G&V Spa’s new treatment, plus product reviews

Hebridean seaweed products are at the heart of G&V Spa’s updated treatments

The treatment

The 90-minute G&V Signature Pamper Treatment, £90, at the G&V Spa, Edinburgh. This includes a back massage, facial and paraffin wax hand treatment.

Why go?

There have been gradual changes at this five-star gaff, formerly Hotel Missoni, since it was turned into a G&V three and a bit years ago. The previously open-plan ground floor space has been partitioned, there are beehives on the roof and a new bar, Epicurean. As part of those transformations, the spa now offers updated treatments that feature products from the lovely Hebridean seaweed range, Ishga.

Our spy says

It’s a wee while since I visited this basement spa, and the decor looks a little different. According to therapist Rebecca, there are more changes on the way in 2018, when the spa will have a complete overhaul. For now, it’s business as usual, with their two therapy rooms and relaxation area.

Once I’m up on the treatment bed, it’s on to the back and leg massage, with Rebecca using a body oil that smells of juniper and lemongrass, along with moves that feel fluid and flowing, like swirls and eddies. I feel like a strand of kelp in the tide. She’s really good at checking if the pressure is firm enough, so you can adjust to your preference. I ask her not to spare the seahorses, and she doesn’t. After a lovely 40 minutes or so, it’s time for me to turn onto my back, so the paraffin mitts can be applied. I slide each hand into a plastic bag full of hot wax, which quickly cools to a less intimidating heat. My mother-in-law used to be a physiotherapist, and says that this was always a great therapy for arthritis. I don’t suffer from that, but my leathery skin and crusty joints are loving the warmth.

Then it’s time for my facial, when I get to sample all the Ishga unguents, including rich oils and creams that gently remove my make-up. However, the most interesting product (salon only) is the mask. It’s painted thickly on to my skin, and smells healthily pungent (it’s a dark brown-green shade, like freshly pulped seaweed).

While this is working, my solidified mitts are slid off and the remaining wax towelled away. Then the mask is gently removed, and my skin is anointed with a touch of Antioxidant Marine Face Cream.

The results

I feel like I’ve been under the sea, and now I’m resurfacing, in the G&V lift, to be reborn on the ground floor, with freshly radiant skin and a spring in my step. n