Pamper time

Dec 19 2009 by Liz Lamb and Katharine Capocci, The Journal

FANCY spoiling a loved one with a little pampering this Christmas or help them to chill out in the New Year? LIZ LAMB and KATHARINE CAPOCCI test out two great pamper packages.

FOR those who are stressed out by Christmas or feeling fragile after New Year then a pamper package is the perfect post-party treat.

A dip in the pool, followed by a luxurious beauty treatment and then a girlie gossip over afternoon tea is an ideal way to de-stress and unwind so you can begin the new year with vigour.

The Marriott Gosforth Park in Newcastle is now offering pamper packages that can be tailor-made to your needs.

The hotel has a pool, Jacuzzi, beauty centre, bars and restaurants, all under one roof, but they can even arrange for you to go on a shopping trip in the city centre as well if you fancy a touch of retail therapy.

With a busy working and social life I’m always on the look-out for ways to unwind, so it sounded like the perfect package for me.

I went along to the hotel with a friend after a busy day at the office. I was in desperate need of relaxation so didn’t waste any time in heading to the beauty clinic.

Beauty at Gosforth Park is a lovely, warm haven, where scented candles and fabulous aromas, instantly make you feel relaxed. There is a good choice of treatments too.

Matis facials are available to help with all sorts of ailments and skin problems such as wrinkles, ageing, dehydration and dryness.

There are also spa treatments for the body, hot stone therapy, Indian head massage, waxing, fake tanning and massaging on the extensive list of beauty offers.

If you fancy a bumper session in the spa, then you can also indulge in a pamper package which includes, for example, a facial, eyebrow shape and back massage.

I decided to test out the Matis caviar treatment. I have eaten caviar on a few occasions so I was keen to see what it could do for my skin rather than my stomach.

The treatment is rich in anti-ageing ingredients and caviar is unique in its effects on mature, dry and dehydrated skin types.

It aims to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and restore a glowing complexion. As someone who regularly suffers from dehydrated skin this was a great choice for me.

After an hour and 15 minutes of pampering, I left the safe cocoon of the beauty area feeling super-relaxed with glowing, beautiful skin.

My friend and I then headed to the Plate fine dining restaurant where we enjoyed a hearty three-course lunch, washed down with a bottle of vino, while being entertained by live music.

We then chilled out for the rest of the evening. The next morning we had a hearty breakfast before heading to the pool where we swam a few lengths, sweated out our excesses from the night before in the sauna before sinking our weary limbs into the Jacuzzi.

Then it was time to shop. We were picked up by a chauffeur-driven Mercedes and whisked off to Fenwick, in Newcastle, which recently set up a personal styling suite where someone else finds clothes for you as you kick off your shoes and relax with a glass of Champagne.

After a couple hours of retail therapy we were picked up in the Mercedes and headed back to the hotel where we were treated to afternoon tea in Chat’s bar.

We relaxed on comfy sofas and munched on finger sandwiches and cream scones while reflecting on our day of pampering.

By the time we left the hotel, we were relaxed, pampered and stress-free. Perfect!

The Gosforth Park Marriott offers tailormade pamper packages to your requirements. The Fenwick Newcastle Shopping Package costs between £104 and £134 and includes accommodation, breakfast, £20 Fenwick shopping voucher and access to hotel leisure club. For more information, call 0191 236 4111, or visit www.marriott.co.uk

Beauty at Gosforth Park has a range of beauty pamper packages ranging from £80 to £150.

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