It’s a tough job but someone has to do it….we sent 6 mums-to-be,
some spa virgins some not, to try out antenatal treatments in spas up and down the land. Discover which spas provide the best experiences for mums-to-be looking to revitalise mind, body and soul before parenthood kicks in!
- The Kalmora Spa, Plymouth, Devon
- The Spa at De Vere Carden Park, nr Chester
- Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire
- The Nirvana Spa, Wokingham
- The Runnymede Hotel & Spa, Egham nr Windsor
- The Elemis, Mayfair, London
I am: Nichola
Day, 32 from Teignmouth, near Torquay, Devon. Currently 31 weeks pregnant.
I went to: The
Kalmora Spa, Plymouth, Devon
I had: A ‘Revive and Rejuvenate’
facial, a mini hand massage and to finish the ‘Spa Kleen Feet’ treatment.
My day: I arrived in Plymouth, parked
up and set off looking for Debenhams (in which the spa is located, on
a hidden away mezzanine floor). I couldn’t have parked further away and
had to waddle for about 30 minutes up hill through the town before I arrived
with only 3 minutes to spare. Stressed out, to say the least, I couldn’t
have been more ready for a pampering…!
I was greeted by my therapists, who I am afraid to say I didn’t get the
name of and was treated like royalty from start to finish. She took my
coat and offered me a drink as I sat down on the comfortable couch in
the relaxing reception area. The ambience was a million miles away from
the busy bustling shop, packed with Christmas shoppers on the other side
of the wall. There was calming music playing, a sweet smelling scent in
the air and tranquil surroundings. The therapist returned with my water
and then clearly talked through the treatments I would be receiving, giving
me the opportunity to ask any questions and alleviate any worries I might
have had.
I was then shown through to one of the five treatments rooms and left
to undress and get under the crisp white sheets. The room was perfectly
designed for relaxation – lights which could be dimmed or brightened to
your requirement, soft music and an array of aromas. I quickly undressed
(well as quickly as you can do anything in your third trimester) and attempted
to get on the bed. Thank God, no one was watching as this was in a very
unlady like manner. I managed to get up there ok as they provided a step
(the treatment bed was quite high) but I couldn’t get my socks off as
I couldn’t sit in the bed and touch the floor at the same time. Eventually,
I got them off and managed to hide away under the covers just before she
returned.
The therapist adjusted the bed to a comfortable gradient and explained
what she was going to do. She started by giving my neck and shoulders
a brief massage, which relaxed me instantly. She them went on to give
an hour long facial in which time she must have used around ten different
lotions and potions of different warms and consistencies. Some rejuvenated
my eyes and face, whilst others cleansed or moisturised; specific areas
were also focused on, such as dry patches. I started off by lying there
with my eyes closed, mentally ticking off the things I still had to do
at work before I start my maternity leave at Christmas. However, after
a while, I lost myself in a world of thoughts about my baby who was wriggling
around in my tummy, obviously impressed that Mummy was actually staying
still long enough to relax for a while.
Once the facial was finished, the therapist removed my rings and massaged
each of my hands with a sweet smelling moisturiser. She then tucked them
under the sheets and moved to the bottom of the bed. Lifting back the
covers to expose my feet, she set to work massaging them (which they so
badly needed). It was a lot easier to be chatty whilst she was working
on my feet and she told me about the various treatments beneficial to
Mum’s to be. Personally, out of all of them, I don’t think you can beat
any kind of foot treatment. We carry so much extra weight when pregnant
that they take quite a battering and my days of being able to leisurely
paint my toe nails in pretty colours are well and truly over for now.
I explained to the therapist that it has come to my husband cutting my
nails and let’s just say he didn’t exactly take any care or attention
over what he was doing. She very kindly offered to file them down to a
manageable and neat length (repairing his damage!).
The Kleen Feet treatment was heavenly. After exfoliating the feet with
gentle sand and ‘Dead Sea Salts’, she then applied a special and pregnancy
safe oil with the most delicious fragrance and used it for a sensuous
aromatherapy massage. This was followed by encasing my feet and legs in
‘Warm Dead Sea Mud’ and then wrapping them in plastic sheeting. I could
feel my tired and aching feet being reborn.
Once the mud was washed off with warm mittens, my spa visit was sadly
at an end. I would recommend the Kalmora spa to anyone needing a ‘lift’,
especially Mum’s-to-Be. Apparently, a Kalmora spa (the name deriving from
a combination of ‘Calm’ and ‘Aroma’) may be popping up in a Debenhams
near you soon, as it is the long term plan to have them amongst the busiest
of shopping areas.
Treatments: A ‘Revive and Rejuvenate’
facial, a mini hand massage and to finish the ‘Spa Kleen Feet’ treatment.
Cost: £115
Verdict: I waddled in feeling like
I was carrying a baby elephant and walked out as if my feet were floating
on air…I can’t wait to go back and treat myself to the Post Natal reviving
package after ‘Baby Day’ has arrived!
The spa test: 5/5
Find out more: Kalmora Spa @ Debenhams,
Second mezzanine floor, 16-18 Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon PL1 1SA
Telephone: 01752 222374
Website: www.kalmoraspa.com
