Get the other half to pay (The Sanctuary)

Member Name: honey000

Product:	The Sanctuary
Date:	25/03/09 (201 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relaxing, friendly staff

Disadvantages: Very expensive treatments

I was lucky enough that my darling husband bought me a voucher for an evening at the sanctuary last year for Christmas. Of course, due to my complete inability to organise myself I failed to visit until early December.

My package cost £110 and included:
Entry to The Santuary Covent Garden for an evening from 5 - 10 pm.
One 25 minute treatment, choice of facial, manicure, massage, pedicure or a body wrap.
Dinner
Use of the facilities (including sleep retreat)
Goody bag (containing starter pack - cleanser (30ml), toner (30ml), day cream with SPF 15 (30ml) a flannel and two face mask packs
Discount on any further purchases.

It is ladies only which is good as you dont have to worry about what you look like and believe me it is great to strip off your make up and wander around in a towel and robe.

On arrival, you are greeted by ladies wearing chinese style robes who hand you a complimentary apple juice while you register. Then you are given a locker key (don't lose - costs you £10) and told to get changed. In your locker there is a white towelling robe and fluffy towels to use. You need to bring your own flip flops!

I went first for my facial, which was great. The therapist spent 35 minutes with me instead of 25 which was nice and told me off for getting up too quickly afterwards - apparently it is all about relaxation (well ok then). Her technique was great - I received a deep cleanse, mask and hand and head massage so you will feel pampered.

I then explored and used the facilities.
Pool with the swing (seen it in the movies and loved it!)
Exercise pool
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi

Just take your time and enjoy it! Everything is clean and well attended - there are clean towels everywhere so if you get wet you can just dry off. Not very good for the environment I know but it was a special occasion.

One of the best things about visiting was that there were lots of "chilling out areas" where you could just lie down, cover yourself in a blanket and read a book or magazine (provided). I ordered my dinner lying on a lounger by the coi carp pool and ate lying down which has to be the ultimate in relaxation. The food is good - choice of items such as burgers, salads and pasta, or nibbles for sharing. Try a hot lemon, ginger and honey drink to make you feel very relaxed!

I took advantage of the "sleep retreat" experience - you go into a cocoon of sorts and lie on a vibrating bed and put on headphones. There is a lots of relaxing music and a hypnosis session which talks you through your imaginary garden. To be honest I fell asleep and missed most of the hypnosis but still felt amazing. Also I really did manage to forget most of the problems that had been bothering me that day so I guess it worked.

By 21.15 I had had enough so got ready to go home, you are charged a small amount for service which is a bit of a pain but nothing to shout about.

I was treated with respect and got a great goody bag (see above for the items included).

The shop is full of reasonably priced products (£10 for a moisturisor) or £6 for an eye cream, so much cheaper than my usual products.

Overall a great treat - not sure that I would want to pay myself, it is £40 for a 25 minute treatment which is much more expensive than my local beautician. The food is well priced at around £10 for a meal if you have to buy it.

Would definitely recommend this if you are a man who does not know what to buy his wife or girlfriend for Christmas, Birthdays, Mothers day or any other occasion!

Summary: Relaxation, relaxation, relaxation