Spa spy Spoilt for choice

Choose your favourite treatments as part of a delightfully relaxing package at Radisson Blu, Edinburgh

The treatment

Pick & Mix Spa at Sleeping Beauty at Melrose Spa, Radisson Blu, Edinburgh. From a choice of five 30-minute treatments, choose from a Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Elemis Taster Facial, Signature Salt Glow Exfoliation, Indian Head Massage or a Paraffin Wax Hand Treatment, one for £40, two for £60, or three for £75; add an afternoon tea in the hotel for an additional £20. This includes use of the spa facilities featuring a large steam room, sauna and swimming pool. Available to buy until 30 September (once purchased you will receive an e-voucher valid for 12 months).

Why go?

If, as a child in Woolies, you’d want one of every sort of sweet, rather than a single variety, this might be a suitable option for you. In the time slot that’s available, I have space for two treatments and choose a couple of ever-green classics – the facial, and the back, neck and shoulder.

Our spy says

Nicole is my therapist today. She gives me fuzzy slippers and a brown towelling robe to change into, and, once I’m suitably clad, she takes me to the treatment room.

We’re going to kick off with pick ‘n’ mix numero uno – the massage – and I’m offered what looks like three milk bottles full of oil to sniff. The first two aren’t hitting the spot, but number three is a lovely orange-y rosemaryish blend.

“Energising,” says Nicole. “That’s been popular lately.”

I get face down on the bed, tune in to the twinkly music and try not to nod off, as my back is massaged with medium to firm pressure, using elbows and forearms from my sacrum to shoulder blades. My spine is pressed along the sides, as if it’s being zipped up, shoulder knots are untied and the scruff of my neck is gently squeezed. So good, I didn’t realise how much I needed a massage until it was actually happening.

Once this blissful 30 minutes is up – sob – I turn onto my back for the facial, which involves Elemis products.

It’s a bit of a sensory journey, since everything smells appealing, from the Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser to the rose and mimosa scented Pro-collagen Cleansing Balm that’s lavishly massaged on. I’m given a slough with Skin Buff, then a layer of Pro-collagen Marine Mask goes on for around ten minutes – time that Nicole uses to give me a hand and arm rub with warmed oil, before taking off my face mask with a hot towel.

We finish off with an Elemis favourite, a couple of the rich Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules and there’s a touch of Pro-radiance Illuminating Eye Balm, which is massaged round my orbits.

The results

Although I’m still partial to a Kola Kube and a Jazzy, this is the best sort of pick ‘n’ mix. Just as enjoyable, but with zero tooth rot. n