Words by Lorelle Williams
Downstairs at the five star Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Manchester is the luxurious Sienna Spa. This day spa, which includes a state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers, is a tranquil escape from the hectic city centre in which the hotel is based.
After checking in at reception and changing into my complementary robe and slippers, I was led to the spa’s relaxation area made up of comfy sofas, gentle lighting and peaceful music. I made myself a herbal tea and sat down with a copy of Harper’s Bazaar while I waited to be collected for my treatment.
The spa hosts a 12m deck level swimming pool available to both spa guests and club members, along with a Nordic sauna, steam room and whirlpool bath. A ‘spa booth’ has recently been set up near the reception area for guests to have a manicure or pedicure using OPI nails, or they can opt for a more ‘holistic’ experience where nail treatments include hot stones and a hand or foot massage.
I wasn’t in the relaxation area long before the therapist came to introduce herself and take me through to the treatment room. I had chosen to review Sienna Spa’s 60 minutes ESPA Advanced Enzyme Facial, a powerful and highly effective natural facial peel proven to boost cell regeneration and even out skin tone.
My skin was inspected under a UV light to identify the most problematic areas. I was given a hand-held mirror to see my face under such light and the results were shocking! Despite the many facials I have had over the years, the area around my eyes lit up as dark purple which the therapist told me was due to dehydration. I also had a lot of skin pigmentation which I found surprising as I don’t use sunbeds, but the therapist explained that pigmentation can often be caused by air pollution and this would be the most likely cause for mine.
The facial began with a cleanse using ESPA’s hydrating cleansing milk which contains marshmallow, almond and soya bean oils to nourish my dehydrated skin. A foam cleanser then followed alongside a deep exfoliation using an electronic clarisonic brush which is like a giant electronic toothbrush for the face. This removes six times more dirt, oil and makeup than regular cleansing and allows for better absorption of skin products.
My skin was now ready for the intense enzyme peel. The peel used contained botanical extracts and pumpkin enzymes to deeply exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from the top layer of my skin. This caused some slight tingling but nothing too irritable. The peel was removed and a facial oil was applied followed by a scalp, shoulder and neck massage using rose quartz.
For the final step, the ESPA cleansing mask was applied and left on for around 20 minutes. This contains concentrated seaweed extracts, argon oil and menthol to give the skin a more plumped and firmer appearance. When the mask was removed my face was sprayed with ESPA’s floral spa fresh spritz and moisturised with ESPA’s optimal skin promoisturiser to ensure my skin remained hydrated for the rest of the day.
When I got back to the changing rooms and had a proper look at my skin in the mirrors. My complexion was more evenly toned, much plumper and more youthful looking and the fine lines around my eyes were faded.
After thanking my therapist and being given some eye cream samples to prevent further dehydration around my eyes, I finished my day at the Radisson Blu Edwardian with complementary afternoon tea at the hotel’s Opus One Bar.
Address: Free Trade Hall, Peter St, Manchester M2 5GP
Tel: +44 0161 835 9929
