Serene Spy tries an ESPA Back, Face and Scalp treatment

TAKE ME WITH YOU...

The Titanic Hotel Liverpool is a four-star hotel located on Stanley Dock, a 10-minute drive from Liverpool Lime Street station. Once a Victorian warehouse, the property has been transformed into a four-star hotel, striking a sympathetic balance between past and future with exposed brickwork, steel columns and original windows paired with simple, contemporary interiors.

If you’re arriving by car, pull up on the cobbles and slide into one of the parking spaces – you can pay at the machine or via the app on departure. On a nice day, plonk yourself on one of the many waterside tables and chairs on the long terrace outside to get an eye full of Stanley Docks and the Tobacco Warehouse.

SHALL WE SPA?

Once through the hotel’s grand entrance, take the lift or staircase down to the basement which houses an architectural gem of a spa, a chic, serene space that’s a world away from the city humdrum with its natural tones and exposed brickwork.

At spa reception, we checked in with Lucy who gave us a quick tour before leaving us in the unfussy, stylish changing rooms. Wristband-operated lockers containing grey robes line one wall; the other is taken up by mirrored vanity units – of which there are two – equipped with hairdryers, straighteners and vases of gorgeous artificial flowers. Two private changing cubicles and two rain-head showers with ESPA bergamot and jasmine body wash, shampoo and conditioner complete the facilities. You’ll find the loos opposite.

A door from here leads to a spacious, dimly-lit thermal suite with its hydrotherapy pool at centre stage – pummel the shoulders under one of two swan necks before relaxing in the warm water; look up and admire the red brick arches above.

We began our thermal journey by soaking our feet in the foot baths before hopping under one of two experience showers with their different settings and blue lights. The steam room has dark mosaic and blue ceiling spotlights; the extra-hot sauna bathed in amber. Too hot? Make a beeline for the much cooler sanarium which has space for eight. Relax on one of 14 poolside rattan loungers afterwards.

If you prefer to sweat it out in a gym, there’s also a stylish fitness space near reception.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried an ESPA Back, Face and Scalp Treatment (85 minutes, £95).

Molly, my therapist, collected me from the thermal area and led me to a tranquil treatment room to enquire about any problem areas and my skin type before explaining the treatment and asking me to choose the oil I’d like (Energising) and which toner I was drawn to (Hydrating). Molly then quietly left the room so that I could disrobe and settle down on the treatment bed, lying face down.

Molly began the treatment with an ESPA Exfoliating Body Polish which she vigorously worked into my back, preparing my skin for maximum oil absorption. The scrub came off with a warm cloth followed by a dry one to buff off more stubborn grains.

Molly then wafted my chosen oil under my nose before sweeping it over my back, shoulders and down my arms. Molly used a variety of techniques to stretch, crack and release my muscles, targeting my knotty shoulders and unravelling tension from my neck.

Molly then asked me to turn for the facial which began with a cleanser containing exfoliating beads followed by ESPA’s signature Skin Vison Lamp, which Molly used to determine my skin type. A second cleanse with a gel was then used to remove city-living impurities. Skin now squeaky clean, Molly massaged my chest, neck and face with a Balancing Oil.

Next up: the masks - a Clay Mineral face mask (which smelt divine), a lip treatment and Pink Hair and Scalp Mud which remained in my hair for the rest of the day.

Face Mask removed, Molly completed the facial with toner, serum, moisturiser, eye gel and a slick of lip balm. She then led me back to the cosy relaxation area where I blissed out on a comfy lounger, sipping tea under a blanket.

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

My shoulders and neck felt much looser; my skin looked radiant, and I felt energised for the week ahead.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

Stanley’s Bar & Grill is located next to the hotel lobby on the ground floor. You’ll need to change out of your robe to dine in this industrial chic restaurant and bar with its open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows affording watery views.

The two-course lunch menu offers a choice of three starters and three mains. To start, we opted for chickpea hummus, olives, followed by pan fried salmon – which was cooked to perfection. Rather oddly, both dishes were delivered at the same time. A glass of pink fizz proved to be the perfect accompaniment.

GOT ALL DAY?

Spend the morning in the thermal suite before enjoying a treatment, leaving time for an afternoon admiring the views from the waterfront terrace. If you’re staying overnight in one of the spacious bedrooms, sip a rum cocktail at the Rum Bar.

SHORT ON TIME?

Try the recommended ESPA mindful massage with Molly - her soothing tones will guide your breathing; her magical touch rid you of physical and emotional stresses.