Posts Tagged ‘phytomer’

Muddy know-how: Wahanda meets Laura Carrick, Chelsea Harbour Club

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

By Judy Johnson

Wahanda recently tried the skin-smoothing Phytomer Muddy Stones treatment, a new exclusive launch at the luxurious Chelsea Harbour Club. A truly indulgent experience, we wanted to find out more about Phytomer and all its secrets, so we quizzed Spa Manager Laura Carrick on the why’s and how’s of muddy stones…

Hot stone massageWho is the Phytomer Muddy Stones treatment best for?
Anyone who loves indulging in body wraps but wants a little extra – as this includes some hot stone massage, it makes it more relaxing as well as detoxifying. It has been created solely for Chelsea Harbour Club by Alistair Johnson, Spa Development Manager from Phytomer, after researching treatments all over the world.

Why Phytomer?
Phytomer products are a 100% natural French brand containing seaweed and trace elements. Seaweed is great for the skin as it has a similar composition to our skin, which means the minerals are absorbed easier. However, anyone with Iodine intolerance cannot use it.

What are the minerals in the mud good for?
The mud softens and smoothes skin as well as remineralising it and is also detoxifying on the body.

What benefit do the hot stones in the treatment have?
Using the hot stones means it’s a more luxurious and effective treatment, as many people who have body wraps simply have to lay there while it gets to work. With the Phytomer Muddy Stones, clients get a massage as well so it’s a complete indulgent relaxation treatment. The heat of the stones and the massaging action increases blood circulation and means the therapist can work further into the muscle aiding and promoting the relaxation of the client and overall wellbeing.

Why is the treatment performed on a heated plinth?
For much the same reason as the hot stones – to help relax the body and the muscles.

Phytomer’s body and facial product range is available to purchase at Chelsea Harbour Club – the only stockist in Central London. Read our tried and tested write up of the Muddy Stones treatment for a sneaky peek of what’s involved. Wahanda customers also get a super special 20% off the exclusive treatment - who says you can’t buy happiness?

One to watch: Chelsea Harbour Club are launching even more skin-tingling treatments in June and July, including:

  • Phytomer Take Thai ‘M’ Out Massage – a holistic massage combining lavender bolus’s and pressure point movements to release and relax the stress and strain on the body.
  • Phytomer Marine Pearl Facial – rejuvenating and anti-ageing facial using anti-ageing facial massage movement as well as balls of pure seawater to plump and brighten the skin.
  • Lava Shell Massage - the alternative to hot stone massage using lava tiger clams and a self heating saline solution, 100% eco-friendly.

All wrapped up: Phytomer Muddy Stones Treatment at Chelsea Harbour Club

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Chelsea Harbour Club

Chelsea Harbour Club

Wahanda loves all things spa, especially when there’s something new in town. So when spa experts Chelsea Harbour Club told us about their launch of a brand new, exclusive treatment using Phytomer products, we couldn’t wait to don our spa slippers and try it out.

If your skin needs a polish with a difference, put Chelsea Harbour Club at the top of your Wahanda wishlist. The Phytomer Muddy Stones treatment will not only leave you silky smooth, but will also soothe away tension making you feel utterly relaxed and left in pamper heaven. The perfect antidote for winter skin in preparation for the summer months, Wahanda sped down to the luxury spa hotspot to let the Phytomer minerals work their magical wonders.

The spa

Chelsea Harbour Club is nestled away in a quiet street of Fulham, making it tricky to find but it’s worth the walk. As a busy and bustling centre for sport and leisure, it’s only once you’ve wound your way down to the lower level spa that you begin to feel like you’re in a place of pampering. After a quick questionnaire about our current skincare routine, we were sent off to the luxurious and spacious changing rooms to swap our office wear for a fluffy white robe and matching slippers. Therapist Louisa then showed us around the stunning spa facilities, with the steam and sauna rooms and peaceful hydrotherapy pool, before heading to the hammam treatment room to begin.

A softly-lit, earthy looking hideaway to the side of the long swimming pool, the hammam room puts you at ease. Centred in the room is the warm plinth, where we have to lay for the treatment – it’s tough work, but someone has to do it! After leaving us to get comfy under the towels, Louisa came in to explain what the treatment involves – and we couldn’t wait.

Hot stone massageThe treatment

Starting with the backs of our legs, Louisa applied the mineral-rich Atlas mountain mud by Phytomer, massaging it in to make our skin soft and our muscles soothed. The mud felt grainy, while the heat of the plinth warmed through the body creating complete relaxation. The only snag was the hardness of the plinth, which can feel uncomfortable – but the massage soon melts that away. Using hot stones, Louisa gently relieved tension in our muscles while the wrap got to work. After one leg was fully smothered, Louisa wrapped it up and started on the other leg, repeating the same relaxing process.

While our pins stayed wrapped up and cosy, Louisa then applied the mud onto our back and shoulders, again using the heated stones to rub away tensions, then after unwrapping us so we could flip over, the front of our legs and tummy were given the same treatment. Louisa paid extra attention to problem areas such as the feet, making it feel like a mini pedicure. Once our whole body had been muddied and wrapped, she then applied the deliciously soothing mud mask to our face and neck, including an added scalp massage which made it tempting to fall straight to sleep in a state of bliss. But, after wiping away the mud from our face with a warm cloth, Louisa refreshed the skin with a cool Phytomer facial spritz, reviving the senses and bringing us back to reality.

The result

We then had the odd experience of being unwrapped, and without leaving the plinth, the mud was rinsed away using a shower and a mitt – making our skin feel softer than ever and utterly exfoliated. Sadly, this meant the treatment was over and we could no longer lie back on the warmth of the plinth, but Louisa had more than worked her magic. Our skin felt refreshed and radiant, and we felt completely calm after such a relaxing 75 minutes, ready to head off into the sunshine for a leisurely walk home.  Perfect as a body wrap with a difference, the Muddy Stones treatment is far more luxurious than it sounds – our skin has never felt better.

We tried it, we tested it, and we loved it. Book yours now on Wahanda, with our exclusive 20% off introductory offer. Plus,  find out more about the Chelsea Harbour Club and read our quick fire questions with Spa Manager Laura Carrick.