90 Minutes To A New You

We don’t always have time to spend all day indulging at a spa but we could do with that time out to relax, revive and recharge body and soul. Ark Salon is a tranquil oasis in south-west London that will help you forget about your troubles, even if it is just for an hour or two.

It is the scent that first hits you when you walk in the doors, a beautiful blend of aromatherapy oils that immediately begin to calm the mind. Luckily these blends are on sale too, from bath oils and room fragrances to candles and moisturising creams.

I was offered tea or water when I came in and felt very naughty as I was still clutching my skinny latte. I finished my coffee and promised that it was all water and herbal tea from then on.

Going downstairs toward the treatment rooms I am transported to a Thai spa. Warm soft lighting, orchids and buddhas set a calming scene and are thoughtfully placed so as to create a relaxing atmosphere as opposed to a ‘themed’ retreat. The rooms are clean, warm and inviting and Ceri, my masseuse, is quick to create the right mood for a relaxing treatment.

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She initially gives me a choice of three fragrances to choose from for my massage – uplifting, relaxing and comforting. I am here to totally unwind so I choose the most relaxing of the three. She then checks that I am ok with all she wants to do – as I am off to a dinner that evening, I ask to make sure she doesn’t put oil in my hair when she does the scalp massage, something she is more than happy to conform with.

The massage itself is an hour and a quarter but after about the first 20 minutes I am away with the fairies. I am slowly brought around with lemongrass and ginger tea and a glass of water and told I can take my time to recover before drinking the tea and getting dressed.

I positively floated out of the salon and back on to the streets of Putney, relaxed and revived to get on with the rest of my busy week – well worth the £75. Now where is my diary to schedule a regular monthly massage?

The Mood Response Massage at Ark Salon, 23a Lacy Road, Putney, London SW15 1NH. To book call +44 (0)208 788 7080 or email info@arkskincare.com.

Miss B

Belinda Wanis, aka Miss B, is a Belle About Town who likes to bring a little bit of style into every aspect of her life. An experienced journalist with over 20 years in the industry she turned to the web, creating Belle About Town in early 2010, to fill a gap for tech-savvy stylish women who want the best life has to offer at their fingertips. She loves a decadent cocktail bar, a beautifully cut dress, cultural getaways, quality over quantity and is partial to Asian-fusion food. A globetrotter, who has lived in Australia, the UK and Denmark, she enjoys holidaying in the sun and you can often find her on a beach in Thailand or on shopping breaks in Sydney or New York. But her first love is, of course, London!

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