70 | TRAVEL
WEEKENDERS
Mar Hall words Nicky Howden
I
’ve stayed in my fair share of luxury hotels; it’s one of the perks of the job. But with experience comes expectation… which
isn’t always a good thing. Synonymous with luxury and five star surroundings, Mar Hall is a privately owned golf and Aveda spa resort, overlooking the River Clyde with views towards the sprawling Kilpatrick Hills. Located just outside Glasgow and set in a tranquil 240 acre woodland estate, everything from the grounds and driveway to the baronial mansion is imposing and impressive – even on a dreich January afternoon. Inside, despite a rather disappointing first impression of the
reception area and entrance hall which is in need of some TLC, you can expect traditional and elegant furnishings of a bygone era in the grand hall which acts as the lounge area and a good spot for afternoon tea or pre dinner drinks. Indeed, the resident pianist often sets the mood before you dine in the more intimate, and warm, Cristal Restaurant. The main pull for us however was the exclusive Aveda Destination Spa - one of only two in the UK. Using only Aveda’s finest oils and eco friendly products, the spa offers a wide range of treatments varying from signature facials to wellbeing treatments
and balancing massages. The luxurious and pampering options seem endless, with every single one of them appealing. The spa is perfectly sized to remain private and exclusive,
featuring eight treatment rooms designed using elements of ancient ayurvedic traditions. Feeling overwhelmed by the treatments on offer, we left it to the spa manager, Amy, for her recommendations. The first being the Rasul Mud Chamber, 30mins for £30, a unique experience where you apply a liquid and grainy mud all over your skin whilst relaxing in a heated steam-like room. While it isn’t something many people can say they’re accustomed to, it is a lot of fun. And, the Dead Sea mineral mud has its benefits, leaving your skin feeling instantly refreshed. I also booked the Chakra Balancing Massage, 1hr for £75, on
the promise that it would ‘de-stress, invigorate and bring the body back into balance’. I wasn’t disappointed. The variety of massage techniques using balancing plant oils focused on the chakras (main energy points) down either side of the spine and across the back. That combined with a foot massage and a head massage and I was gone.
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