Beauty

Feel the love with a treatment that’s ‘like a hug’ at Fletcher’s Cottage Spa

An Aromatherapy Associates treatment at Fletcher’s Cottage Spa

The treatment

Aromatherapy Associates’ We Strengthen, £90 for 60 minutes (includes use of facilities), at Fletcher’s Cottage Spa, Archerfield.

Why go?

Therapist and spa manager, Michelle, describes this treatment as “like a hug”, for those who are feeling somewhat depleted. It’s a bit of a showcase for Aromatherapy Associates’ gorgeous Inner Strength oil, which contains clary sage, rose, frankincense and cardamom, and was created by this brand’s founder, the late Geraldine Howard, to aid her psychologically when she was suffering from cancer. This treatment, teamed with the cosseting surroundings of what is probably my favourite Scottish spa, makes for the perfect boost to the spirits.

Our spy says

Although I love the Aroma Sauna and Marine Steam room here, it’s amazing how relaxing it is just to spend time in this spa’s own walled garden. I whipped off my squishy slippers and wandered around barefoot on the lawn, while admiring the sea of French lavender.

At the appointed time, Michelle collected me in the relaxation area and took me along to a plush treatment room, where my feet were bathed.

Once you’re lying on your back on the cloud-soft table, under a duvet, you’re coached to relax your body from toes to head, while inhaling the richly scented oils.

My heavy bonce sunk into the pillows and, though I don’t usually zone out so soon into the treatment, the next bit is a blur. After a bolster goes under my knees, and another under my ankles, my feet and legs are rubbed – I think – and shoulders.

Luckily for the purposes of this feature, I come round a bit when I’m told to wiggle onto my front. My back is massaged using soothing strokes from forearms, and there are firm movements along my spine, before my arms are draped over the side of the bed like fronds of seaweed and arms and hands are rubbed. Next, Michelle paints warm paraffin wax onto my shoulder blades, to help loosen the connective tissues. This quickly cools and is gently rubbed off.

Onto my back again, and my scalp, face, neck and even ears, get the massage treatment.

Then Michelle works on my stomach, using a gentle circular motion to release any areas of tension. My sore arches are fixed, as my feet and lower legs get some action, then the treatment draws sadly to a close.

Afterwards, you’re instructed to think of two positive words, then say them to yourself once the therapist has left the room. At a later date, repeat them whenever you need to.

The results

It feels as if all my cares and worries have been composted. I’m given a smoothie and berries to munch in the relaxation area, then I bimble outside. It’s probably advisable not to operate any heavy machinery after this treatment, just go home and catch some blissful zzzs.

Fletcher’s Cottage Spa, Archerfield, Dirleton (01620 897 580, www. archerfieldhouse.com)