, Hawaiian and Hot Stone massage to banish tension. Don’t be alarmed but the therapist climbs onto the bed to work on your muscles, the techniques used reach even the deepest muscles to completely relax – perfect for fans of the notoriously heavy handed Swedish massage.
This is followed by an Elemis face mask and massage, which leaves skin glowing. While the mask sets to work, the therapist will give you a hand, arm and scalp massage to complete the treatment.
The whole experience takes two hours and afterwards we guarantee you will feel more relaxed than after a week holiday, plus the warm oils and creams used during the treatment will leave your skin super soft for days. Once you’re dressed the therapist will have a pot of White Peony and Rose Tea waiting for you in the lounge.
Price: £125
Stockist: Jo Malone
Best for : a de-stressing body treatment, a luxurious pre-wedding or pre-holiday treat.
If you’re in need of some first class pampering, you’ll absolutely love Jo Malone’s signature body treatment. If you’re already a fan of her products and scents then this is the must-try treat for you and comes highly recommended by us.
Not just a massage, the Body Treatment also includes head-to-toe exfoliation so you’re guaranteed to leave not just super relaxed, but with baby-soft skin too.
From the moment you step into Jo Malone’s treatment rooms you’ll notice the incredible attention to detail. During your consultation your therapist will ask where your problem areas are, aches and pains, where you carry your stress etc, and will make sure she knows exactly how you like the pressure of your massage. Essence of lime blossom oil scents the room and you’re given two sets of bathrobes and slippers so that in between the exfoliation and massage you can shower and won’t get scrub grains onto the freshly made bed before the massage begins. It is this kind of detail – from the velvet pouch for your jewellery to the heated treatment bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and cashmere covers - that sets Jo Malone’s treatments apart.
Once comfortable on your heated bed the vitamin E Body scrub is massaged from head to toe, you’ll be rubbed down with hot cloths and then enjoy a shower using as many Jo Malone shower products as you like.
Once dry and wrapped up snugly your massage then begins, using warmed Vitamin E Body Oil. From feet to finger tips, this is a truly heavenly massage. To end a Lime Basil and Mandarin scent is spritzed onto legs and arms to invigorate the senses. You should leave the body oil to sink in for as long as you can after the treatment and your skin will be buffed, polished and baby soft for days.
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