Why it works: LUSH Spa's Synaesthesia, signature full-body spa experience

LUSH is the brand bringing unique spa experiences to the high street, where every spa treatment is an opportunity to expect the unexpected and enjoy wellbeing on a whole new level. Each treatment takes between one and five years to go from ideation to availability, such is the attention to detail, and amongst the 12 currently available, Synaesthesia is their hero offering. Here, they explain what it's all about.

What does the Synaesthesia spa treatment involve?

Synaesthesia is a real multi-sensory spa experience - an 80-minute full body massage. When we say it's 80 minutes, that is the amount of time you spend on the treatment bed, not including your consultation time.

The treatment is a real merging of the senses. You start by being asked to choose a word from their intentions board, along with a tonic bottle of choice to create your own unique journey, its scent forming the backdrop to your experience.

The spa treatment also has a bespoke soundtrack featuring a beautiful orchestral score, with layers of bird song and natural soundscapes recorded live from Corfe Castle, Dorset. From Thrush bird calls, to Nightjars, Rooks and Hawk Owl recordings live from Dorset, this soundtrack has the innate ability to whisk you away from your busy lifestyle and take you journeying through natural, wild landscapes. The massage is timed to end when the music stops.

We also like clients to continue their wellbeing experience at home. For example, with this treatment they're given a bath bomb - hopefully, something that they aren't expecting from the treatment.

Where did the spa treatment come from?

It was the very first spa treatment we created, and it was inspired by Founder Mark Constantine's experiences as a synesthete (someone with synaesthesia). The neurological condition means that for those who have it sensory stimulation triggers experiences in other senses. For example, synesthetes might see colours when listening to music, or taste flavours when looking at words. This unique, multi-sensory way of experiencing the world is imbued into all of our treatments, but our original, full-body spa experience, Synaesthesia, is the ultimate example of that multi-sensory approach.

What are the benefits?

How you feel at the end of the treatment depends on the 'intention' you choose at the start. You might be looking to feel relaxed, more confident, or energised, for example. The treatment uses a customised blend of essential oils to achieve your desired outcome. That said, it's also inherently relaxing because of the length of the massage and because it's a full body experience.

Who is it especially good for?

Synaesthesia is a treatment that has something for everyone, but it’s an amazing journey for people who are having their first LUSH spa experience as it’s got so many different elements and it gives a real introduction to what's possible. It's also great for someone who's really looking for a wellness experience because it addresses all the senses and really makes you feel transformed at the end.

Who is this spa treatment not recommended for?

It’s not suitable during pregnancy, and we don’t advise it during or immediately after major illness or surgery. However, as a spa we do everything we can to welcome everyone so if you are not sure if it’s suitable for you, or if you have any conditions we should be aware of, you can always contact us before you visit and we can make recommendations or advise what’s best.

What do you suggest people do before or after the treatment to make the most of it?

We always recommend arriving a little bit early. Our spas are on the high street, so we like clients to arrive about 10 minutes before their treatment time so they can relax, ask any questions, do their consultation form, and really feel at ease going into the experience. Once you’re in the spa it’s like stepping into another world - you have no idea there’s a city outside, so it’s a real chance to escape.

We also encourage people not to have anything planned after their treatment; just revel in the experience, drink plenty of water and really take the time to enjoy how you feel..