A Pampering Present
Mairead Robinson shares more ideas on looking and feeling fab at 50+
What could be a nicer present to give or receive than a voucher for a pampering session at a really good Spa? Many of us wish we could go away to somewhere warm and exotic to escape the cold, dark and damp days of our Irish winter. Indeed some of us do just that! The rest of us left behind can seek solace with some quality time in one of our world-class spas where we can spend some hours in a fluffy white robe having rejuvenating treatments that transport us to warmer climes. That is the idea – but do all the Spas actually deliver that experience? At a time when we are looking carefully at how we spend our money we want to make sure that we are not left feeling disappointed in any way, but rather uplifted and rejuvenated by a very positive experience.
Before the spa revolution came to Ireland a decade or so ago, it was to the East that we looked for such therapies and treatments, and indeed Asia is the birthplace of holistic healing and non-invasive techniques. India, Indonesia and Thailand offer wonderful spa locations, and yet I discovered recently that weather aside, Ireland can offer the same wonderfully soothing and professional ambiance. I visited the Angsana Spa at The Brehon Hotel in Killarney, the European flagship of the famous Thai celebrity haunt, The Banyan Tree. All the therapists are professionally trained at the Banyan Tree Academy in Phuket, Thailand. The Academy is renowned for its rigorous theoretical and practical training as well as for the development of its unique signature techniques and treatment recipes.
I was delighted to learn that this facility was available in Killarney as the Angasana properties across the world are purposely located in unique visitor destinations. Of course when I looked out the window from my room in The Brehon at the majestic mountains and rolling landscape, I realized that we too have great scenery in Ireland!
The Angasana Spa is located on the lower floor of the hotel, accessed by the lift and is a world away from the hotel’s activities. The ambiance is calm and soothing and each design detail plays a part in creating the whole ambiance. Reception is friendly and unhurried and great care is taken in ensuring that the treatments chosen are exactly suited to what you want/feel/need at the time. The choice is comprehensive with Massages; Rasul and Rainshower Specials; Facials; Body Polishes and signature treatments and packages available. I chose the Signature Angsana body massage with particular attention to loosening the tension in my shoulders and improving the circulation. I followed that with an Instant Lift Facial for mature skin with anti-aging and brightening effects.
I was really impressed, as not only did the treatments do what I hoped they would, but the whole experience was enhanced by the intuitive and professional skill of the therapist, Pin from Phuket. I have no doubt that were I to fly over to the beaches of Thailand and stay in one of their top hotels, I would not have had a better treatment.
Having visited Thailand a couple of times as I have family living there, I know just how wonderful the Thai people are when it comes to making you feel comfortable, and their gentle and friendly nature has led to their country being known as “The Land of Smiles”.If you need a lift this winter you should check out The Brehon Hotel – www.thebrehon.com – and arrange a visit to Angsana Spa. There are some great packages available, especially midweek where you can relax in exotic luxury and indulge in some pampering therapy. Don’t forget to visit the Vitality Suite first to warm up the body. The Herb Sauna, Crystal Steam Room and Tropical Shower are all well worth experiencing, as is the pool itself which has strategically placed jets to massage the body where you need it. I was lucky in that I had the pool to myself as I visited on a quiet Monday afternoon. There is a lot to be said for being able to avail of these facilities mid-week, and it is not just a better rate!
The Brehon Hotel, Killarney 064-6623917 angsanaspa@thebrehon.com
Finally a word on semi-permanent make-up. It is very popular with all ages, and is often the secret behind how some of the world’s leading models and actresses always look so stunning. Many people also loose eyebrows through cancer treatments, alopecia, too much tweezing or even loosing them as the years go by. Yet for women to have a perfectly shaped natural looking brow can make them look so much younger. This is where eyebrow contour comes in where pigment is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin, lifting the eyes and giving a more youthful appearance. So you can say ‘goodbye’ to the pencil where you have to draw your eyebrows on each morning. You can get more details on this and other similar procedures at Bellaza in Dublin www.bellazabeauty.com
If you have any questions or tips on beauty care you can contact me at mairead.seniorbeauty@gmail.com
