The first quarter of the year has passed in a flash and has been rather full on for us here at Factory HQ. This has resulted in some rather stressed bodies and minds too, so a visit to Greenhouse Spa & Fitness was welcomed with open arms.
Set in the impressive grounds of Chateau Vermont and overlooking beautiful gardens this beautiful spa and gym (to which you can become a member and take advantage of a whole host of studio classes) is a completely tranquil paradise set well away from prying eyes. I arrived with enough time to sit and enjoy the pool, sauna and steam room before my treatment started, which was bliss.
I was met by Dawn Carus who is the co-owner of Greenhouse Spa & Fitness, having been a spa consultant and therapist for over 20 years Dawn has a real passion for what she does. The Greenhouse has over 30 treatments and rituals to choose from but they encourage guests, as unique beings, to build their own packages based on their individual needs from the 15 Tapas treatments available, so that’s what we did.
All of the treatments are exclusive to Greenhouse Spa & Fitness having been created by Dawn in conjunction with UK brand Elemental Herbology, the products which they use throughout their treatments. Elemental Herbology products are 100% free from synthetic fragrances, artificial colour, sodium lauryl sulphates, paraben preservatives and mineral oils. The range is based on TCM principles (traditional Chinese medicine) to achieve harmony by exploring the alignment of the elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood, which was my element for this visit.
I started my two hours within the heavenly treatment room with a Deep Ease-stress busting back neck and shoulder massage, from the tapas menu. Beginning with a frankincense inhalation to de-stress the mind Dawn used a warming wood element oil-rejuvenation blend (ho leaf, rosemary, lemongrass, nutmeg) and hot stones to immediately warm and relax the muscles in the back and shoulders prior to massage. Dawn then proceed to give me possibly the best spa massage I’ve ever had, whilst it was incredibly relaxing it was also firm and focussed on the areas I really needed it.
If I’m honest I’d have happily left after the massage but onwards to the Facial Happiness treatment, which was further bliss using more of those incredible Elemental products which smell and feel divine. After the cleanse and a peel was applied and my face was wrapped in a hot towel to allow the papaya enzyme in the peel to activate. This was followed by a lymphatic massage with lifting techniques to decongest and improve my skin tone followed by a 16 point acupressure massage. The facial was completed with the application of Cell food serum, Eye Elixir and Cell Plumping moisturiser, all of which I got little samples of to take home with me too.
We then finished with the Rising Star, another tapas treatment. Here Dawn used warmed wood oil and poured it onto my scalp and shea and mango butter rubbed into the ends of the hair, Then she applied a soothing Tuina scalp acupressure massage, which was followed by my head being cocooned in a hot towel wrap whilst she massaged my hands and feet. This was the most phenomenal way to end my treatment, although my hair (which is short) looked pretty crazy so I’d recommend you have nothing other than a night on the sofa planned for after your visit.
The Greenhouse Spa & Fitness also partner with some amazing local artisans and suppliers Be tribe (superfood blends, which they retail and make their smoothies with), Kota Candles (retail) and Eco Timbers built their lockers and bar too.
Greenhouse Spa & Fitness
T 877763 • www.greenhousespaandfitness.com
