Having recently added Spanish brand, Germaine de Cappuccini to its seaside pampering repertoire, Lansdowne Place Hotel’s Senior Spa Therapist, Robyn Reynolds, tells us why the best way to have a massage is by candlelight …

What exactly is the Mediterranean Candlelight Massage?

It’s a 55-minute treatment which starts with a Pindea Routine – which we use at the start of all our therapies and involves pressing heated beanbags (for want of a better word) over the body to introduce the client to touch.  We then light a candle which has a wonderful smell of lavender and mandarin, and as it melts it turns to a scented oil/cream which we drip over the body – it doesn’t burn, it is never that hot, it’s just nice and warm.  Once the oil is applied we do a full body massage which is inspired by Turkish techniques and incorporates body manipulation and stretches, before finishing with another Pindea Routine and a ‘Kiss from Germaine’ where we place a warm, dry towel over the client’s face and spray perfume into the air – it is very relaxing.

Where does it come from?

The products and technique is all by Germaine de Cappuccini – it is evocative of Spain thanks to the essential oils that are included and the smells which are quintessentially Mediterranean.  The massage is inspired by Turkish tradition, and is very similar to Thai massage – there is a lot of stretching involved to release the muscles and it isn’t something you will find in just any spa.  It is relaxing, but a deeper massage than you would normally find.

What is it supposed to do?

It is designed to relax all aspects of the body – the smells help to clear the senses and the mind, while the massage adds the physical element to relax the muscles.  The products are also very rich and hydrating for the skin.

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

Drink lots of water to hydrate the skin and keep the muscles soft and try to leave some time to relax before and afterwards rather than rushing off into a busy environment – you don’t want to undo all that work!

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It’s great for anyone who wants to try something a little different to their normal treatment, or if you are going through a lot of life changes and want a moment of calm amid the chaos.  I have worked with clients who come in feeling really stressed and leave feeling like a different person, which is really gratifying to see.

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

Because of the oils and the massage it isn’t suitable for pregnant women or anyone who is being treated for cancer, or has broken bones.

To visit Lansdowne Place Hotel and Spa go to Spabreaks.com or contact the team on 0800 043 6600.