Health, Beauty & Fitness: Espa Time at Turnberry, Ayrshire

This must be a common problem, as Espa have come up with what they believe is the answer - time. And, at the Turnberry spa in Ayrshire, you can book in for two or three hours of personalised treatments, which will be decided after a consultation with one of their therapists.

They don't, however, ever directly ask you what you want. Instead, my masseuse gently eked out information about my wellbeing and preferences, while she administered a welcome foot ritual in one of the many cosy treatments rooms in this labyrinthine spa.

Because I sit at a computer screen for most of my day, she came to the conclusion that a back rub, concentrating on my shoulders (which are usually hoisted up to my earlobes) was in order. Plus, I also hinted that I needed something to relax my mind and remedy my ruddy complexion. She suggested a radiance facial, a mud wrap and a salt scrub.

The latter option, a rub down with chunky granules, kicked off proceedings. After I'd rinsed this product away in the shower, my skin was slightly raw looking. However, it was worth the rough treatment, as I was well primed for the unctuous gloop that my therapist then smoothed over me, before wrapping me up in linen. Afterwards, my skin felt Andrex-puppy soft for more than a week. That's a result.

Post-scrub and I got the firm pressure of massage that I'd asked for. My therapist worked into my tight shoulders using her forearms, elbows and a clutch of hot stones. The wonderfully gentle facial element of the treatment culminated in a head massage using vast dollops of Espa's Pink Hair and Scalp Mud.

Despite feeling completely zoned out after three hours of pampering, I still found the energy to use this spa's sauna and swimming pool, the latter of which boasts views out to Ailsa Craig.

From now on, I'm going to apply the Espa Time principle to the rest of my life. If I can't decide which chocolate to choose, I'm going to guzzle the lot.

Espa Time at Turnberry, Ayrshire (01655 334 061, www.turnberryresort.co.uk).

145 for two hours, or upgrade to three hours plus a three-course lunch for 195 (both packages include unlimited use of the spa facilities)

Fab Facts

Health

HEAD OFF MIGRAINES

If you endure migraines, but are fed up with popping pills, then why not try Better You Magnesium Oil Soak? The makers claim that as many sufferers are magnesium deficient, this product might help ease the condition. They say this mineral can reduce tension which helps to relax blood vessels and in turn improves blood flow to the brain.

Better You Magnesium Oil Soak, 19.95 for 500ml, Victoria Health (www.victoriahealth.co.uk)

Fitness

First-class train

If you imagine that personal trainers are reserved for celebrities with wads of cash, then think again. Edinburgh Leisure is currently offering Personal Training Share Sessions (available to members and non-members), which means you can club together with friends to pay for coaching. An hour-long session for two people starts from 40 in total, or 45 for three people. You'll also get individual attention in these classes, to ensure that you reach your targets. To book your session, visit the gyms and fitness class section of the below website, for contact details of trainers.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Beauty

Smooth operator

Charles Worthington's latest weapon against frizz comes in the form of the new Daily Defence range. These products include a Protective Shampoo and Conditioner, Heat Defence Spray and a Finishing Shield Style Crme. Each product includes natural ingredients, such as wheat protein and moringa seed oil. They claim that these can help combat colour fade.

Charles Worthington Daily Defence range from 4.99, Boots nationwide

This article first appeared in The Scotsman, Saturday September 11, 2010