We first went to PURE Spa & Beauty, and we were impressed by its two floors: the day spa upstairs and the beauty salon on the ground floor. 

Upon arriving, we were herded upstairs to the day spa, which has four luxurious spa rooms, a relaxation area, and an infrared sauna. All of us opted to try their PURE Deluxe Facial, which they’re known for. 

The facial began with the therapist asking me about my skin type and concerns. And then, she performed a skin vision using a magnifying lamp. 

Then, the treatment started with a deep facial cleanse to remove impurities and prepare the skin for further treatment. After which, I enjoyed a 10-minute neck, shoulder, and face massage. 

The therapist exfoliated my skin to remove dead cells and boost cell turnover. The session ended with me relaxing in a personalised mask as the therapist gave me a scalp massage and applied enriching oils to my eyes and face.

The facial made my skin feel soft and smooth, and I even noticed a difference in my skin tone after the treatment! As a whole, I found the 40-minute facial to be very luxurious and relaxing.

I do think the price of the facial was a bit high, but I felt it was worth it.

In terms of the place, they didn’t have cosy blankets, just old white towels. And while the room was nice, I wished it were soundproof since I could hear random noises outside.

Next, we went to The Gin Spa, another well-known facial spa with a unique twist – it’s the first-ever gin-inspired botanical day spa. It combines treatments using botanical ingredients and one-of-a-kind spa experiences, which include gin!

We chose to try their famous Botanical Bliss facial package. The package includes a Signature Facial, prosecco, afternoon tea, and a gin and tonic.

I started with a double cleanse, followed by a gentle exfoliator. Then, the therapist applied a freshly-mixed face mask, tailored to my skin type.

While the mask was working on my skin, I enjoyed a relaxing hot stone shoulder massage. The mask was then removed with warm mitts, followed by a jade roller facial massage, and the facial was finished with serum, face cream, and eye cream.

The facial was very relaxing, and I felt my skin was noticeably softer and more hydrated afterward. The therapist was also very knowledgeable and attentive, and she took the time to explain everything she was doing.

However, we noticed that some of the beds were not heated. I was a bit disappointed, as I would have expected the beds to be heated in a fancy spa.

Additionally, the 60-minute Botanical Bliss facial package is quite pricey at £115. It’s priced at £90 without the prosecco, afternoon tea, and gin and tonic, which we felt was still expensive.

I recently went to Ocho Spa with a friend since they’re known for their unique facial packages since 2010. For instance, they have a Luxury Pamper Day package, which includes a choice of two facials, a 3-course meal, and a complimentary glass of bubbly.

To save money, I chose their Cryssage Facial, which is a luxurious facial treatment that includes a massage of the shoulders, neck, and face using warm crystals. This was certainly something I hadn’t tried before!

Once the face mask had been applied, selected crystals were positioned around my body, and they left me to meditate in a state of complete relaxation and serenity.

My friend chose the Algimud Facial, which is one of their most popular treatments. This facial uses luxurious, natural products to cleanse, exfoliate, and massage the face and neck.

After the facial, my friend had a relaxing shoulder and scalp massage. After this, the esthetician applied a mineral mud facial mask, which gently drew out impurities and deeply hydrated her skin.

We thought that both facials were very relaxing and effective. Our faces had that glow that you could only get from spending a lot of money by pampering yourself.

Do note that the spa is closed on Sundays, which can be inconvenient for some people. 

Additionally, the spa is comparatively small, so it can get crowded during peak times.

We also had the chance to try Esteem Beauty, a beauty salon and skincare clinic established in 2007. Eager to rejuvenate our tired selves, we stepped into the tranquil white, gold, and yellow-themed haven.

As we settled in, we learned that the founder, Kasia, was also the driving force behind the Esteem Excellence Academy. This seems promising, as this means she’s qualified enough to train other professionals.

Their list of specialist services was impressive – from addressing black and whiteheads to acne, and even micropigmentation and microblading. In addition, their expertise extended to treating thread veins and skin tags using their Vein Wave system.

Opting for the Deluxe Facial+Collagen Mask, I was welcomed into a serene treatment room. Their skilled hands and soothing products made my skin feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterward.

My friend’s choice was also the Deluxe Facial+Collagen Mask, but hers was coupled with a back, neck, and shoulder massage. She looked so relaxed after her session, which showed that she really enjoyed the experience.

The only problem we had was that the salon is closed on Mondays and Sundays. We had to plan our visit accordingly.

There were also some minor communication problems regarding bookings that we hope will be fixed.

Overall, we were so happy with our experience that we’re planning to go back next week for their famous microblading services. 

We decided to treat ourselves to a spa day at About Face, a well-established electrolysis, IPL, and beauty clinic that has been around since 1986. 

The staff’s membership in the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis showed how committed they are to their work. Also, we think the clinic’s “Investor in People” Gold accreditation is a big achievement that not all beauty clinics have.

About Face’s preference for Sothys Paris products was evident in their offerings, particularly their Sothys Institute Facials. Opting for the Energising Intensive Facial Treatment, I hoped to restore my skin’s natural radiance. 

I appreciated the free, private consultation that came with the facial. My skin was carefully analysed by the therapist, and a personalised facial was recommended based on my goals. 

Their Energising Intensive Facial Treatment included the use of Siberian Ginseng. This natural adaptogen, which other spas do not use, can help to improve energy levels, reduce stress, and boost the immune system. 

The facial was also performed using the Digi-Esthétique method. It’s a unique massage technique that uses finger pressure to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and to be honest, it felt wonderful.

Despite these, the overall treatment experience fell short of our expectations. Sitting on a chair with my knees bumping against the bed wasn’t exactly relaxing; plus, the dated interior paled in comparison to other places I’ve visited.

It’s worth noting that the clinic is closed on Sundays, which might require some scheduling adjustments.