Spa News: Spas in Lockdown

This month we’re all about vicarious spa-ing and travel in lockdown.

Can’t get to a spa? Treat yourself to a spa voucher

Let’s be positive for a moment; one day we will get through this pandemic. Spas will be reopening with safety measures in place for our continued safety (one blessing of social distancing, they won’t be crowded). In the spirit of hope, and as a way to support the spa industry, you can book a post-lockdown spa day – something to look forward to, or to gift for a friend or keyworker who really deserves a good pamper. As we live in a world of uncertainty, you can purchase a spa voucher to claim at a future date for spa day, spa break or pampering spa treatment. For example, five bubble luxury spas South Lodge and Pennyhill Park in Surrey are extending their voucher validity to 24 months during Covid-19 crisis.

If you can’t see a voucher link on the directory page, visit your favourite spa’s website where there will be a voucher page. Some spas are offering a ‘waiting list’, since there might be a bit of a rush on when the spa gates and beauty salons open again. We know we will be front of the queue.

Go on a virtual spa retreat

Seaham Hall, the lovely hotel and five bubble luxury Serenity Spa on the wild north east coast of England, is posting live You Tube sessions with their head chef Damian Broom, hypnotherapy sessions with Silvia Mather, home facials with Ishga and Temple Spa, and guided meditations.

Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary in Thailand also have a You Tube video channel filled with fabulous guided mediation rituals. Scroll down there are hundreds. They also have links to live streams on Facebook and You Tube on their website, including How To Make Healthier Choices During Self Isolation, Qi Gong practice, yoga and a beetroot and quinoa risotto recipe.

Six Senses has also launched its At Home With Six Senses wellbeing portal with articles, workouts and at home spa experience treatments. They also have a home school Junior Marine Biology programme.

Four Seasons Resorts share at home rituals from Hawaii

Since we’d all love to be at a Four Seasons resort in Hawaii right now, they have very kindly gathered some health and wellbeing spa rituals for us to practice at home, in the spirit of aloha, a word that symbolises “love, compassion, sympathy and kindness”.

Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii regularly shares these on Instagram at @FSHualalai, @FSLanai, @FSMaui and @FSOahu.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai has launched Lanai at Home, a series of social media channels to whisk you away to their spa for a few moments each week. Follow on Facebook.

Here’s one home spa recipe from Hualalai Spa Director Cecilia Hercik, who was inspired by the Hualalai apothecary to create the at-home Niu (coconut) Bath Treatment. Hercik recommends lighting a few candles and playing Hawaiian music for a transformational experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 spoonful coconut oil
• 12 ounces coconut water
• 12 ounces coconut milk
• 1 spoonful cocoa butter
• 1 spoonful cocoa powder
• 4 ounces sugar (white or brown)
• 4 ounces sea salt or epsom salt
• Lime wedge

Instructions:

• Scrub: Mix sugar, coconut oil and cocoa powder in a bowl to create a paste. Use this scrub to exfoliate knees and elbows once soaking.  
• Bath: Fill the tub with warm water and add mineral salt and coconut milk. Soak and relax in the warm bath.
• Hydrate: Fill a glass of coconut water with a wedge of lime and keep it near the tub to enjoy while soaking.
• Moisturise: After the bath, massage the cocoa butter for smooth and soft skin.