Treatment For Two: 4 Of The Best Irish Pampering Treatments For Mums-To-Be
By IMAGE
25th Nov 2017
25th Nov 2017
Even the most fashionable mums-to-be can feel and look frazzled in the run-up to D-day. Here, three stylish expectant women in need of some serious TLC road test the best pregnancy pampering options.
THE ICE HOUSE
THE TREATMENT A Voya Organic Hydrating Body Scrub followed by a Massage with Mini Voya Facial.
THE LOWDOWN Tired, dry limbs are exfoliated using the Time to Shine gentle body polish, featuring finely ground walnut shells, after which a blend of almond oil, seaweed, and ginger extracts deeply nourishes the skin. en, the back, shoulders, and neck are massaged followed by a Mini Voya Facial to hydrate and brighten the complexion.
THE RESULT Before the treatment, my therapist Mae enquired about the state
of my skin and we discussed suitable products for my needs. Like many mums-to-be, I was suffering from an outbreak, so Mae recommended the Get Glowing organic clay mask. e highlight for me, though, was the Ritzy Spritzy – a facial spray that left my skin feeling amazing. Mae also recommended using both an oil and moisturiser to help combat stretch marks, and suggested I leave the products on overnight to gain the full benefit. I left feeling super-relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to face the next trimester, suitably glowing.
USP The Chill Spa uses the Irish seaweed- based Voya range, plus the views from the spa’s relaxation room are simply breathtaking and enhance the whole chilled-out vibe. If that’s not enough, the Riverside thermal area features a spa garden, steam room, and outdoor barrel sauna.
INSIDER’S To allow the oils to continue to nourish skin overnight, make sure to allow time to enjoy the spa facilities before your treatment. Denise Walker
Voya Organic Hydrating Body Scrub, €80 for 60 minutes; Massage with Mini Voya Facial, €80 for 60 minutes. The Chill Spa at The Ice House Hotel, Ballina, Mayo, 096 23500; icehousehotel.ie.
POWERSCOURT RESORT
THE TREATMENT A Maternity Massage.
THE LOWDOWN is one-hour, deeply nourishing body massage is designed to target areas prone to stress and tension during pregnancy. Specifically designed to suit your individual concerns, it focuses on the areas needed to alleviate muscular aches, whilst helping to relax, restore and revitalise.
THE RESULT My therapist, Sabrina, asked if there were any areas that needed particular attention, then asked me to lie on my side for the back and leg massage. I was then switched over to the other side before finally lying on my back – propped up to avoid dizziness – for the arms and front of legs. In comparison to other pregnancy massages I’ve had, this was top of the list. Sabrina wasn’t afraid to apply pressure and really relieve the tension I mentioned in my assessment and that she discovered during the session.
USP A lot of therapists go very gently in maternity massages, and while the experience may be pleasant, this doesn’t tend to have any after effect. This was different. I relaxed so much that when the therapist left the room to get me a glass of water after the treatment was finished, I fell asleep. I continued my rest in the relaxation room, which overlooks the beautiful estate of Powerscourt, where I slept for an hour – tension-free for the first time in months.
INSIDER’S TIP After this treatment, I’d advise the only thing you do is go for a dip in the beautiful swimming pool located downstairs and, of course, refuel in the spa cafe?, upstairs in the bar or somewhere equally delightful and calm. Don’t go anywhere that will ruin your zen. For the following two nights, I slept like a baby, feeling completely loosened up and pain-free. I’ll be booking in again, post-baby. Ann Hogan
Maternity Massage, €110 midweek; €120 at weekends. Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, 01 274 8888; powerscourthotel.com.
KILLASHEE HOTEL
THE TREATMENT The Basq Head to Toe Experience.
THE LOWDOWN The treatment begins with a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage to release tension and stress, followed by gentle dry brushing to increase circulation, and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. e Basq Resilient Body Oil and Mega Moisture Butter are then applied to treat skin and help prevent stretch marks.
THE RESULT My massage instantly relaxed me, and the exfoliation was a very subtle, non-invasive treatment. Whilst the cream and oil absorbed into my skin, my lower legs were also massaged to assist circulation and reduce swelling and heaviness. I left completely zenned out.
USP The Basq products made this treatment so special. Their aroma, textu, e and effect on skin were incredible. I already want to book in for another treatment before my due date.
INSIDER’S TIP After the treatment, I felt quite sleepy, so I’d advise mums-to-be take plenty of time in the relaxation area afterwards to come back to life, drink plenty of water and arrange to have someone pick you up at the end of the day. Ciara Cosgrove
Basq Head to Toe Experience, €130 for 85 minutes. Killashee Hotel & Spa, Naas, Co Kildare, 045 879277; killasheehotel.com.
FARNHAM ESTATE
THE TREATMENT A Yon-Ka Maternity Massage.
THE LOWDOWN A gentle full body massage designed specifically for pregnancy using targeted oils for the prevention of stretch marks and optimum skin elasticity. The therapist uses specific pre-natal techniques, and products that are paraben- and sulphate-free, to help you relax, increase circulation, alleviate tired muscles and reduce water retention. As you can’t lie on your stomach when pregnant, the back massage has been modified and is done in a safe and comfortable position for both mum and bump.
THE RESULT The Yon-Ka products that were used throughout really made this different from any other treatment I’ve had; so much so that I ended up buying two products afterwards, and I’m still enjoying them at home.
USP The location. e beautiful grounds the hotel is situated on sets the scene perfectly upon arrival and immediately preps you for the treats in store.
INSIDER’S TIP is treatment will leave you wanting more, so my advice is to book another treatment to follow so you can really enjoy an afternoon of well- deserved pampering. Also, make sure to spend some time in the relaxation room before or after the treatment – it’s a must for the full experience. Ciara Cosgrove
Yon-Ka Maternity Massage, €85 for 60 minutes, Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, Cavan, 049 437 7700; farnhamestate.ie.
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