Immagini 1333

Oil from the ‘tree of life’, and a treatment that promises anti-ageing benefits – no, it’s not some sort of arcane rite, 
it’s just a rather lovely beauty treatment, as Olivia Abbott discovers

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Luxury Italian spa brand [comfort zone] launched their all organic therapy range Sacred Nature in July this year, and alongside the products, a number of treatments are available. But this is not your average massage, according to practitioner Jenny Callinan, a therapist at the Spa at Ickworth Hotel.

‘It’s a very spiritual, holistic experience,’ she explains to me. ‘It’s not about releasing knots, it’s about stretching the inner fibres of you.’

It’s not even called a treatment – it’s a ritual - and the aim is to ground and centre the whole person. ‘It’s about bringing the mind and body together,’ says Jenny, ‘providing a sense of strength and stability; it’s about re-centring and re-grounding the whole self.’

Although the Sacred Nature products are based on all-natural ingredients, and are certified by Ecocert, they none the less claim anti-ageing properties, with advanced anti-oxidant protection. Active ingredients include buriti oil, which comes from a Brazilian tree known as the ‘tree of life’ and acts as an antioxidant shield; butterfly bush (buddleia) extract for cellular protection; shea butter and jojoba oils for nourishment; and orange water for remineralization.

Win a Comfort Zone facial at Ickworth Hotel & Spa

As well as the active ingredients, the products are fragranced with natural oils of almond, palmarosa, citrus and vanilla, and the range includes cleansing milk; the gommage – which is suitable for face and body; bio mask; face, night and eye creams; and of course the body oil.

My treatment begins with an all-over exfoliation with the Bio-certified Gommage. After I’ve put on my sexy paper knickers, Jenny starts on my legs and back, gently working the scrub over my skin before I turn over to do the front. I then shower off – my skin is feeling lovely and smooth – before getting back on the couch for the massage. It’s a very intimate and personal treatment, involving stretches and a ‘butterfly wings’ massage. It’s certainly not a treatment - sorry, ritual - where you can expect to get Swedish-style work on recalcitrant muscles.

‘It’s like peeling the bark from a tree,’ says Jenny, ‘it’s about removing the armour, exposing the real you, and opening up your heart.’

Certainly, this is a treatment with a difference, and if you fancy a massage that goes a bit deeper – spiritually, rather than physically – then this is well worth a go.

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The Ickworth Hotel and Apartments, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5QE. For more information or to book treatments call 01284 735350, ickworthhotel.co.uk

WIN! A Spa Day for Two At The Ickworth Hotel worth £150

Fancy trying a Sacred Nature ritual for yourself? Here’s your chance – we’ve got a brilliant prize of a Stress Relief Spa Day for two, including two treatments each, at the luxurious Ickworth Hotel.

Included in your day will be a welcome drink, a two-course lunch in the hotel’s Conservatory restaurant overlooking the gardens, and use of the hotel facilities and parkland. Ickworth is a family-friendly hotel, and has plenty of facilities for children, including a games room and a creche, and the prize includes use of the creche for up to two hours. Plus you will each receive a 30 minute back massage and 30 minute facial. Then you can all meet up for tea in the lounge afterwards.

For a chance to win this lovely prize of a luxurious, pampering day, simply click the link on the right hand side.

Terms and conditions: The prize must be taken Monday to Thursday, and is subject to availability. Valid until 31 March 2012.