Beauty

One Spa’s treatment for those living with and recovering from cancer is 80 minutes of pure TLC

One Spa’s soothing Made for Life treatment

The treatment

Made for Life by Spiezia Organics’ new Hand on Heart treatment, £107 for 80 minutes, at One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh.

Why go?

This unique treatment has been created for people living with and recovering from cancer, and One Spa is the first spa in Edinburgh to have therapists trained to carry out this therapy.

According to this brand’s Cornwallbased founder, Amanda Barlow, most spas will reject cancer sufferers, at a time in their life when they could benefit from relaxation and touch therapy.

Made for Life by Spiezia Organics have been thorough with the design of this experience, by interviewing oncologists to find out which massage moves are suitable. They’ve even researched which scents are most palatable for those undergoing chemotherapy and its accompanying nausea and other side effects (rose is the winner). Also, their 100 per cent organic and handmade products are so natural, you could eat them (indeed, there are recipes on their website), so there are no dodgy chemicals.

Our spy says

I’m not a cancer sufferer, but this bespoke treatment is open to all, including those who are stressed and anxious, or just want a gentler experience. Once you’re lying on your front, it begins with a gentle rub of the scalp then, once the towel has been slowly rolled down, there’s an upper back and shoulder rub, using slow and rhythmic Tui Na finger pressure massage techniques. It’s much softer than I’m used to, no deep tissue or forearms used, and very hypnotic.

After around half an hour of this, my therapist, Sandra, asks me to roll onto my back so she can perform the facial element of the experience, which is designed to replenish, nourish and revive.

Many of their products contain beeswax, which may account for the amazingly silky textures. Sandra sweeps on some of their Daily Radiance Facial Cleansing Balm, with calendula, clove and clary sage, then wipes it off with hot towels. Then she uses a gently scrubbing Brightening Facial Exfoliator with rose, chamomile and vanilla bean, toner, and other rich and velvety balms and herbal potions. It smells like I’m in a lovely garden.

Finally, a warm lavender mask is placed over my eyes, and my décolleté, scalp, shoulders and neck are gently smoothed and soothed. Heaven.

The results

I feel very relaxed, but not groggy, with skin cocooned in a layer of calendula-scented balm. I’d say this is the ideal nurturing treatment for those who are most in need of some TLC. n

One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, 8 Conference Square, Edinburgh (0131-221 7777, www.onespa.com)