Glorious mud: Great for warming the blood

THE PROBLEM

I feel the cold and dread the damp British winter. It creeps into my bones and makes me ache. So I was intrigued when I was offered the chance to visit a seaside spa offering ‘winter warming’ treatments that promise to boost the circulation.

THE SOLUTION

St Michaels Resort, a seaside retreat in Falmouth which has recently had a multi-millionpound transformation.

THE TREATMENT

Hours of warming indulgence and three treatments. First up: the exotic-sounding Rhassoul Mud Experience (one hour, £30). After I body scrub with a lychee paste so gorgeous I could eat it, I shower, slather on mud and lava clay, then sit in the darkened, tiled steam room, coloured lights twinkling, gentle music playing. I doze, waking to water spurting beside me, and rinse off the mud.

The thaw continues in the Cornish sea-salt steam room. Although 43C and humid, it’s sinus-clearing and stimulating – thanks to an infusion of salt and essential oils. I cool down in the ‘experience showers’ (side jets, mists, cloudbursts…) then reheat in the hydrotherapy pool, with 21 massage stations. In the Finnish barrel sauna, I rejoice in the dry heat and my warm bones.

Next, the Muscle Repair Massage & Mud (one hour, £65). Heated mud mixed with paraffin is poured on to my upper back, the warmth seeping into my muscles. Rapture! Then it’s straight into the Yoga Facial (one hour, £80). Divine-smelling Natura Bissé products are used – with facial yoga exercises that firm and warm the muscles. I leave rosy and radiating heat, and next morning, stroll outside – without my thermal vest!

Use of St Michaels Spa Hydrotherapy and Thermal areas costs from £30 per day but is complimentary to Spa Day guests and those who have booked treatments over £80. A Beach House Room with balcony/terrace and side-on bay view costs from £160 B&B. Details at stmichaelshotel.co.uk.