Last month I went to a spa, twice! I was treated to a spa weekend at Champneys for my birthday thanks to the boyfriend and I got to try out Amida Spa in High Wycombe just a few weeks after – bliss! Now that I’ve got a taste for it, I definitely want to schedule in a bit more pampering time more regularly (probably not every fortnight though). There’s nothing quite like shutting yourself away from the outside world, slipping on a fluffy robe and truly relaxing.
Amida Spa, High Wycombe
I chose to go to the Amida Spa in High Wycombe. Judging by the pictures of the other Amida Spas in Chelsea (pictured), Farnham, Beckenham and Hampton, I’d say the High Wycombe spa is the least luxurious. If it’s stylish loungers and alluring mood lighting you’re after, then definitely choose one of the other spas. The Amida Spa in High Wycombe is inside a David Lloyd gym, so you can get in a workout as well as a pamper session to ensure you look and feel your best. A perfect combo in my opinion. The gym was compact, yet felt spacious and had every piece of Technogym equipment you can think of! Even the kinesis which I had the pleasure of trying out in Italy.
I slipped into my bikini, fluffy robe and flip flops which was given to me on arrival and headed to the sauna for a pre-treatment relaxing session. The wet areas (sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and pool) are shared by members of the gym but the treatment area is closed off. The jacuzzi was the perfect temperature and I assured myself that the gentle pummelling from the jet streams was doing wonders for my thighs and I would emerge a dress size smaller – if only it was that easy! After spending some time in the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room it was time to head through the door to the treatment rooms.
Aromatherapy Associates Body Refiner
I was having the Aromatherapy Associates Body Refiner treatment, which is said to be slimming and toning, leaving you with a slimmer silhouette and smoother skin and lasts 55 minutes. I was given a pair of those paper pants, left to change, then laid under towels and blankets on the comfiest treatment table I have ever laid on. I was all ready to dose off then the dry body brushing began to stimulate my circulation. Whilst the bristles were rough, the masseuse followed each stroke of the brush with a stroke of her hand which was most soothing. I was then given a stimulating massage using the Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel on my thighs, lower back and stomach, really focusing on shifting stubborn toxins and getting everything moving. The Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Oil was then rubbed in to my thighs and topped with a mud mask. My thighs were then wrapped up and left for the mud mask to sink in, whilst I was treated to a stomach massage to encourage the removal of toxins and a foot massage to truly relax.
To finish, the mud mask was washed off and a moisturiser was applied before I was left to chill out on the bed for a while and get changed in my own time. I was then taken to a room with more comfy beds and tea making facilities, where I sat down with my masseuse and she explained what products she had applied and the effects of them. Whilst I wasn’t a dress size smaller or anything, my thighs definitely felt smoother and firmer. It is recommended you don’t have any caffeine or alcohol after the treatment to encourage the effects, however I had my birthday celebrations to go to! I loved being pampered before my night out and I felt more confident in my tight fitting midi skirt and crop top combo. I had been suffering with a bloated tummy, but my stomach flattened out a few hours after the body refiner treatment. Whether that was down to the treatment, or my stomach just deciding to finally behave I can’t say, but I was very happy to say the least!
