Pure Spa ... A Shopping Sanctuary

Shopping and pampering don’t always go hand in hand for me. As much as I love a bit of retail therapy, it stresses me out – a mixture of impulse buys and a race to the last size 4 leopard loafers has me breaking out into a cold sweat, not to mention my measly looking bank balance at the end of it.


It had never occurred to me to visit a spa at a shopping centre before and in all honesty before my experience with one, I would have questioned the quality. Location, location, location …. But maybe Pure Spa have hit the nail on the proverbial head with their shopping centre based salons.

I was invited along to try out Pure Spa at Silverburn Shopping Centre, just outside Glasgow. I was well aware of it’s whereabouts on the 2nd Floor of the centre as my 2 sisters-in-law visit regularly but I was still a bit of a cynic. Surely, it was hard to leave the noise and buzz of the crowds below, even in the confines of a spa…

I was wrong. The minute I entered the salon, I was met with friendly staff who made me feel comfortable and the sense of calm and tranquillity in the salon was immediately noticeable. The salon looks deceivably small and I wondered where I would having my facial with only some nail stations and pedicure thrones in my visibility. However, what seemed like secret rooms lie beyond the reception of the salon and it’s behind these doors that the pamper journey begins.

Behind the doors are ample changing rooms and a snoozy chill out room for some extra downtime between treatments. The treatment rooms were dotted around the chill out room so you could literally roll off the bed and onto a comfy lounger to relax a little longer after your pamper session. I was booked in for a facial and I was delighted to see Pure Spa use Elemis products. It has been a long time since I have used Elemis but it has always been one of my favourite brands for skincare products and everything smells divine! I was given a quick foot massage (which I squirmed the whole way through as I am so tickly) before going through a skin consultation with my therapist and settling on the Visible Brilliance Anti-Ageing Facial.

The next 40 minutes were sheer bliss. My skin was cleansed, massaged, oiled up and completely re-hydrated while I lay snoozing and hoping beyond all hope I wasn’t snoring!! My skin felt completely refreshed at the end with the oils left on to absorb throughout the rest of my evening.

Unlike my initial opinion, it didn’t feel weird at all being in a spa in the middle of a shopping centre, instead feeling like a sanctuary from the madness of spending too many pennies and stressing about the next party outfit to be had. The quality of the salon and the therapists were also certainly not scrimped on like my pre-conceived notion of a shoddy get up for ‘on the run’ females looking for a quick nail fix or a half leg wax. In fact, I look forward to when I can visit again with a friend for a day of what we love most, shopping and pampering!!

You can find Pure Spa's at Silverburn Glasgow, Ocean Terminal Edinburgh, Union Square Aberdeen and Lothian Road Edinburgh.  They have lots of great packages available for Christmas which may act as a saviour after some hectic Christmas Shopping!

Jessica GELeration at the Rainbow Rooms

Before I jetted off to Morocco, I was in desperate need of a good manicure and pedicure, specifically gel.  I knew I could rely on gel nails for my holiday as the finish is so groomed and the results last for up to 2 weeks.

I rather jammily ended up being sent to the Rainbow Rooms for their Jessica GELeration mani/pedi.  I was looked after by Alison who kept me amused for the 2 hours as well as convincing me to have a wax at the end of the treatments but that's another story!!

Confident Coral

Jessica GELeration is applied exactly like Shellac as all gel nails are, it's just the branding and colour range that differs.  I went with 'Confident Coral' on my hands and a dark wine shade on my toes, I'm afraid I can't remember the name.

I apologise profusely for this picture!!

Confident Coral is an utterly gorgeous, vibrant shade and was just perfect for a week in the sun.  As much as I can't really tell any real difference between GELeration and Shellac, I did feel the quality of GELeration was slightly better and it seems to have lasted slightly longer but this could be down to a number of factors including not having to do any washing up or cleaning for a week while on vacation!

Prices start at £42 for Jessica GELeration at the Rainbow Rooms.  Expensive but very pretty.

Do you have a preference in Gel nails?

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Zen Lifestyle

A couple of weeks ago I was invited along to gorgeous Zen Lifestyle at Teviot Place in the Edinburgh.  Zen Lifestyle have a few salons around the city and have a wonderful reputation and numerous awards under their belt.

I went along to find out why ...

I was booked in for hot stone massage and shellac manicure, something I had been dying to try out.  My therapist for the day was the gorgeous Katie (who has the most perfect skin ever!).

I have visited a lot of spa's recently and have tried various treatments but the hot stone massage is the one I keep coming back to.  Let me tell you, the hot stone massage I received at Zen is one of the best I have experienced - it was absolute bliss!

This may all be thanks to Katie who used just the right amount of pressure and worked gently on my problem areas.  What impressed me most was the after advice given.  Usually I have my hour massage, I may get advised of some problem areas from the therapist but there is never really a solution.  However, Katie made sure to let me know of certain exercises I could do to help ease pain and discomfort in my back as well as some yoga techniques to ease tight/stress areas.  And the techniques she advised, really do help!

After my massage, I went upstairs to have my nails shellac'd and have a good gossip with Katie.  A joy to chat too and she also did a fantastic job on my nails.  Queue  blurry photo ...

I also had to quiz Katie about her flawless skin.  It seems she is one of the lucky ones who nature has been ever so kind to but she does owe some of it to the advice and products of Dr Murad, which is stocked at Zen Lifestyle.

Thanks to Zen Lifestyle and Katie for such a lovely, self indulgent day :)

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Blythswood Square Spa

You might remember a few months ago I attended a blogger event hosted by Scottish Ballet at Glasgow's 5 Star Blythswood Hotel & Spa.

At the event Blythswood kindly gave us some complimentary passes to their Spa's Thermal Experience so a few weeks ago, I got round to booking a girly day at the spa with my 2 sisters in law, Esther and Katie.

First of all, when you enter Blythswood Hotel, it is impossible to escape how gorgeous it is.  It previously was home to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club which is reflected in it's contemporary decor while keeping many of the traditional and somewhat breathtaking aspects of the building.

We were directed down to the spa level which feels like entering another world in comparison to the glitz of the main hotel, plush yet zen like furnishings, dimmed mood lighting, relaxing scents and friendly informative staff greet you as you enter.  The staff couldn't be more helpful, directing us to the changing rooms where you have your own personal locker equipped with towels, flip flops, robe and a bottle of water for your convenience.  They have thought of everything!

As we wanted to make a day of it, we had also booked treatments but that wasn't before experiencing the exclusive Thermal Spa.

The Thermal Spa was a true chill out experience, with various rooms taking you from wet to dry, hot to cold, awakening the senses whilst refreshing the skin.  I loved the Saunarium - basically a sauna with a viewing window over the pool.  The crystal steam room, Laconium and Trepidarium where all favourites of mine as they smelled utterly gorgeous and had to be nearly snoozing on the tiled benches.

The hydro pool brought us a bit of fun with pink, green and blue froth bubbling up from behind and beneath us, while the vitality pool provided some cool down time.

We then moved on to our treatments.  Mummy to be Katie went for the special Ila mother-to-be package while Esther and myself went for the Anne Semonin Anti Stress Back Therapy.

Well, I tell you, I have never had my butt cheeks pumelled before so this was a first, I did mention I had some pain in my lower back so I guess it only made sense for the therapist to really go at it.  Odd at first, eventually I realised the benefit as I slowly felt the tension releasing.  As for Esther, this treatment went down as one of the best massages she has ever had, and she is a seasoned spa junkie so she is in a good place to judge.

Katie felt suitably chilled after her treatment and was pleased not to be driving so she could snooze all the way home given her state of utter relaxation after he mummy to be package.

And that's where it all ended, we left the spa quite late in the day with a cumulative decision to make the most of our pampered state and head home to bed.

It was the best sleep I have had in a long time!

I am already looking forward to my next visit to the spa but if you are in Glasgow/Edinburgh I definitely recommend a visit to Blythswood Spa.

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Champagne Pamper Package at The Bonham/Chamomile Sanctuary

Last month after a very hectic week of awards, events and blatant nose to the grind, my girl Ann from girl in the city and I headed East for a day of pampering and indulgence with the Chamomile Sanctuary and The Bonham.

Starting off at the very plush Restaurant at The Bonham where food is rooted in French tradition using Scotland's abundant natural larder.  Chef Michel Bouyer has been awarded two coveted AA rosettes for the restuarant, in recognition of his creative flair.

Ann and I arrived to a glass of bubbly and a Market Menu to make the mouth water.  Two courses was on offer but being us, a little bit greedy some might say, we went for three! :)  Although we arrived at a quiet hour, the atmosphere is relaxed with a minimalist urban interior keeping a little bit of cool about this very gorgeous traditional building.  It goes without saying, the food was just beautiful.  From my risotto to the melt in the mouth lamb I ordered, it all went down a treat.

Suitably stuffed, we were then whisked away in a complimentary taxi to the Chamomile Sanctuary for an afternoon of pampering as part of their Pamper package. 


A set choice of treatments is available with this offer and while Ann went for the blissful option of a masssage, I decided to face my fear and get my very first pedicure.  

I have very very tickly feet as well as the fact that my feet are just plain U-G-L-Y but my therapist made me feel comfortable, relaxed and she also seemed to have the midas touch when it came to fondling my tootsies.  No tickly moments and no kick in the face for her ... smiles all round.   I had a huge choice of polishes and in the end went with a gorgeous milky lilac.  For your own sakes, I have chosen not to display a photo of my trotters but rest assured they looked the lushest they have ever looked after some Chamomile TLC.

The Chamomile is in a central but quiet location in Edinburgh and is beautifully elegant on the inside.  The decor makes for a relaxing visit in itself and the staff are all so helpful and friendly.  


Needless to say, Ann and I hit a couple of cocktail bars before we headed home, feeling very blissed out and refreshed from such a treat! 


So where might one take advantage of an offer like this?  Well you can purchase this offer for £75 per person, which is a steal for such a lavish day of pleasure and play,  directly through Chamomile Sanctuary or The Bonham.

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Beauty Feet Fish Spa

This week I eventually ventured into the realms of the fish pedicure.  I have been dying to try this ever since I seen it on Eurotrash at least 10 years ago when some women in Japan had been filmed having their feet nibbled by little fishies.

Yeah, I know I should be embarrassed about watching Eurotrash ... guilty pleasures an' all that. Don't judge. ;) 

I opted to not head to my local shopping centre with their unhygienic and non fish friendly approach.  Instead I went to the newly revamped Virginia Galleries (a much loved old haunt of mine) to the very comfortable, chic and private Beauty Feet Fish Spa. 

The origin of the fish pedicure is in the Middle East and Turkey where there are plenty of naturally occuring hot springs.  The garra rufa fish that inhabit the waters are renowned for their ability to feed on dead surface skin resulting in baby soft tootsies, improved circulation and relaxation.

At Beauty Feet Fish Spa you are vetted before you go anywhere near the tanks by filling in some medical forms in advance of a therapist massaging and washing your feet in the generous sinks throughout the spa.  

Comfortable sink area at Beauty Feet Fish Spa

The owner of the salon has a background in Environmental Health so she knows healthy, safety and hygiene inside out and is very strict in her practise of this in her salon.  Verucca's are simply not allowed and you will be refused if the therapist discovers any, likewise any cuts would deter any further treatment as you would be at risk of causing or catching an infection.  Everything is done to ensure both you and the fish are not exposed to harm.  

Tanks seat 4 at a time, go with your girlies!

After your feet are all cleaned up you are escorted to your tank and this is where it does get pretty scary.  There are 200 fish per tank and the thought of sticking your feet into an abyss of hungry, squirming fish is daunting.  It took me a bit of psyching up to eventually plunge my feet in and after much internal screaming I removed my feet after about a minute.  At this point I was told there was no dipping in and out of the tanks... I was either in ... or I was out.  After some deliberation - I was in!  

Lorraines feet being mauled, green tea to relax and my feet being eaten alive! 

I squirmed and writhed around intensely on my seat for about 5 minutes before I eventually relaxed into it and in the end it felt extremely soothing.   The sensation is that of bubbles much like jacuzzi bubbles vibrating under your feet.  If you can imagine that instead of fish then you will stay sane until your 20 minutes are up.

Some tips if you want to try this for yourself ...

• Don't look down.  Try not to watch the fish nibbling away, I guarantee it will make you feel a bit squeamish and send a shiver down your spine. 
• Stick your feet in and keep them in.  The tickling sensation or squeamishness you might feel at first will subside to a pleasurable refreshment of the senses.  
• Just think of the bubbles 
• Paint your toe nails ... if 200 fish are gonna nibble your feet, you might as well make them look pretty
• Take a friend to keep you occupied ... fish don't replace the good gossip you can have with a therapist

I would totally recommend this treatment even if it is just for the experience alone but I would strongly advise you go to a reputable salon who will look after you and the fish.  

Who else has tried out this treatment?  How did you find it? 

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Itison's Winter Indulgence at Radcliffes Beauty Salon

I had a tough day today ... you know the kind of day when everyone you come into contact with has to bring you down in some way? By the time I had finished work I was stressed and full of tension and definitely ready for an evening of pampering.

My luck was in as I was booked in for a salt scrub, mud wrap and hot stone massage courtesy of itison.com. Itison is a fantastic site offering exclusive invitations and daily deals with huge savings on a variety of different events & activities from spa treatments, sunday lunch at a posh hotel to indoor climbing experiences. I have been a member of itison since the off and have bagged quite a few of their deals already - mostly pampering sessions ... i do love to treat myself ;)

Tonight I got to preview what will be tomorrows deal - a 'Winter Indulgence Spa Package' at Radcliffes Beauty in Glasgows Merchant City, which consists of a salt glow body polish, full body thermal mud wrap and a hot stones therapy massage.

This package normally costs £140 but for itison members (which is free to join) ... you get it for a bargaintastic £58!!I couldn't get to the Salon quick enough after I left the office. I was greeted by the lovely Michelle, my therapist who welcomed me into what would be my little bit of heaven for the next 2 hours.

With calming music, low lighting and scented candles filling the room, I was already starting to relax. For this treatment you need to pretty much be naked and as Michelle passed me the paper pants, she warned me it could get messy. For all you shy girls, you need not worry as your modesty is safe at all times.

The treatment started off with the salt scrub. Michelle massaged gently as she scrubbed which helped ease off initial tension and felt fantastic on the skin. If you are ticklish you may want to warn the therapist beforehand as I literally screamed when Michelle touched my foot ... hope I didn't give her too much of a fright!

Michelle then wiped off the salt scrub with warm towels which felt amazing in itself before starting on the thermal mud wrap. This is where it gets messy! A mud product by Pevonia was slathered across my back arms and legs, the mud was warm and soothing. I was then wrapped up in towels, literally snug as a bug in a rug. I was then given a head & scalp massage which I hadn't expected and it sent me snoozing almost immediately.

Michelle left me for 10/15 minutes while I snoozed. Embarrassing confession: I actually woke myself up snoring at one point, that's how zoned out I was. I then had to shower off the mud (the shower cubicle is in the same room so no need for shuffling in and out of rooms) before it was time for the pièce de résistance - the Hot Stone Massage.

Ugh! It was utter bliss. This was my very first hot stone massage, so wasn't sure what to expect. Oil was slathered over my legs and back before the hot stones were placed on then used to actually massage my muscles and get rid of aches, pains and unwanted tension. The stones are quite large and very and warm so feel very comfortable against your bare flesh, it almost feels like the stones are melting into your body.

I was actually sad when the treatment was over, I could have stayed there all evening, I just didn't want to move. But here I am snuggled into my fluffy bathrobe, chilled out, relaxed with smooth, rejuvenated skin that my husband keep stroking in awe - I think he is jealous!

This deal will go live tomorrow on itison.com and is live for 6 months so will make a fantastic Christmas present ... but I can see me being a bit selfish and booking myself in again ;)

Thank you Radcliffes Beauty and itison for such a lush evening!

Remember to join itison.com here to take advantage of this amazing Winter Indulgence deal - 3 amazing treatments for only £58 - but be quick, it is only available to buy tomorrow, Tuesday 5th October!

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