Why it works: Mindful Dreams spa treatment at Ireland’s Salthouse Hotel

The brand new Salthouse Hotel is a luxury eco spa in Ireland and one of a kind. In addition to being plastic free and producing more energy than it uses, it offers beautiful, coastal inspired therapies, including the beautiful Mindful Dreams spa treatment …

What exactly is the Mindful Dreams spa treatment?

It is a full body spa treatment with lots of massage included, but it’s really so much more than that. The therapy uses Hawaiian and Balinese techniques and is particularly effective for enhancing sleep. It uses the Mindful Dreams oil containing lavender and chamomile, uses chakra balancing techniques and quartz crystals. The treatment starts with meditation, followed by chakra balancing and then the full body massage. Afterwards we do a foot calming ritual, which is inspired by reflexology. We do a full facial cleanse with VOYA products to really nourish the skin, and that includes a full chest, shoulder and face massage as well so you are really relaxed by the end.

Where does the spa treatment come from?

We use Ireland’s VOYA product line and therapies, which is made using organic ingredients including hand harvested seaweed. They describe it as a massage ritual, offering you a heightened sense of relaxation that is a powerful sleep encouraging experience.

What is it supposed to do?

As mentioned, it’s great for encouraging sleep, but it’s also very soothing and a really sensory experience. The whole treatment is really carefully considered. For example, the quartz crystals have healing properties and take away negative energy. They’re the love stone and add to that sense of comfort and calm. 

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment? 

The treatment room is candlelit, the bed is heated up, we use extra blankets for the feeling of extra comfort and we use a blend of essential oils that are great for relaxation and infuse the room - lavender and chamomile. We use heated oils as well.

Is there anything you recommend guests do pre- or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

We recommend a good 40 to 60 minute session in the thermal suite to completely relax before the spa treatment. We also advise having it in the evening so you can have a herbal tea and just relax afterwards, really have time to yourself, read a book, put your feet up and prepare for a good night’s sleep. It’s also a really nice idea to take the Mindful Dreams bath oil home with you to continue the relaxation. 

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It’s really great for anyone who’s anxious and stressed and often guests who’ve had some kind of trauma or grief find it very soothing. It’s also great for anyone who’s not sleeping well or has broken sleep - so many people struggle with that. Honestly though, it’s really lovely for anyone who suffers from stress or needs a little comforting. 

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this spa treatment and why?

It’s not good if you are pregnant, although we can adapt it. At the moment we can’t generally offer treatments if you are being treated for cancer, although we can sometimes adapt them depending on individual circumstances, so it’s best to contact us in advance.