A touch of Hawaii near Haymarket

Published on Tuesday 3 February 2009 13:47

ARRIVING at Gail Bryden's cosy upper colony house in the west end of Edinburgh for a massage, it couldn't be further from the world of high-tech spas and salons. If that sounds like a criticism, let me say right now, it's not.

Whereas you might find a chi chi spa or salon intimidating, or maybe just a little impersonal, this is a truly one-to-one treatment. From the glass of elderflower presse at the kitchen table before we begin to the steaming cup of rooibos tea after, no detail has been left to chance.

Although I know I want a massage, I'm not sure which one is right for me. To help, Gail asks how I hope to be feeling in just over an hour when my massage is over. It's a simple question but in all the (many) treatments I've had, no one's asked me that before, or at least not in that way.

And what a difference it makes. It gives me a chance to think about how I'm feeling – tight shoulders from working at a computer all day and a head that's ready to burst with too much in it – and focuses my mind on what I'm here to do. "Relaxed and revived," I answer ambitiously on this dreich Wednesday night.

Without hesitation, Gail prescribes the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage – the Rolls-Royce of massages – and takes me through to settle in the comfortable treatment room.

Then all that's left for me to do is choose the scent of the oil that will be used for my massage and relax. Massaging methodically all over my body – front and back – from my head to feet, Gail teases out my tight muscles with gentle and soothing strokes; gentle but thorough. As Gail works, I drift towards sleep.

The hour flies by, but as I dress I can tell that she's done exactly what she said she would. I'm warmer than I've been all day, I feel much more relaxed than I did and although I'm sleepy, I do feel energised.

Heading back down the stairs into the drizzle, the smell of the oil Gail used on my skin cuts through the cold air, and I couldn't really feel any better.

The Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage costs 65 for one hour. Scotsman readers who book by 16 February will receive a 15 discount. Treatment to be taken by the end of March 2009. Tel: [phone], www.yourtruepotential.co.uk