The smells from Le Meridien’s signature treatment are almost as good as the feeling of total relaxation
WHEN faced with 120 treatments and 1,000 products it is hard to know where to start at Le Spa within Limassol’s Le Meridien; thalassotherapy in the outdoor pools? an algae wrap, facial? Shiatsu, Watsu, or any other of a host of different massages? Fortunately the spa has come up with its own signature treatment that offers a range of different treatments within 55 minutes. The main aim is to get you to lie back and relax and be indulgently pampered. No problem there then…
What is it supposed to do?
According to Le Spa manager, Andri Ioannou, Journey of the Senses takes you on a journey with the exotic sensual textures of warm milk, honey and essence of frangipani. It was created specially for the hotel by Elemis’ director of product and treatment development and staff at the spa itself. It will leave you relaxed, smooth and fragrant.
What benefits does it claim?
Journey of the Senses is a deeply relaxing treatment that aims to condition dehydrated skin. However, as with all Elemis treatments, it is aimed at spiritual wellbeing rather than to help relieve any particular medical complaint, although it is excellent if you have indulged in too much sun bathing. It is also a treatment that is very popular with men as well as women.
Is there any science behind it?
There is science behind all of the small fragments of treatment that the Journey of the Senses includes, although this particular treatment is designed for relaxation and pampering. The hot stones give balance and energy and remove tension by attracting negative energy.
What is it like?
The treatment started with a foot cleansing ritual using warm, lime-infused mitts, which smelt and felt divine, getting me well on the way to becoming truly relaxed. I was then drenched in (very) warm milk and aromatic frangipani monoi oil, which again smelt fantastic. This mixture was absorbed with the help of a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, which involved gentle, almost caressing movements, along the body. Hot stones to draw out negative energy were then placed along my sternum (on top of a towel so there was no burning sensation), which were bathed in rosewood essential oil.
I was then wrapped in a thin piece of cellophane, towels and what resembled a limp lilo when the bed became a floating chamber. Cocooned in all these layers I felt weightless and extremely comfortable. Despite being almost submerged in water, you don’t get wet. The feeling of relaxation was helped by my eyes and face being cleansed by more milk bath, followed by a neck and shoulder massage. It was also amazing how hard the soft comfortable bed felt when coming out of the float.
After a quick shower, Exotic Island Flower Body Balm was rubbed over my body and Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask applied to my face. I was left feeling smooth and smelling lovely for the rest of the day.
Journey of the Senses is aptly named as throughout the feelings of warmth and touch were complemented by the rich aromas of the products used.
Where and how much?
Le Sp at Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort. £85. The treatment lasts 55 minutes and is recommended every three weeks for best results.
