SMOOTH flow

New treatments channel the healing energies of the sea and we road test some interesting new facial treatments

Thalgo French Riviera Marine Spa Ritual

Thalgo’s new treatment centres around stimulation of the five senses. Self-heating Warm Pebble massage tools help create a feeling of warmth, with flowing manual massage techniques inspired by the rocking of the ocean. There are three options: 90-minute or 120-minute body treatments and a 120-minute face and body ritual. All include a marine spa scrub to exfoliate and a French Riviera marine spa massage. This double massage begins on half of the back, alternating between deep upward movements and downward smoothing strokes. Droplets of warm oil then cover the lower part of the body as the massage criss-crosses between the hand and the Warm Pebble tool. A double massage of the front of the body follows. The longer body option also includes a marine spa body wrap while the face and body ritual includes a 60-minute facial with Micronised Marine Algae to detoxify and replenish skin.

Thalgo recommends charging £65-£75 for the 60-minute treatment, £140-£190 for the 120-minute body ritual and £120-£180 for the 120-minute face and body ritual. 020 7512 0872 / thalgo.co.uk

Tried and tested… Organic Pharmacy Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial

The lowdown: The Organic Pharmacy offers performance-driven organic and natural alternatives to conventional ingredients and skincare. Its treatment menu offers full-body and facial options, using products from its range.

The experience: I visited The Organic Pharmacy’s Chelsea Store for a Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial. On arrival, my therapist Renata Soline-Martinho went over my consultation questions, including a question about my stress levels.

I was led back to the treatment room, which was enhanced with spa music, candles and a warm duvet. Given the opportunity to inspect my skin, we agreed that it was quite dry, particularly on my forehead, and Soline-Martinho observed that it could be prone to sensitivity.

The treatment started with some deep breathing and aromatherapy, which is designed to bring focus to the time ahead. Soline-Martinho began with a cleanse and exfoliation, over my face, neck, decolletage and shoulders.

The Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial includes three different masks, all massaged over the upper body as well as the face, to decongest and brighten the skin.

They were all removed with a hot towel, adding to the luxury feel of the treatment.

A scalp and upper-body massage followed, helping with lymphatic drainage and relaxation. The crystal part of the facial came in the form of a rose quartz gua sha before a lymphatic facial massage.

After the treatment, Soline-Martinho allowed me to get up in my own time, and once I left the room, I was offered a floral tea before making my way back out into the busy streets of Chelsea.

The verdict: The Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial was a lovely break in the middle of a busy week. The luxurious touches combined with the evidence-based products made for a holistic experience, treating my skin and mind at the same time. I left the appointment with a serene energy that stayed with me through the day. My skin was moisturised and bouncy, and my face felt less puffy, with a more sculpted jawline.

Business benefits: Adding touches to a facial like candles, music, heated blankets, hot towels and massage can help create an atmosphere of luxury to a results-based treatment, adding to the price point without adding too much to the cost for the business.

Tried by Erin Leybourne

The Organic Pharmacy recommends charging £100 for the 60-minute facial. 0844 8008 399 / theorganicpharmacy.com

Circadia Luxelift Facial

Before and after one facial by Sam Duckworth, Circadia UK ambassador

This new facial from Circadia has been designed to rejuvenate and restore radiance, leaving the skin firm and hydrated. It begins with an optional pre-cleanse using Circadia’s Vitamin Veil Cleanser to gently prep and nourish the skin before a deep, hydrating cleanse with Amandola Milk Cleanser. Next, skin is exfoliated and revived with Raspberry Enzyme Powder and Activator, which help to smooth and brighten. Firming Peptide Enzyme Mask is then applied to the face to lift and and rejuvenate , followed by a cooling and calming Snow Algae & Spirulina Mask.

Emergency Eye Lift is then applied to hydrate and lift the skin in the eye area, before Circadia’s Moisture on Demand helps to lock in hydration, and Light Day Sunscreen SPF-37 is applied for protection.

Circadia recommends charging £100 to £120 for the facial, depending on location. 01462 481500 / circadiaskin.co.uk

Tried and tested…

Philosophia Botanica Gold Pearl Face Ritual

The lowdown: This luxurious and holistic facial combines mapping based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), meridian balancing, magnetic energy balancing, acupressure stimulation and a facial massage ritual that includes magnetic pearls.

The experience: This was my first time visiting the spa at Four Seasons Hotel London Park Lane and I have to say it is one of the most gorgeous I have seen. Walking into the reception area on the 10th floor, with its white curved finishings, was breathtaking. The view over London was spectacular and with the light streaming in it felt like heaven. I sat peacefully to complete my consultation with a hot towel and herbal tea.

The treatment rooms boasted equally wonderful views. My therapist Achara Chavanakunakorn continued the consultation in the room then took me through some of the scents and properties of the Philosophia Botanica oils available and showed me the gold pearls, which were beautiful and resembled gold caviar.

After a thorough cleanse, Chavanakunakorn showed me the TCM facial map and I learned that the frequent flare-ups I get on my cheeks could be down to issues with my gut.

A super-hydrating mask was then applied to my face and neck, then Chavanakunakorn gave me a wonderful arm massage while it worked its magic. After the mask was removed, an uplifting oil containing neroli was used for a facial massage. Then, she used a gold magnetic pen across my pressure points and along my lymphatic pathways. It felt cooling and refreshing, especially around my sinuses, before using a copper gua sha sculpting spoon to gently stimulate the skin and its sub-dermal layers, to encourage the natural production of elastin and collagen.

These tools are paired with gentle meridian massage techniques along acu-beauty pressure points to improve circulation, enhance the skin’s metabolism, relax strained facial muscles and lift and plump skin. Then it was time for the gold pearls, which she focused on applying to the acupressure points on my cheeks to target my stomach to improve my gut health. The pearls are then impressively removed with a swipe of the magnetic wand before the facial is finished with some nourishing ingredients.

The verdict: This was a truly luxurious treatment that lifted my spirits, not just my face. I loved how it incorporated ancient practices with Instagrammable elements. The beautiful setting added to the experience, making it one I will never forget. As well as being regulating for the body, it left my face genuinely more sculpted and smooth.

Business benefits: This treatment is so sharable it will sell itself. It will really appeal to clients who are into holistic treatments or those who avoid devices.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane charges £255 for the 90-minute facial. philosophiabotanica.com