Product Placement

If you’ve been paying attention you’ll know that this headline means it’s time for another instalment of Product Placement’s series of spa reviews. Put the kettle on. Or actually, chill a bottle of bubbly, because this one has luxury written all over it.

This week’s reviewer is Fiona – also known as The Travel Architect (and my boss’s wife, so sit up straight and take your elbows off the table, please). She knows a thing or two about spas, being both incredibly well-travelled and equally well-groomed. Anyway, without further fawning from me I shall hand you over to Fiona. Champers, anyone?

What? Neat Feet Pedicure.
Where? The Kohler Waters Spa, The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews.
How much? £55 for a 50-minute treatment (with strawberries and champagne an extra £15.)
What for? I was recently offered a complimentary trip to visit the new spa – and jumped at the chance! It was revamped 18 months ago, and although we’ve visited once since then it was The Dunhill Cup weekend and I didn’t want to be sharing the rooftop Jacuzzi with Hugh Grant or Ronan Keating… Maybe another time when I’ve lost that weight I’m always going on about.
What happens? I arrived two hours before my treatment and spent the time in the Thermal Suite. This is a ‘water sanctuary’, which has three main experiences: a very large hydrotherapy pool, a plunge pool and a deluge shower. I also tried the Japanese steam room and did some swimming. Then it was up to the rooftop garden spa: bathing in 40 degrees – with the wind and rain all around me! Then I was taken to the ‘Finishing Spa’ where the lovely Leah talked me through my treatment. I picked my polish and Leah started with hot stones between my toes to soothe them, then exfoliation, scrubbing and a masque. While the masque was on, she dimmed the lights and put a hot wheat wrap with lavender round my neck. After my pedicure I waited for my polish to dry in the relaxation area.
Nice or nasty? If I say that a glass of champagne and a bowl of strawberries coated in chocolate arrived at the beginning of the treatment, you can probably work it out…
Did it work? Relaxed and pampered: check. Smooth, lovely feet: check.
Did it last? Yes – a shame it’s not sandal weather for me to show off my toes though.
Cringe factor? None at all. I just relaxed and enjoyed the whole experience.
Recommend it? I would thoroughly recommend the Kohler Waters Spa for a special day out – they have various packages from £148.