Health: Cellulite work

IN my teens, I fretted about cellulite. So I invested in a Thigh Master, took up body brushing and rubbed various potions into my wobbly bits on a daily basis. Nothing worked.

Nowadays, I don’t give a hoot. I’ve realised that everyone has it. Apart from men (you lucky ducks) and, most probably, supermodel Christy Turlington.

Ironic really, as she’s the owner of ayurvedic beauty brand, Sundari, who have just launched four new therapies into the Balmoral Spa. These consist of three 30-minute treatments – a Rooibos Tea and Honey Enzyme Brightening Facial (£35), Indian Head Massage (£30) and an Anti-Cellulite Body Brush Treatment (£35). Also, exclusive to this luxurious venue, there’s a 90-minute Anti-Cellulite ProContouring Body Treatment (£85).

I thought I’d give the latter a whirl, although, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it as, in my experience, anti-cellulite treatments involve minimal relaxation.

Not in this case. My therapist, Natalie – who was as bubbly as a tin of Sprite – kicked off proceedings with a welcome ritual, which involved bathing my feet in a bowl of scented warm water.

Then I lay face up on the contoured treatment bed, while she stimulated pressure points on my face with ylang-ylang essential oil scented fingers. The next element involved the scrubbing of the lower body, with a potion that contained crushed walnut shell.

For the following massage, Natalie used warmed Gota Kola and Lotus Body Oil, which, according to Sundari, has smoothing and firming effects.

She then tackled my thighs, which were given a firm rub-down, using long strokes. As a keen cyclist, it felt amazing to have the quadriceps in my pedal-pushing legs rubbed into submission.

Natalie also concentrated on the “muffin top” – aka the flabby bit just above the waistband of one’s trousers.

Once I was turned over onto my back, the routine was repeated, but with the stomach area given some attention, with a circular, nudging technique.

An oaty mask was painted onto my tum, and other cellulite-prone areas, before I was wrapped in a bamboo parchment. While the mask is penetrating the skin, it’s time for a scalp massage with Neem and Coconut Hair Treatment Oil and a stimulating foot rub.

The latter is a great idea, as it roused me just enough that I felt able to stagger off the treatment bed and into the shower, to rinse off the mask with the help of a rosehip-imbued gel.

Once I had dried off, I hopped back onto the table and Natalie slicked me all over with a cool body lotion. Afterwards, the otherwise neglected skin on the areas that had been treated felt super smooth and, yes, a tiny bit firmer.

Still, results aside, this was undoubtedly the most enjoyable cellulite treatment I’ve experienced. Eat your heart out, Thigh Master.

Fab facts for a beautiful life

Slap happy

If there’s nothing you love more than lipstick, powder and paint, then book a space at the Back to Beauty School at Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols store. This event, on Tuesday, 6:30pm-9:30pm, consists of lectures from the likes of Red Carpet Nails, as well as make-up masterclasses from Shu Uemura and Laura Mercier, amongst others. Tickets are £10 (redeemable against purchases) and each guest will get a free goodie bag, refreshments and entry into a competition to win a spa day.

Ground Floor, Harvey Nichols, St Andrews Square, Edinburgh (0131-524 8388, www.harveynichols.com)

Refresh yourself

Bored of the water bottle that you take to the gym? Then get hold of one of Sigg’s fab new spring designs, which include this 0.6 litre Undersea Poetry model, as well as other nature-inspired designs. Don’t let the whimsical goldfish print fool you, as these Swedish-made lightweight aluminium bottles are sturdy and completely leak-proof – ideal for bunging in your bag.

£16.50, www.sigg.com

What a catch

Up your intake of the fatty acid that improves heart and brain health, with the help of Marks & Spencer. They’ve just upgraded all their salmon to a variety that contains higher levels of Omega 3 than any other on the market. In fact, just one portion of their new Lochmuir salmon contains your entire recommended weekly allowance.

Lochmuir salmon fillets, £4.39 for 242g, Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspen cer.com)

• The Balmoral Spa, Edinburgh (0131-622 8880, www.thebalmoralhotel.com)

• The Sundari Anti-Cellulite ProContouring Body Treatment costs £85