Relax at the spa
AS I entered the grounds of the picturesque 11th-century Risley Hall, the leaves were falling and a cold autumn wind was whipping across the 17 acres of land surrounding the manor house, off Derby Road, Risley.
But, as I stepped inside the health and beauty spa, set slightly back from the hotel, the blustery Derbyshire afternoon suddenly seemed a million miles away.
Soothing music, tranquil water features and warm scented air surrounded me as I was greeted by a smiling receptionist.
Having never been lucky enough to experience this kind of pampering treatment before, I could barely contain my excitement as I was led into the spa's restaurant and asked to fill in a form detailing my skin type, lifestyle and allergies.
I was booked in for the two-hour Absolute Spa Ritual, described in the brochure as "ultimate skin therapy".
After dressing in the obligatory white fluffy robe, I was led to the treatment room by my therapist for the afternoon, Laura.
I settled myself on the massage table and let the soft music wash over me as the lights on the ceiling slowly changed colour.
The first part of my treatment was a deep tissue muscle massage, designed to alleviate stress and ease aching muscles.
Before starting Laura asked me if I suffered any back pain. I told her I experienced the odd twinge in my lower back and then she got to work.
Laura explained that she would be using the Elemis cellutox active body concentrate during the massage – a citrus body oil containing ingredients such as sea fennel, lemon and juniper which would all help to combat the build-up of toxins in the skin, caused by a stressful modern lifestyle. It smelled delicious and, as she began working on my shoulders, I closed my eyes and began to unwind.
Having worked her way across my back, Laura moved on to my arms, legs and finally feet – a part I enjoyed immensely but which would probably be tortuous for anyone more ticklish.
I then moved on to my back and she worked her way back up, paying attention to my arms and hands.
After that I was wrapped up in yet more fluffy towels as Laura prepared to carry out the second part of the treatment – the facial.
I had earlier been given a choice of three facials to choose from, each targeting a specific skin type.
I chose the herbal lavender repair facial, designed for combination and oily skin, which restores balance and heals and repairs oily, problem and congested skin.
As Laura applied each product she explained what it was and why she was using it. A lime blossom cleanser, lavender toner and lavender repair mask were all applied, along with a gentle rose exfoliator – all of which smelled beautiful and very natural. Between each step, warm flannels were applied, followed by the final moisturiser and eye serum.
Laura then left me with a glass of water and I attempted to drag myself back to reality – no mean feat after spending two hours in a state of total relaxation.
With a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and dry sauna, there is plenty for spa visitors to enjoy before and after their treatments.
Packages include a day membership, entitling you to complete access to the spa's facilities, as well as a nutritious lunch, for £40, with treatments charged on top. And for those who fancy a longer stay there are one or two-day breaks available.
With Christmas around the corner, it provides the perfect escape for stressed out shoppers. Or why not treat a friend, sibling or parent to a relaxing treatment? That gives you the a perfect excuse to join them.
What: Risley Hall Health and Beauty Spa
Where: Risley Hall, Derby Road, Risley.
Information: For more information about the treatments on offer call the spa on 0115 939 0909. For more information about Elemis products visit www.elemis.com.
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