The Sanook Spa at the Courthouse Hotel on Great Marlborough Street promised to be a haven of tranquility offering a peaceful and pampering escape from busy city life, and true to it's word, the spa did not disappoint.

With an heated in-door swimming pool, sauna and fitness room, the small but perfectly formed facilities is perfect for some much needed me-time.

I tried the Back-up Plan which consisted of a refreshing back exfoliation scrub (made in-house, especially for the treatment), a cleansing back mask and a wonderfully unwinding hot stone massage. It didn't take long for the feeling of heavy shoulders to be scrubbed and kneaded away.

There was however one blunder that I have to mention; as part of the treatment, you're required to shower off the back scrub ahead of your massage. Yet, the shower was an awkward trek out of the treatment room into the communal shower area, a journey undertaken via the fitness room: Picture the scene; a back full of sticky scrub dripping down my back as a plodded sheepishly through the fitness centre to reach the communal showers with very little privacy.

It would have been far more pleasant and convenient to have a small shower space within the treatment room to avoid such upheaval mid-treatment. That said, the space within the spa does not permit such a luxury so I must remain sympathetic. And whilst it did take me a little while to settle back into a state of relaxation, post shower, I have to admit that the hot stone massage quickly made up for it. All in all, the Back-up Plan was a lovely mini moment of pampering, which lasted a quick 45 minutes, but the sheer indulgence of the treatments left me feeling floaty and relaxed long after.

The Back-up Plan costs £55
To book call: 020 7297 5563

Sanook Spa
Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton
19-21 Great Marlborough Street,
London W1F 7HL
Web: www.courthouse-hotel.com

It's official: I'm in love with the Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare range.

I recently changed my beauty regime to include the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. It's been just six days, and already I've seen a noticeable difference in the clarity of my complexion and the texture of my skin.

I know that I'm a tad late on discovering the benefits of this range; fellow beauty bloggers have been raving about it for some time now. But like so many other women, I tend to be a stickler for brands and products I've used for years - I need to be strongly convinced before I consider anything other than my favourites. So when I was invited to try out the Liz Earle Signature Facial (£85.00) it was the perfect opportunity to get to know the brand personally.


The facial is 90 minutes of pure, unadulterated indulgence, right down to the treatment bed (which was huge!) It was wonderful having my face treated with what felt like the most luxuriously rich, fragrant products. The treatment was so relaxing that I'm sure I let out a tiny snore as I dozed off for what must have been 10 minutes. (Somewhat embarrassing I know, and I'm not even a snorer!)

Victoria, the therapist was very thorough, and I was particularly impressed with her technique of extraction; it was close to being pain-free. After the treatment (which also included a shoulder massage and foot rub), my skin felt replenished, looked brighter and had a healthy glow.

I was curious to follow up with the home care products and see whether they would help to prolong the results of the facial. I gave myself one week to try a selection from the Liz Earle skincare range and consider if the buzz surrounding the iconic Hot Cloth Cleanser and others were truly deserved.

Packed with ingredients such as eucalyptus, cocoa butter and rosemary, It didn't take long to understand just why the Hot Cloth Cleanser has won numerous awards; quite frankly it does exactly what it says on the bottle - it works, and works so very well.

The cleanser removes stubborn mascara and all traces of makeup with complete ease. It smells gorgeous and my skin is super soft afterwards. Currently, I use the cleanser twice daily and follow up with the toner and moisturiser, which are equally fabulous products.

The best thing about the products is that whilst they are not strictly designed 'for problem skin' they work on getting rid of those pesky blemishes that I'd normally have to treat with Salicylic acid based lotions, and with my sensitive skin, they tend to irritate my skin in the process.

Tomorrow will be the last day of what was supposed to be a temporary beauty regime, however, I love the products so much that I will continue to use it as part of my daily skincare ritual. I really believe the hype now, in fact it's not hype at all - Liz Earle products really work, even on acne prone skin like mine. I can't wait to see the results in a month's time!

Liz Earle
38-39 Duke of York Square,
Kings Road, London, SW3 4LY
Tel: 020 7730 9191
Web: www.lizearle.com

Leave your comments! Have you tried Liz Earle products?

Last week I visited the Harbour Club and Amida Spa in Notting Hill with a friend for an afternoon of relaxation and pampering. It was a more modest venue than anticipated; a community gym of sorts come spa, and not the luxury expected. We opted for the Heavenly Spa Day for two, a special deal we bagged at a discounted price via Wahanda.

This deal entitled us to a 30 minute massage, express facial, mini pedicure and a light lunch, plus full use of the facilities. The facilities however were 'compact', so this basically meant use of the gym and the wet area, which included a tiny steam room and sauna.

After accepting the mediocre fate of our pamper afternoon, the treatments started off with a hitch; they only had one pair of slippers available that were clean. To be honest the pair of slippers they did have looked like they needed a good clean... In the end, we were issued make-shift flip-flops, the ones used to help transport freshly painted toes from the treatment room to the lounge.

But then came a positive worthy of note; the staff - so apologetic and lovely that I couldn't stay vexed for too long. And the treatments despite being super speedy were very thorough and performed to an excellent standard. The therapeutic massage did well to ease the niggles in my neck and shoulders, whilst the Elemis balancing facial was perfect for giving my skin a quick shot of hydration. The pedicure was great (the polish still looks good as new today). And the lunch was a wholesome grilled burger and chips (not exactly healthy but it was yum).

I've since learned that the package which cost £140 could have been experienced more indulgently for the same price at the Harbour Club, Chelsea - it's high-end counterpart. In reality, I suspect that the Harbour Club, Notting Hill is a place where locals pop in for essential waxing and a quick polish rather than a fully fledged spa day.

The result? I felt a little deceived; the photos of the facilities online looked lush, but I quickly understood from the staff that it was all down to fancy camera work. The phrase 'don't believe hype' comes to mind.

Harbour Club
1 Alfred Road
London W2 5EU
Tel: 0845 125 7017
Web: www.amidaspa.co.uk

At this time of year, the changing elements can take a toll on your hair. If like me you worry about frizz and split ends, I'd recommend trying a professional deep conditioning treatment.

Kérastase is a prescriptive range of hair care products used to prevent damage and give your hair a boost of nourishment. The Kérastase in-salon programme is ideal for getting an expert diagnosis best suited to your hair type and a personalised homecare programme.

There are several salons that use Kérastase, however Rush London salons are my pick of the bunch. You may remember that I've posted about Rush before, my local branch rescued me from a very bad hair day during the summer, and since then I've become a regular client at the award wining salon chain.


Last week I was prescribed the Oléo-Relax treatment from the Kérastase Ritual Collection, ideal for dry, frizzy hair. This taming treatment included an indulgent 15 minute mask complete with head massage.

The Oléo-Relax system works to smooth frizz and protect hair from heat styling and the cold weather. The formula's Patented active ingredients penetrates the core of the hair fibre and restores the natural balance of the scalp for optimal conditioning.

The whole process was uber relaxing and a week later, my hair still feels lovely. I also find that there is less breakage through combing, so it has definitely helped to strengthen the tresses.

Other systems available include Resistance Force; for weak/flyway hair, Reflection; suitable for highlighted/coloured hair and Specifique; used to help thinning and dandruff.

There are 47 Rush hair salons across London and the South, and with over 15 years experience, there's usually a stylist available to handle all hair types, including afro hair. Treatment prices range from £12.50-17.50.

Visit the website for further information on your local branch. www.rush.co.uk

London Fashion Week's official hotel, The May Fair is home to one of central London's premier day spas. Last month, I visited the spa to try the Perfect Peace package; a two hour pampering session combing two of the spa's most sought after treatments - a traditional Swedish massage and prescription facial.

A drizzle of warm oil started 60 minutes of kneading that left me in such deep relaxation, I was practically asleep by the end of the treatment. The facial was specifically tailored to suit my combination skin and I was given a AHA treatment to shift dead skin and bring out a healthy glow, which it did - I was impressed with how clear my complexion was weeks after.

The surroundings are as luxurious as you'd expect from The May Fair, and the spa has some impressive features including a herbal sauna and aromatic steam room that guests can enjoy up to an hour before their treatment time.

The facilities have been designed with a spiritualistic feel; Asian inspired symbols and incense candles enabled me to forget the busy streets of London just outside, for a moment of r&r.

The Perfect Peace package costs £180 and a visit to the May Fair Spa is just the ticket for instant de-stressing.

The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
Mayfair, London,
W1J 8LT

Tel: 020 7769 4041
Web: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

After trying the Smooth Shapes treatment for cellulite last month, I was out to discover another beauty fix and curious to know if there was a treatment out there to combat stretch marks. The online beauty community Wahanda introduced me to Microneedle Therapy now available at Destination Skin.

Now to say that I'm not a fan of needles is putting it likely, but I wasn't about to let nerves get the better of me. Microneedle Therapy is a natural rejuvenation method; non-surgical treatment that with regular use can be beneficial to various skin conditions such as aging (wrinkles, stretching), scarring (acne, surgical), and hyperpigmentation. Industry experts claim it to be more effective than ablative treatments like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Key to the therapy is the Microneedle roller, a type of medical tool with anything from 200 and more needles that as you might have guessed, are rolled and gently pressed onto the skin to create tiny pricks as it moves. Essentially, it injures the skin's surface, stimulating collagen and elastin production to thicken the skin. This process works to help smooth scaring.


It sounded incredibly interesting, if not a little too good to be true. But what particularly appealed to me was the fact that the recovery time for this treatment was super fast - more so that than dermabrasion and laser treatments that can take more time than the 1-2 days Microneedle therapy requires. And if it can reduce the likes of stretch marks and scarring (my two pet beauty hates) I was going to give it a try.

Initially, the feeling of the needles on my skin took some time to get used to. It was a sensation I wasn't used to and to be honest, I didn't like it very much but after a while, the prickling sensation became less noticeable. As the roller was moved up and long my thighs and hips, I could feel my skin becoming warm. The therapist informed me that the warming sensation was a good sign, it meant that the treatment was working.

Lasting 40 minutes, the treatment left no discomfort afterwards, which was great. I was able to wear my jeans out, just as I had arrived, with no worry of irritation.

The next day, my skin felt a little itchy where tiny scratches had appeared on the surface that the roller had been used. However, this was part of the healing process, and after a couple of days my skin had calmed. Three weeks on, the stretch marks that were targeted certainly feel smoother and less prominent, even if they are still visible.

My verdict is that Microneedle therapy isn't a quick fix and it doesn't bear instant results, however, it's far kinder to the skin than laser therapy and the more intense dermabrasion treatments available. It can be used anywhere on the body. All in all, it's a safer alternative for those who have very sensitive skin and for that reason I'd much prefer a course of this treatment than any other option. Prices start from £150. A course of three treatments will cost £360.

See the latest Destination Skin offers and discounts at Wahanda.

Destination Skin
House of Fraser
Westfield Shopping Centre
London
W12 7GA

Tel: 020 3372 6453
Email: westfield@destinationskin.com
Web: www.destinationskin.com

Last week I tried a new facial that uses 100% natural elements to rival the results of invasive dermabrasion. Using tiny droplets of water via a high air pressured jet, layers of skin are gently removed, revealing a fresh complexion and supple skin. The treatment is called hydrodermabrasion and aims to improve skin problems such as acne, scarring and wrinkles.

It works as a natural 'peel', offering an alternative to convention dermabrasion techniques that can often require skin recovery downtime. With hydrodermabrasion you can literally have the treatment and go about your day.

For acne, the treatment is tailored with Vitamin C infused water to help settle and calm the breakouts, and for scarring, therapists use an intensive scar repair solution to speed up the skin's healing process. All products used are created by REN Skincare, free from skin-unfriendly synthetic ingredients.

I wanted to try this treatment because I've had a terrible bout of acne this year. Hormonal changes have really taken toll on my chin and I've been battling with pimples and blemishes for over 6 months. I've tried a great number of facials during this time including an lovely organic treatment in February. However, I'm convinced that monthly sessions of this treatment would work wonders for my skin. After one session my skin literally glowed, and I found my skin was no longer over producing sebum, which is the root cause of my breakouts. I was impressed that my skin stayed matte for several days after and active blemishes quickly dried down.

I would recommend trying this, if like me, you're experiencing relentless breakouts. Available exclusively at independent organic spa hydrohealing, facials cost between £80 and £85 for a tailored, 60 minute treatment.


hydrohealing
216a Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill Gate
London W11 1NR
Tel: 020 7727 2570
Web: hyrdohealing.com

It's been a while since I had the pleasure of visiting a day spa and normally I opt for somewhere rather luxurious like the Sanctuary or Austin's but today, whilst scouting for the perfect Summer sandals, I popped into Cowshed, an all together cosy beauty spot. My feet required a little pampering so I booked in for the Ultimate Cowshed Pedicure.

Aside from the routine cuticle tidy, skin smoothing and foot rub, this deluxe option includes a scalp and shoulder massage. As I sat with my feet cocooned in a soothing hydration mask, all the tension and fatigue from a week of endless errands was eased away. By the time the polish was applied (in a beautiful metallic red), I felt revived and my feet were sandal perfect. It's just a shame I still didn't find any to wear! I would definitely visit the spa again - a fabulous pit stop when shopping in Carnaby. The Ultimate Cowshed Pedicure costs £55.00.

Cowshed
31 Fouberts Place,
London
W1D 7QG

Tel: 020 7534 0870
Web: www.cowshedonline.com

Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

For the past two weeks there's been something different about me... I've not worn mascara and Ive been applying very little eye makeup. Yet, random people have been telling me "You have beautiful eyes, pretty eyes.." and friends constantly ask "What mascara are you using, and where can I get it?"


Oh it's been fun keeping my girls guessing and the compliments from complete strangers have been amusing, but today, I'm finally going to reveal my secret to everyone: I'm wearing falsies!! "Nooooo! " said my facialist when I told her last week "I would never have guessed, they look so... real".

The ironic thing is that I swore I'd never give into the fake lash craze, but last year I was glued to the TV watching Cheryl Cole on X-Factor and I loved her lashes. Since then I've been curious and I just had to see what all the fuss is about. Now I see...

It's pretty impressive just how naturally WOW false eye lashes can look. They truly enhance your eyes, giving them a certain je ne sais quoi without looking OTT. I'm wearing Nouveau lashes - one of the best in the industry; I opted a natural look but there are dramatic options. Extensions were placed individually on top of my natural lashes with an adhesive that keeps the lashes bonded perfectly for at least two weeks. The false lashes fall out with the natural pattern of your real ones and with the right care, you won't have to worry about them falling out prematurely or damaging your natural lashes.


My lashes are still looking fabulous and it's just over a fortnight since I had the treatment. However, it is advisable to maintain the lashes every two-three weeks for optimum fullness.
Well, it's safe to say that I'm completely hooked! Nouveau lash extensions are available from £75 and maintenance costs around £40. Available London-wide.

To find your nearest salon visit the website:
www.nouveaulashes.co.uk/salon-finder

Image Credit: Cheryl Cole - Solarpix

Hallelujah for Rush London; walk-ins are welcome! I hurried in, sat down to a lovely cup of tea and my appointed stylist told me everything was going to be okay. After a deep conditioning treatment, a bluster of the blow dryer, a little celebrity gossip and a good dose of GHD, my hair is looking heavenly.

I was so impressed with the speed that they tamed my hair (and the tea service) that I booked my next visit on the spot. A conditioning treatment, trim, blow dry and straighten costs around £60 and they have specialists for all hair types - thankfully that included mine! I have the type most hairdressers frown at: thick, unruly and way too much trouble!


Rush London
71 St. John’s Road
SW11 1QX
Tel: 020 7738 2733
Web: www.rush.co.uk

For information on your nearest Rush London salon click here

It's not everyday that we can treat ourselves to luxuriously priced beauty treatments, especially nearing the end of the month when we're watching our bank balances. Thankfully, you won't need spend a fortune on facials and pedicures if you visit the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT). I recently discovered that inside the college, you can book yourself in for top of the range treatments at a fraction of the expected cost. The college salon is one of London's best kept secrets!

How much would you expect to pay for a top notch manicure? £45 - 65? Well at LCBT, the price for a luxury 1 hour long manicure is a mere £13.50. A pedicure is surprisingly the same price and facials start from only £20. This is so handy for the Summer months when skin should be glowing and toes need to look fabulous. Aside from the popular beauty treatments, there are massage therapies and targeted body treatments available to pamper and relax you; such as the highly sought-after Vacuum Suction treatment, which is considered the ultimate detox for the body.

Top quality treatments at ridiculously low prices? I simply couldn't keep this secret to myself, it would be selfish to do so. Book your treatments and start saving!

London College of Beauty Therapy
47 Great Marlborough Street,
London W1F 7JP

Tel: 020 7208 1302
Email: salon@lcbt.co.uk
Web: www.lcbt.co.uk

They say that a new season is time for a new look, so let's start with the hair. If you're looking to revamp your coiffure, then I have to tell you about a hair salon that has made it into my list of London luxe spots.

Inside, the atmosphere is chilled, relaxed, and the interior is beautifully designed. The Salon is situated on Motcomb Street and neighbour to boutiques like Christian Louboutin, so it's not uncommon to find flocks of celebrities booking in for a new cut or must-have extensions.

I'm talking about the self-titled salon of Errol Douglas, one of London's most respected hair stylists. His hair and beauty pad is renowned for its expertise in both Afro and European hairstyling. Having won numerous awards in recognition of his work, booking an appointment with Douglas doesn't come cheap (with a cut and blow dry at £185) but it's definitely a worthy investment for a hairstyle that will last the distance.

Errol Douglas boasts an impressive client list. The salon has styled some of the most glamourous women to date including Iman, Christina Ricci and Emilia Fox. Alongside hair, other services available include manicures, pedicures and massages - making the salon a handy one-stop preening parlour.





Errol Douglas Limited,
18 Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge,
London SW1X 8LB
Tel: 020 7235 0110
Web: http://www.erroldouglas.com

Image Credits:
(1) Errol Douglas
(2) Errol Douglas Salon - Kiss and Makeup TV
(3) Errol Douglas, Hair Stylist - www.modernsalon.com

I'm usually blessed with very good skin. However since the start of the year, I've been experiencing relentless breakouts and blemishes. I've tried an impressive amount of recommended face gels, washes and blemish sticks but much to my dismay, they just weren't working.

So last week, I visited The Organic Pharmacy for a chat with one of their skin specialists and treated myself to a personalised facial. Founded by beauty and organic nutrition experts Margo and Francesco Marrone, the chemist-come-urban spa specialises solely in herbal and organic skincare and I was curious to try their homeopathic approach.

One hour later, my skin felt revived and I left with a brand new beauty regime that is already showing visible results in under 7 days. My new skincare routine consists of The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Face Wash, Herbal Toner and Antioxidant Face Cream.

The three products combined are working wonders; my breakouts have practically diminished and my complexion is thankfully on the road to a full recovery. Plus the fresh smell of the natural ingredients are proving to be great boost in the mornings.

So when your skin is in need of some urgent rejuvenation, The Organic Pharmacy has the remedies to solve your blemish problems. And what a saving grace it is.


The Organic Pharmacy
396 King's Road, Chelsea
London, SW10 0LN
Tel: 020 7351 2232
Web: http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com

I discovered the benefits of eyebrow threading six years ago whilst house sharing with an Asian friend. She had been trained by her Mother and one day she treated me to a high definition, 'Bollywood brow'. (Think Shilpa Shetty and Bipasha Basu.) It was literally like an instant face lift in just 10 minutes.

Since then, I've been completely hooked by this Ancient method of hair removal. I later tried waxing and plucking but other methods just didn't shape up. So threading is the only brow treatment I opt for now.

Aside from the amazing shape and precision, the other great thing about threading is that it's not nearly as painful as plucking, and it's much quicker than waxing. It also encourages the hair to grow back thinner. And better still, the results of threading last longer by weeks.

London has some great spas and salons with exceptional threading specialists on hand to give your brows a makeover. Here's my list of top three services:


No.1) MALIKA
The ultimate threading experience

This flagship salon located in the iconic shopping village of Westfield is cosy and inviting. There you'll have a hair removal experience that is both private and personal. The therapists have over 15 years experience and are truly experts in defining your brow to suit your face and enhance your best features. I recently had my eyebrows shaped with a Malika therapist and I experienced hardly any discomfort. Plus, with the gentle face massage performed shortly, any discomfort I did have was quickly soothed away.

The secret to my nearly pain-free experience is a specially formulated desensitising oil used prior to hair removal, helping to make the experience as pleasurable as can be. Unique to Malika, the oil was created by head therapist and founder of the company - Ritu Patel. The ingredients are very top secret but I did manage to find out that it's 100% herbal.

Once my treatment was complete, I also received helpful tips directly from the therapist as well as a comprehensive aftercare pack to help me maintain my newly shaped brows. They still look great, three weeks later.
Walk-in bookings welcome. Appointments available.
Price: £15
Web: http://www.malika.co.uk


No. 2) Blink
Fast, easy and highly professional

Blink walk-in brow bars are popping up throughout London. Currently you can find blink teams in Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick and at Heathrow terminal 5. The concept and service was founded by Vanita Parti, a threading specialist with over 10 years experience. Blink offers a convenient drop in service allowing for a swift same-time treatment. The blink team are all trained experts who are passionate about all things brow and will happily equip you with advise on any shape.
No appointment necessary.
Price: £17
Web: http://www.blinkbrowbar.com


No. 3) Bharti Vyas & Beauty Centre
A long standing, trusted establishment

The Bharti Vyas & Beauty Centre specialises in a wide range of beauty treatments including threading. Run by Bharti Vyas herself, a therapist with over 25 years experience. She is the author of six holistic beauty books and the developer of the Ultimate Therapy Skincare system. (She knows her stuff!) Having launched in 1988, the centre has long been recognised as one of Britain's top salons.
By appointment only.
Price: £12
Web: http://www.bharti-vyas.com