Guerlain Spa’s festive package a real gift

The treatment

The Shining Star Christmas package, £70 for 50 minutes at the Guerlain Spa, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, Princes Street, available throughout December (other festive packages are available).

Why go?

If you need a speedy (yet luxurious) pre Christmas party primp, this is for you, as it includes a 30 minute Radiance Taster facial, an On the Move 20 minute manicure, plus a glass of Perrier-Jouët Brut bubbly.

Our spy says

“If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your skin?” asks my therapist, Sammi, as I lie face up under a white sheet, with the smell of violets in the air (the linen has been spritzed with the perfume I chose earlier, Insolence).

I begin my list: giant pores, fine lines, saggy bits...unfortunately, I’m not a magician and neither is Sammi, but she seems pretty determined when it comes to tackling my concerns.

After a gentle examination of my forehead, she decides that my skin is a bit dehydrated and that she should concentrate on radiance and hydration levels.

First, my make-up is whisked off with Guerlain’s Secrete de Purete Cleansing Oil, then a thick and grainy scrub sloughs off the upper layers of cell detritus. Using a thick moisturising mask, which smells of honey, Sammi massages my skin to allow the potion to penetrate as deeply as possible. This involves symmetrical pressing, sweeping and tracing of my facial muscles, as well as my neck and décolleté, and ends with a whisking motion to stimulate the circulation.

I’m dotted with this luxury brand’s Super Aqua Eye Cream, Serum and Day Gel, then it’s back into my gown for the On the Move manicure in this spa’s dedicated nail area. From a selection of Leighton Denny’s current colour collection, I chose one called Jailbird (I’m not planning on any criminal activity this Christmas, honest guv’nor), which is a sort-of mermaid-y metallic deep blue/green.

While I negotiate (one hand at a time) a pot of peppermint tea and eat spiced ginger biscuits iced with stars, my cuticles are softened, my hands are massaged and three coats of lacquer are applied to my talons.

Finally, I’m decanted into the Relaxation Room with a glass of fizz, a mince pie and a bunch of magazines.

The results

My skin looks magically rehydrated, my nails resemble baubles and, after one glass of fancy plonk, I’m feeling extremely merry. Point me in the direction of the nearest Christmas party.

• Guerlain Spa, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, Princes Street (0131-222 8836, www.waldorfastoria.com)