Indulge your senses with Lush's eccentric new signature beauty treatment.
I've just experienced the most unpronounceable treatment in my history as a beauty writer. However, I am now starting to think that strangely named therapies are the way forward.
The unique, holistic Synaesthesia treatment available at the Lush Spa rooms is refreshingly different. Synaesthesia is the way some people perceive sensations joined together, like hearing music as texture – the treatment is designed to stimulate and awaken your senses.
You start by selecting a 'state of mind' from a list, and choosing an essential oil that will be used in your massage. Selecting 'I want to relax', and choosing a purple bottle of oil that signified 'forgiveness', I then scribbled the words on a small blackboard.
The unconventional treatment room at Kingston was decorated with antique wood and vintage books in kooky country cottage style. The proceedings began rather strangely with my ringing a school bell to signify I was ready, and therapist Helen wafting dry ice around me, while the scent of my chosen oil filled the room.
As with all great treatments, what followed was a bit of a blur, but I remember hearing what sounded like a kettle boiling a couple of times – this was in fact, the hot stones being prepared before they were used in the full-body aromatherapy massage.
Forget the usual spa-like sounds, instead you'll hear birdsong and traditional, folky tunes. The specially commissioned music is a fundamental part of the treatment, as the massage movements have been designed to work in synergy with the soundtrack.
An hour and thirty minutes later, I remember sitting up and being presented with a cup of loose leaf tea (how very English). As I dragged myself off the heated bed into a vertical position I realised I'd definitely ticked the relaxation box, however the forgiveness part was slightly harder to analyse. I'd be happy to go back and re-evaluate though...
Synaesthesia massage, £125, available at Lush Spa Rooms, King's Road (020 7376 8348) as well as Kingston, Leeds & Dorset.
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