Enter the swamp for an ogree-able spa experience
I’ve tried a few odd treatments as part of my remit. But none has been quite as wacky as the 30-minute Book a Swamp experience at Edinburgh’s Lush Spa. It’s currently available until mid-May, but has proved so popular that they may extend its availability longer.
This fun treatment is inspired by a Scottish icon – well, actor Mike Myers did the accent – Shrek, and the opening credits of the DreamWorks animation, when the titular ogre bathes in a uniquely unhygienic fashion. It’s also a showcase of the fun new Lush x Shrek range of products, many of which are, of course, green and squishy.
We start with a consultation and my therapist chooses a few products for me.
I opt for some classics, including cleanser Angels on Bare Skin and Skin Soothing Porridge, and they show me the Shrek Swamp Bath Bomb and an onion carriage soap – inspired by Shrek and Princess Fiona’s wedding vehicle – that I can use later. Then I’m led to the swamp, aka a therapy room featuring a rolltop bath.
The Shrek soundtrack goes on, and I’m left here to immerse myself. There are products galore, and the room is dressed like a grotto, with moss, ferns and a sign, like the one in the opening credits of the film.
I put on my porridge potion and iced cucumber
60
The 30-minute treatment costs £60
eye masks, dunk the bath bomb, which contains seaweed and peppermint, and use a little of the special soap.
It’s easy to lose track of time, but I’ve been told that Shrek will warn me when I have to get out.
After 20 minutes of soaking, I get out to cool off, and use the bathrobe and slippers. There’s a dressing table area, with more products, like Ultrabland to remove any residual makeup. And sure enough, at the 30-minute mark, I hear a voice, “Get out of my swamp”.
I’m met outside the room with a cuppa, a Gingerbread Man biscuit and a bag of the products I didn’t finish, plus samples and the remainder of the soap. An unusual experience, yes, but good clean fun. Book a Swamp, £60 for 30 minutes, Lush Spa, Princes Street (0131-225 4688, www.lush.com)