Spa spy Just ginspirational

It’s easy to get into the spirit of things with a treatment at The Gin Spa, Glasgow

The treatment

Signature Facial, £75 for 60 minutes, at The Gin Spa, includes gin cocktail and Justbe aromatherapy chocolate.

Why go?

If you worship mother’s ruin. This spa was created by the team behind Glasgow and Edinburgh bars, Gin71, and Scottish aromatherapy brand, Justbe, both of whom were inspired by the many botanicals, from juniper to rosemary, that go into the popular spirit.

Our spy says

After pounding Glasgow’s streets in the rain, I would’ve been happy to go straight for the tipple. However, it’s worth noting that this is very much a spa first and, on my visit, it’s still morning. Patience.

My hour or so of pampering kicks off with a lemongrass and ginger tea, then my therapist Melanie presents me with a stack of cards and I’m instructed to take one from the top, one from the bottom and another from the middle.

Each features a positive affirmation, to keep in mind through the journey. So, there’s; “Live as if this is all there is”, as well as “Be gentle with yourself and others” and “Indulge in a little positive pampering”.

I’ll take that. Also, based on my consultation, in which I ask to feel invigorated, Melanie opts for two of the six Justbe aromatherapy “experiences”, which are Happy, Active, Tranquil, Pure, Detox or Energised, and uses a rollerball to apply the scents to my wrists so I can choose which one I gravitate towards. I go for Energised, with geranium, pink grapefruit and ylang-ylang, which will be used throughout my facial.

Gin yet? No, I’m into the cosy treatment room, where I slide under a furry blanket.

Using the prescribed potions, my eye makeup is removed and the treatment moves straight onto the massage bit (usually at the end), with work on my neck, décolleté and shoulders that helps me relax into the experience.

There’s a thorough cleanse, a gentle scrub with a potion containing jojoba beads, and a gel-like mask is painted onto my face. While this is working, Melanie gives me a hand and arm massage, which involves my palms being rubbed, wrists circled and forearms smoothed. My arms are lifted out and overhead, so she can slide a hand underneath my back to get at the knots.

After this, the mask is removed, then there’s more blissful massage, before moisturiser, eye cream and lip balm are applied.

We’re done, so Melanie leaves the room and re-enters with water, a couple of squares of Justbe Energised Aromatherapy Chocolate, which contains geranium and cardamom, and the cards I’d chosen at the beginning of the session.

The results

Post-treatment and you’re given a gin from their collection. However, I’m already so chilled that I ask for my bottle of Eden Mill Citrus Fizz to take away. One for the relaxation road. n The Gin Spa (2 Virginia Court, Merchant City, Glasgow, 0141-471 0419, www.ginspa.co.uk)