We all know just how busy the run up to Christmas can be, and how difficult it can be to take some time out for ourselves. And I’m sure we all know of a family member or friend who deserves a treat! For the month of December, the C Spa at the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, is offering the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and a friend, with two organic ritual treatments for the price of one.
Last Friday evening I was treated to the organic ritual at C Spa, which consists of dry skin brushing, an organic hot chocolate full body massage, an organic olive facial, and a hot oil scalp massage.
From the moment you enter the spa, relaxation is high on the agenda. I was led to the relaxation room which has been equipped with a fibre-optic sky, so you can rest peacefully under the twinkling stars while enjoying light refreshments or a herbal tea.
My organic treatment started with dry skin brushing of my feet, legs, and back, designed to exfoliate the skin as well as stimulate circulation in advance of a massage. While the brushing is not an altogether pleasant sensation, it leaves the skin feeling tingling and alive and the ensuing massage all the more relaxing.
Nicola, who carried out the entire ritual, started by massaging my back, concentrating on the areas around my shoulders with the most tension.
Foot, leg, arm, and hand massages followed, ensuring not an ounce of stress remained in my body. The chocolate and cinnamon oil used smelt divine, and appropriately festive for the time of year. The ingredients are known for their firming and warming qualities, also stimulating the production of collagen.
My body now completely relaxed, the emphasis turned to the green olive facial. My skin was first cleansed and exfoliated, with each step followed by luxurious hot towels placed gently on my face. An olive eye cream and olive mask were then applied, and left on while I was treated to a hot oil scalp massage. I admit that at this stage in the treatment I may have momentarily nodded off, so relaxed was I! The facial was topped off with a moisturiser from the olive range, which left my skin glowing and feeling nourished.
The olive range used for the facial hails from Italy and is completely organic. As yet no board has been set up in Ireland to ensure products are organic, so that any product with 11 per cent organic ingredients can claim to be organic. However, the olive range has been certified 100 per cent organic by the French board. The range is exclusive to the Carlton’s C Spa, the only spa in the west of Ireland to offer the range.
The entire organic ritual treatment lasted a luxurious hour and 45 minutes, after which I unwound in the relaxation room.
For the month of December only, C Spa at the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe is offering a two organic rituals, including dry skin brushing, an organic hot chocolate full body massage, an organic olive facial, and a hot oil scalp massage, for an unbeatable €150.
The C Spa is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with extended opening hours also available upon request. For further information or to book, contact the Shearwater Hotel Spa on (090 ) 9630521.
