Pamper Yourself! Massage, Saunas, Facials - We've got it Covered

While I was abroad recently, I treated myself and my daughter to a Hammam and massage. A Hammam is a traditional bathing experience, favoured in places such as Turkey and Morocco. You begin by sitting in a steam room for some considerable time, before being hoiked out and instructed to lie on a marble slab where you are literally scrubbed from head to toe in an exfoliating treatment by a complete stranger. Finally, you are rinsed off with cold water and in this case, we had fresh orange halves rubbed over our now sparkling, baby soft skin. Invigorating to say the least!

But why should it be that we only really think to pamper ourselves when on holiday or at special occasions? Well I for one am going to re-think that theory and what with the darker nights drawing in and a certain chill in the air, what better time to consider some tempting treatments to soothe those weary bones and aching muscles, smooth the skin and boost our feelings of well-being?

Fortunately, we are lucky to be located in an area with an abundance of pamper parlours close-by. And it doesn't need to cost a fortune to feel like you've had a treat either. Meridians, based at the top of Glastonbury High Street, offer a huge range of beauty treatments, starting with eyebrow shaping for around £7. They also do a range of body massage and aromatherapy treatments too as well as facials, manicures and pedicures. 

A popular choice in Glastonbury is Natural Roots, the non-toxic hair salon based in Northload Street. Natural Roots deliver all the normal hair dressing services but treat yourself to just a simple cut and you will be rewarded with a head and scalp massage as part of the service. Bliss.

Glastonbury is not short of alternative therapists who can offer you all manner of therapies for mind and body. The Bridget Healing Centre based in the Glastonbury Experience courtyard is one of the more reputable and has been going for around 20 years. The various practitioners offer everything from deep tissue massage, reiki and aromatherapy to rune and tarot readings and clairvoyance! You'll have no problem finding something to lift your spirits.....

Now finding a traditional Hammam round these parts is a no-goer. But why not do the next best thing and banish the autumn chill by taking yourself off to Strode Pool for a lovely steamy sauna? The sauna itself costs just £3.40 but combine it with a swim and it's £5.50. Bargain! You have the luxury of being able to alternate between the two if you like, but even if you just opt for the sauna, what could be better than to take yourself in and out of the heat to get a quick blast from the cold shower nearby? It's unlikely you'll find anyone there to slap a load of lumpy black clay all over you and give you a good scrubbing but never mind, take an exfoliating mitt and some nice shower gel and DIY. Maybe, if you're canny, you could always get him/her indoors to treat you to a lovely massage when you get home - Starchild in Glastonbury do a fabulous range of sensuous, fragrant aromatherapy massage oils perfect for that very thing.....

And finally, if you don't mind placing yourself in the hands of some novices, the hair and beauty department at Strode College offer some fantastic treatments at reduced rates, delivered by students. From hair cutting and styling to full body massage, reflexology, Indian Head Massage, waxing, nail art, manicures and pedicures, you can really find a body beautiful bargain here.

Do you have a favourite pamper activity? Use a local salon for any lovely treatments?Tell us here!

Photo coutesy of thomaswanhoff