Hydrotherapy Spa Treatments

Hydrotherapy, at its most basic, is the treatment of ailments, aches and pains, with water. In the world of the health retreat and luxury day spa, hydrotherapy has come to mean bobbing about in a big bathtub filled with water and carefully selected aromatherapy oils, being pummeled and buffeted (in the nicest possible way) by strategically placed water jets. Often this is the first step in a package of spa treatments, which may include full body massage and exfoliation, body wraps and moisturizer.

So what can you expect if you book a hydro spa session at a beauty spa? Well, I was lucky enough to be treated to such an indulgence last Mother's day, and I must say, I'm hoping that I get the same gift for Mother's Day this year! First I was shown into a softly lit, lusciously scented dressing room, complete with lockers for my personal effects and asked to undress and pop on the fluffy white robe hanging on the back of the door - paper underwear is also usually provided, so you're not totally naked! Once ready, I was lead to the hydrotherapy suite and had the spa bath and treatment explained. The treatment room was totally illuminated by candles sitting in holders and sconces all around the walls and the flickering flames were immediately relaxing. The hydro spa was large -requiring a couple of steps to climb in - and the water carefully heated to a therapeutic temperature where aches, tensions and cares would melt away. The room also smelt fabulous as my beauty therapist had consulted me earlier and concocted a blend of aromatherapy oils designed to soothe and calm me. She assured me that all I needed to do was pop off my robe, hop in the bath and relax and she would start the bubble jets from outside the room. Once begun, the hydro spa ran for 25 minutes on a pre-set cycle, so I had nothing to worry about but enjoying the experience.

25 minutes?! I admit I was horrified at the thought of 25 minutes wallowing in a hot bath. I'm a mum of 2 young children and a 3-minute shower feels like a luxury most days. However, my practitioner left the room and I slipped off my robe and eased myself into the deep, hot water. A moment later, the whirring and rumbling started and the water jumped to life, bursting from the jets in the spa. It was divine! Lying in a super-sized bath, being massaged by perfectly placed water jets is heavenly. And doing so for a decent period of time is a fantastic treat. Seriously, how often do you take a really long soak in a tub with your favourite bath oils? With the normal, break-neck speed of modern life, I bet it isn't often. A water therapy treatment at a day spa or beauty salon is something every one should try and it's the perfect start to a spa pamper package if you're looking to spoil someone special.

Some spas go beyond the big bath concept and offer wellness treatments in state of the art spa capsules - akin to flotation tanks - where you are sealed into a specially designed unit for a total immersion experience. Devotees claim such hydro treatments can work wonders, stimulating circulation and detoxification, amongst other things. Pretty amazing if true, but probably not for the claustrophobic, so check with the day spa before booking such a spa package.

Once you emerge from your hydrotherapy session, flushed and glowing, why not capitalize on your soft skin and feeling of well being by getting a good massage and a facial? Add a pedicure, manicure and quick blow dry and you must be close to the perfect day at the beauty salon.