TUCKED away in Virginia Court, the Gin Spa is a little oasis of calm in Glasgow city centre.
The business opened a couple of years ago and is the first ever gin inspired botanical day spa. It means I am handed a (fancy) G&T, soon after my facial ends. Cheers!
An hour or so ahead of that, I'm greeted by spa director, Melanie, with a cup of Happy Tummy tea to aid digestion and boost immunity while I fill out a consultation form. There is a lovely ambience in the spa, dark and opulent and immediately relaxing.
She asks if I want a more relaxing or revitalising oil for the head, neck and arm massage that is incorporated into my Hydrating Summer Facial. It’s early morning so I opt for the more invigorating, lemon based oil.
In the treatment room, the therapist washes my feet and it’s a lovely, grounding start to the experience.
The facial begins with a cleanse and tone followed by a gentle exfoliation using glycolic acid to improve the skin’s texture. There is also a (very) cooling pressure point massage using jade stone rollers, which is said to boost lymphatic drainage.
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While the hydrating mask works its magic, I’m treated to a hand and arm massage. If your job involves a lot of typing like mine, it’s heavenly.
The treatment ends with a heated towel neck stretch that feels amazing and I feel the daily desk tension melt away. I'm handed a card of helpful stretches for my tense upper back muscles.
Of course this is a spa experience with a difference and I don't leave the massage table without first enjoying a refreshing glass of botanical water infused with mint and some delicious white chocolate with raspberry.
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Melanie then takes me through a range of Scotland’s newest gins with the option to try one. I go for Oro, made in Dumfries and infused with cardamom, lemon and citrus juniper and it is perfectly paired with fever tree Mediterranean tonic.
At £85, it’s a little pricey for a regular facial but with all the lovely 'extras' it would make the perfect, occasional indulgent treat or a fabulous gift for someone special.
To make a booking go to www.ginspa.co.uk
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