If you want to treat yourself or a loved one to a truly luxurious spa experience, then Belfast Merchant Hotel Spa is The One. I visited recently for a Hydro Spa and Aromatherapy Essential Oil Massage and every element of the experience left me feeling like a pampered princess. And no, I'm not exaggerating. On arrival, a spiral staircase leads down to candlelit walkways with ornate gold mirrors, velvet chaise lounges and pretty lacquered tables. Instantly soothing, the interior feels like walking into a decadent secret underworld, quite fitting really as the spa is in the hotel basement.
I was shown into the changing rooms, assigned a locker and left to prepare for an hour of hydrotherapy (fluffy towelling robe and slippers provided for walking around in). Usually one to shy away from pools, I was a little hesitant about this bit, but it blew my expectations out of the water (pardon the pun). First up, it was an absolute treat to have the place to myself - advantage of an early morning, mid week appointment. I began in the Hydro-pool with shoulder and neck massage jets and popped into the aroma steam room before cooling off at the ice fountain - admittedly with the enthusiasm of a small child. I repeated this cycle a few times before relaxing on the thermal lounger, a vast mosaic heated 'bed', which feels incredibly soothing.
It was lovely to have this time to unwind before a full body aromatherapy massage which my laptop -subjected neck and shoulders deeply appreciated. Definitely the most intense massage I've ever had, my therapist's skill and experience was evident as she unwound knots and left me fully relaxed. I really liked that I wasn't shoved out the door afterwards, but left to chill out in the relaxation lounge with magazines, water and fruit skewers before heading out to face the world again.
Belfast Merchant Hotel Spa is at 16 Skipper Street in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast city centre.
Find out more at their website or call +44 (0) 28 9026 2712 for bookings.
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