The sun beats down on what is a beautiful Friday afternoon, as I make my way to the Sheraton Athlone Hotel for an afternoon of complete and utter relaxation.
I am lucky to have been offered the chance to sample some of the wonderful treatments on offer at the Sheraton’s Sirana Spa, and I cannot wait.
Sinéad Farrell, spa manger, and her lovely team greet me when I arrive and give me a tour of the spa. It is warm and inviting environment, and I am immediately relaxed and ready for this afternoon of pure delight.
First I am treated to afternoon tea, which consists of a fantastic array of mini scones, sandwiches and fresh desserts. I am truly in my element, ladies - little bits of pure heaven await you. The tearoom looks down over the pool and sauna area, which adds to the serene surroundings.
After my lunch, I am guided to the treatment room, which is large and softly lit. The most enticing aromas filter throughout the room, adding to the ambiance. Jenny Burke, my therapist for the afternoon, is friendly and welcoming. She begins by explaining that I will be having the delux Serena Sirane signature holistic massage, which uses a synergy of all that is great in Eastern and Western massage techniques, and is designed to sedate the body and mind - exactly what we all need after a stressful week.
The techniques used by Jenny are out of this world. After a few minutes I can feel the tension begin to evaporate from my muscles as my whole body gives in to the treatment. The oil is grapeseed and is absorbed easily by my skin. The good news is that it can be used on all skin types.
When the massage ends I am turned around on my back for my Payot magnetic facial. I feel privileged to be the first person in Ireland to experience this facial developed by Payot. This facial has to be the most unusual one I have ever had, but trust me when I say this is the treatments of all treatments.
Jenny begins by cleansing my skin and preparing me for the Detox Absolue mask, which is applied to my face and neck and left on for about 10 minutes. The thing about this mask is that it is removed by a magnet! The feeling of the cold magnet gliding across my skin is truly invigorating. I have never experienced anything like it from a facial before. I can feel the magnet removing all of the impurities on my skin. Added to this, Jenny tells me it stimulates circulation, leaving the skin fresh and luminous.
After this mask, I am treated to a wonderful shoulder and neck massage followed by a second Payot mask to lock in the moisture and hydrate my face and neck areas. I am then moisturised before leaving feeling completely rested, fresh and delighted with the entire experience.
After any treatment in the spa you are welcome to use the relaxation room or the spa pool. I advise everyone to take advantage of this - it is the perfect finish to the perfect afternoon.
I was treated to the Illumination light half-day package which only costs €139. You get to design your own package, choosing two treatments from the Sirana Spa menu, and you have your lunch after or before your treatments - the choice is yours.
Nothing is too much trouble for the lovely ladies in the Sirana Spa. They are wholly dedicated to ensuring each client has the experience of a lifetime, which I can personally attest to.
Sirana Spa is located at the Sheraton Hotel, Athone. Call them today on (090 ) 645100 or visit the Sheraton Hotel website at www.sheratonathlonehotel.com for further information and for a full list of the treatments available.
