Classy and slick are words that spring to mind when describing the charismatic four-star Montenotte Hotel in Cork. Its view of Cork could easily serve as the backdrop for any big TV series or movie as a filming location, but it turns out there's more to the hotel than just deadly views and snazzy interiors.
The award-winning Bellevue Spa is a boutique-style spa that just added a new beauty partner to its portfolio, Grown Alchemist. The Australian brand is stocked in Harrods and Brown Thomas and has some A-list fans including Gwyneth Paltrow and Charlize Theron.
If clean products is what your ethos is all about, the brand itself is vegan, cruelty-free and formulated with certified organic ingredients that are natural actives, improving skin cell health and optimising skin function. Lucky for me, I was invited to the Bellevue Spa to try a Grown Alchemist facial and it certainly lives up to the hype.
So what’s so special about this facial? Many things, but the massage technique used throughout the facial was the USP. The hour-long treatment is designed to rejuvenate undernourished and dehydrated skin and includes a double cleanse, exfoliation, gel masque and a series of creams and serums that will leave your skin luminous and dewy.
Huge emphasis was placed on blood flow with suction cups and cryotherapy balls being used to stimulate blood flow using lymphatic drainage techniques to achieve results. It’s also worth noting that usually when it comes to spa treatments, I normally shy away from facials. The reason being is I have acne-prone skin and find that my skin breaks out after facials because the products used aren’t oil-free. However, the Grown Alchemist product range is suitable for all skin types including oily skin which meant no breakouts post-facial.
Not only did I leave with a noticeable glow, but I felt like much of the tension from my neck, jaw and forehead lifted from the massage techniques used at different points throughout the treatment. A neck, scalp and hand massage were all part of the treatment and at the end a mask was applied to my hands which was heavenly. Afterwards, I got to dine in the atmospheric Panorama Bistro which was buzzing and not only was the food offering incredible but the views of Cork city were stunning.
If you’re stressed and want to take a moment to slow down and unwind with a relaxing treatment, then treat yourself to a Grown Alchemist facial at the Bellevue Spa with prices starting from €95.
For more information, see themontenottehotel.com.
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