This is one of these delicious spa rituals that is so worthy of the name. The luxe treatment had me feeling like a new woman at the end of 90 minutes, all tension and stresses completely melted away.
As the name suggests, it’s both soothing and rejuvenating at the same time and so aromatic too – the scent of sweet coconut has you drifting off to your own tropical retreat.The luxury Thai Ytsara range is new to Seaham Hall’s spa and the Maphrao full-body exfoliation and massage is a deeply relaxing pamper treat – after the exfoliation part is out of the way!
Now that jumpers have been peeled off and various bits of the body are exposed to the sun, a thorough exfoliation was just what was needed.
My treatment started with a foot and hand cleanse in the cosy confines of one of the scented treatment rooms.
Then after hopping on to a heated bed, my therapist got to grips with a full-body exfoliation using jasmine red rice. A quick shower to wash off all the grains and granules was followed up by treaty massage time. Using warm extra virgin coconut oil this involved a mix of pressure point and relaxing movements. It was a gentle massage that just suited my frame of mind, although a firmer massage can be requested.
Afterwards, a warmed-up sesame and coconut poultice was glided across the skin, to massage and condition. The poultice is yours to keep afterwards – a nice touch – and can be heated in a steamer at home for re-use. Skin felt super-soft and nourished at the end of the treatment. I wafted in to lunch, walking on air, smelling all Bounty bar.
Lunch at the acclaimed Ozone pan-Asian restaurant, attached to Serenity Spa, was a wonderful way to extend the zen feeling. Especially sat in fluffy bath robes. Do check out the spa/Ozone offers available.
Duck pancakes followed by Szechuan beef stir-fry and my munching companion’s prawn sweet and sour with cucumber and pineapple were all excellent healthy dishes, packed full of fresh crunchy veg. Chocolate and sesame brownie was deliciously gooey in the middle, and Thai mango mess with lime and ginger meringue, a warming exotic take on classic Eton Mess.
Ytsara Maphrao Warm Coconut Soother, 90 minutes, £125
Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, County Durham, SR7 7AG | 0191 516 1400 | seaham-hall.co.uk
