Lizzie Anderson lets her worries ebb away at Durham City’s latest beauty retreat

TUCKED away in the grounds of the Marriott Royal County Hotel, in Old Elvet, Durham City, The Beauty Centre is a hidden treasure. Despite being only minutes from the busy Market Place, it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle.

I am greeted by manager Christine McGill whose friendly manner makes me feel instantly welcome. Christine, 28, previously worked at The Beauty Centre’s sister salon of the same name in Belmont, but was appointed to manage the new venture.

The salon offers a variety of treatments.

From waxing and make-up to massages, manicures, facials and reflexology, it is a one-stop shop for pampering and preening. The team also has the use of the Royal County Hotel’s poolside treatment rooms and offers spa days for those who want to unwind.

Christine had chosen three of the salon’s most popular treatments for me to try. First was a hot stone massage (£30) in the tastefully decorated treatment room, complete with candles, relaxing music and the divine scents of luxurious lotions and potions.

Hot stones have been used in massage for hundreds of years. Particularly popular in winter, this treatment targets muscle tension at the deepest level, with one stroke with the stone thought to be the equivalent of ten by hand.

“When you are stressed or tense, the muscle fibres knot up,” says Christine. “The heat of the stones instantly relaxes the muscles and the muscle fibres, so it is very effective. It also very comforting, almost like a having a big hug.”

Christine began with a regular massage to ease me into the treatment. After about ten minutes, the stones were introduced and used to massage my back and shoulders. It was utter bliss and I felt as though I was sinking further and further into the soft blankets.

Then, it was time to concentrate on my face.

The salon offers a range of facials that can be tailored to suit the needs of the client. I was given the Clarins Aromatic Personal Blend Facial (£46). Before we began, Christine asked me about my skin concerns. “It is so important to analyse the skin every time we carry out a facial, even with a regular client who comes in every month,” she says. “Your skin can change daily, depending on the weather and the way you are feeling.”

Once my face is makeup-free, Christine applied Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Refiner, which contains microbeads and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. Next came a luxurious face, neck and head massage using 100 per cent natural blue orchid oil, which is great for dehydrated skin.

“The massage not only helps the client relax, but stimulates lymphatic flow to drain away puffiness from the eyes and clear the sinuses,” says Christine. “Clarins therapists are taught to use a lot of pushing and lifting movements as they help target the signs of ageing and ensure the product sinks in.”

NEXT, Christine applied a Hydro Quench Mask, which is especially effective on combination skin. A lavender eye pillow was then placed over my eyes, while she carried out a hand, scalp and arm massage. The facial was rounded off with eye cream, serum and a day moisturiser.

My skin looked great and to ensure it remained that way, I was given a personal planner with advice on products and skincare routines.

The final treatment of the day was a Shellac manicure – a nail care system where the polish dries instantly and remains chip-free for more than two weeks. I had opted for a shape and polish (£22) and Christine began by tidying up the cuticles, filing and buffing the nail. A base coat was applied and set under a small UV lamp.

Next came the fun part – choosing from the large array of colours. After much deliberation, I chose Hot Pop Pink.

I left the centre feeling relaxed, smelling of aromatic oils and boasting fabulous nails – what more could a girl ask for?

  • The Beauty Centre is in the Marriott Royal County Hotel, Old Elvet, Durham City.For more information and to book treatments, contact 0191-386-1175.

Win a luxury spa day

WEEKEND magazine has teamed up with The Beauty Centre to give one lucky reader the chance to win an amazing spa day worth £140. The Beauty Centre Ultimate Spa Ritual is described as a “sensory journey” and includes use of the hotel leisure facilities, a light lunch, facial, full body hot stone massage, a manicure and pedicure. There is also a runnerup prize of a £50 voucher to redeem against treatments.

HOW TO ENTER

To stand a chance of winning, just tell us the full name of the Clarins exfoliator used during the facial.

Answers, together with full contact details, to Marriott Beauty Centre Competition, Living magazine, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF. The closing date is April 2 and usual Newsquest competition rules apply.

SPRING OFFERS

  • Beat the winter blues by treating yourself to a healthy tan. The treatment works with the skin’s natural pigmentation to give a natural flawless tan in complete safety. It is applied using the St Tropez airbrush technique.

Normally £20, on Wednesday, from 11am to 2pm, the cost of the treatment is only £10. Places are limited, so call to book as soon as possible.

A range of St Tropez pre and post-treatment products are available to buy. They are easy to apply and keep your tan moisturised to make the colour last longer.

  • The centre is offering a beauty package of a Clarins Personal Blend Facial and a Shellac Manicure for £59. The price is usually £79.50.