LOCHGREEN SPA
Lawren Finlay
Hi, I’m Lawren, Business Development Manager for Ayrshire Magazine. I was recently invited by Laura, Spa Manager at Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa, to enjoy a spa package, which included a treatment and lunch. Needless to say, she didn’t have to ask twice, I jumped at the chance!
Among all the physical benefits of a spa, there is one significant benefit: it enhances happiness. Massages and spa treatments are known to release serotonin, a hormone associated with happiness, not only during your spa session but also in the following days. I can certainly agree with this. Not only are you going to feel better mentally, but you’re also going to feel more confident, sleep better and benefit from better skin.
The spa at Loch Green House Hotel has been open for nine years. Laura has managed the spa since June this year and has made a vast amount of changes, from introducing new uniforms to a new online 24/7 booking system. She has also introduced Temple Spa which is a cruelty-free, botanical, anti-ageing formula for both skin and soul health, and has increased the opening times from 9.30am till 6pm six days a week, with late opening until 8pm on a Thursday.
There are various spa items for sale and gift vouchers are available to purchase. There are a number of treatment packages available as well as a monthly offer, all of which are detailed on the website. Japanese Head Spa is also being offered from December as an addition to the treatment packages. Laura has over 20 years’ experience working and managing spas and has plenty of ideas still to implement.
On entering Lochgreen House Hotel, the spa is located on the second floor, which is easily accessible by the lift, but you pick up the scent of relaxing aromas from the spa before you even reach the second floor. I’m sure I could smell lavender, ylang ylang, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
Stepping out of the lift I was met by one of the lovely, friendly staff who checked me in, and Laura then introduced me to all the staff. There are four therapists, all highly trained.
Laura showed me round the six treatment rooms, one of which is a couple/friends room with two beds. This, I thought, is a great idea if I was going with my husband or a friend. There is also a relaxation area where you can indulge in a choice of refreshments – from herbal teas to champagne – whilst sitting and having a quiet chat overlooking the amazing views to the sea. There is also a well-equipped area where you can book a manicure and/or pedicure and choose from the selection of gel nail polish colours.
The jacuzzi, designed for two people but can comfortably fit three, is in a separate room, and emptied and thoroughly cleaned after each use. I could also take my nice, chilled glass of champagne into the jacuzzi. This was a big plus – I do like my fizz!
I opted for a back massage, which Laura was going to carry out for me. Once in the treatment room, I was covered with a towel and blanket. The bed was heated so I felt completely relaxed already. Laura used one of the products from the Temple Spa range for my massage and the scent was amazing. Afterwards, I was given a glass of water and encouraged to sit in the relaxation area. The next big decision I had to make was whether to have my lunch in here or head down to the restaurant. As I’m nosey, I decided to go downstairs to the restaurant!
Adam, one of the restaurant managers, was on hand. Again, he was immaculately turned out and so accommodating. The menu had a good variety of options to choose from. I opted for a very tasty Waldorf salad with Cajun chicken. It was delicious and presented perfectly.
Many thanks to Laura for inviting me along. If you’re looking for a place of sanctuary for stress relief and relaxation, Laura and her team will leave you rested, calm, and in a tranquil state of mind. If you’re staying at Lochgreen House Hotel, you will receive a 10% reduction on treatments.
Go on, it’s time to reward yourself! Why not book an appointment, melt away the tension and feel that stress quickly disappear in the serene ambiance of Lochgreen Spa?
Laura has recently been nominated for Spa Leader of the Year with British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and has reached the final four. At the time of my visit, she was looking forward to the awards ceremony in London – good luck, Laura!
