Afternoon:
14°c
What is it? A deep-tissue massage, but one specially designed to ease aches, pains and mangled muscles.
Beauty powers? The look of relief on your face afterwards is very anti-ageing, as are the few extra inches of neck gained once shoulders have been released from their customary hunch.
The process: Just walking into Momiji Tree is relaxing. The Primrose Hill spa, fashioned from an old factory, has a Scando-Japanese feel, with lots of calming wood and spacious rooms. The emphasis is on holistic treatments and organic products but Momiji Tree owner Bhauna Patel, a fan of chocolate and champagne, has a love of indulgence that creeps into the therapies on offer. So you can choose between a wholesome Five-a-day Body Facial, a thoroughly pampering Twinkle Toes pedicure, or a stress-relieving Knot-Free Massage — my choice.
On arrival I swapped shoes for slippers, sipped herbal tea and sank into a comfy seat while I waited. My therapist took me to a lovely big room with proper music playing — not the usual mind-numbing spa CD. There she delivered an expert massage, fingers dexterously untangling the muscles in my shoulders and calves. She used a luxurious unscented organic oil which left my skin nourished and glowing.
Any surprises? I was impressed to be given advice on bits of my body the masseur had noticed were not quite right. Sure enough, a swollen patch on the back of my leg turned out to be a knee injury, but one she suggested I could help heal by regular body brushing. It worked.
Transformed? Months of stress melted away leaving me feeling restored and wonderfully looked after.
Try it out: £80 for an hour. Momiji Tree, 200 Regent's Park Road, NW1 (020 7586 6625, www.momijitree.co.uk).
