Product Placement

If you were to ask the Man On The Street if he’d like hot stones laid on his back, he’d probably say no. But who is this man anyway? And why does he always have an opinion on everything? This week, for the next installment of the now officially popular Preferential Treatments (I have stats, don’t you know), I have gone to a much more reliable source than this no-mark: Product Placement reader Rachel.

She’s recently done something that I’m very excited about and I’m sure you are too. (Well, maybe not excited. I’d settle for ambivalent.). She had a hot stone therapy treatment, so I’ve taken the opportunity to ask her the ten crucial Preferential Treatments questions. Rachel, I am rigid with anticipation.

What? Cooling Hot Stone Therapy.
Where? PURE Spa, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh.
How much? £60 for 60 minutes.
What for? “Hot and cold stones are used in this treatment with therapeutic massage to target your specific problem areas, alleviate stress and ease aching muscles. You will then be treated to one of Elemis’ Advanced Anti-Ageing Facials, designed to smooth out wrinkles and restore youthful radiance, all customised to your needs. The perfect all over body indulgence to leave you feeling refreshed and radiant.”
What happens? First of all, I was given a foot bath with massage and moisturiser, not quite what I was expecting but very welcome for my embarrassingly rough soles. Then my therapist heated up the stones (very exciting…!) while she brushed my arms and back to prepare them. Then she smoothed the stones up and down my legs and back, targeting problem areas and easing out any muscle knots. It felt strange and lovely. I then had a full body massage, which was gorgeous, and if that wasn’t enough, I was then treated to an Elemis Advanced Anti-Ageing Facial.
Nice or nasty? I actually felt like I was having an out-of-body experience (without the botched operation).
Did it work? I didn’t have any specific problem areas but this treatment was an amazing hour and a great way to relax.
Did it last? The blissed-out feeling lasted all day and then I slept like a log. The facial had my skin glowing for at least a week.
Cringe factor? It’s a strip off to your pants job, but the therapist was very professional. But why did my pants have to hide down the leg of my jeans when I was getting dressed? Thankfully I recovered them just before my therapist returned…
Recommend it? The stones are an unusual but welcome addition to the treatment. I’d definitely recommend it. I actually want another one as soon as possible.