Review from: "The Good Spa Guide"
Uniquely Organic EcoSpa, Hove - 4 bubbles
Uniquely Organic is an eco-chic city spa not far from Spa HQ on the Sussex coast. These treatment rooms offer a welcoming environment and some great organic therapies at reasonable prices. A commendable take on ethical well-being in an urban area.
First impressions?
Uniquely Organic EcoSpa is a shop-fronted spa in a row of shops and restaurants outside of the city centre. It is near a relatively busy road, but is set back far enough so you aren't right by the traffic. The retail area and reception on the ground floor is very calming with clean white-and-wood décor, dim lighting and gorgeous bunches of fresh flowers.
How did they welcome you?
The receptionist was very friendly and polite. She greeted me by name and asked me to take a seat with a drink while I waited for my therapist. I soon found that my therapist, Lucy, was equally friendly!
What happens next?
Lucy took me downstairs to one of the spa's three treatment rooms. The spacious room was neutrally decorated except for a huge picture of a chakra symbol on one wall. The room was furnished with a sideboard, low table and comfy chair, plus the massage bed, but was still fairly bare. The minimal look wasn't a negative point, though; the room felt quite serene. Lucy gave me a soft, slinky (organic cotton) jersey robe and left me to change.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Pinks Boutique Power Massage (90 minutes, £60).
What were the treatments like?
Lucy began with a foot cleanse. I sat in the corner of the spacious treatment room on the comfy chair while she soaked, exfoliated and moisturised my feet. Lucy gave me a scent test so I could choose the massage oil that most appealed. She gave me three little wooden bowls on a tray with three oils to choose from. I opted for the refreshing lemongrass oil. I then climbed onto the massage bed ready for my treatment.
Lucy began my massage without using oil, simply applying pressure at certain points on my lower back, moving slowly upwards. The massage contained a mixture of Eastern and Western techniques as it began with Shiatsu-like pressing and continued to include some Swedish-style stroking and kneading as well. Lucy focused her strokes on the areas of tension I had pointed out, but I could feel that she had located plenty more without my prompting. Although I had asked for firm pressure, Lucy never once went overboard and caused me any discomfort, checking I was feeling fine at regular intervals. I could hear the sound of water trickling from a misty water feature sitting on the sideboard.
After working on my back and limbs, Lucy asked me to turn over and continued on my front and round my neck. When the massage finally finished, it seemed like the treatment time had flown by -- but only because I was enjoying it so much! I felt soothed but sprightly when Lucy finally left the room to fetch me a cup of herbal tea. I got up and sat in the comfy chair to drink my tea and nibble on the organic chocolate that arrived with it.
How did you feel afterwards?
Flexible and refreshed. I did feel relaxed, but not in a sleepy way, so was prepared for the remainder of the afternoon back in the office.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. I had an excellent treatment using delicious organic products in a friendly city spa - all without wincing at the price.
What else could you have?
A good range of natural and organic treatments using the Pinks Boutique range. The Spa Spies all love these products! There are eco-chic facials, scrubs and a back treatment, hot-stone therapy, deep tissue and Swedish massage. There is also a pregnancy massage for mums-to-be.
Beauty treatments include the Pinks Boutique Indonesian manicure and Himalayan pedicure, organic waxing and threading.
Complementary therapies on offer include reiki, ear candling, hypnotherapy, nutritional advice, and counselling for a range of issues.
Who do you think would like it?
Locals will love the affordable organic treatments and relaxed atmosphere; Uniquely Organic EcoSpa fits in perfectly with the ethos of Brighton and Hove. After all, this is the city with Britain's first Green MP!
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Uniquely Organic gets a high 4 bubbles. My massage was fabulous, the surroundings calming and the naturally friendly staff put me at ease from start to finish. But it does feel a bit more like a holistic therapy centre than a spa. There are places to relax, but not a dedicated relaxation room. There is a lounger in a recess in the lower hall, covered with drapes, but it isn't quite the same as a separate room to relax in with a magazine, or just to snooze in. And there is just one bathroom that contains both toilet and shower.
However, I think the team have done a fantastic job of making a serene spa environment. They've taken care over every sensory detail: the aroma in the air, the sound of water during a treatment, the fresh flowers dotted around every corner, the bunches of fragrant dried lavender in the bathroom, and the slinky robes.
Would you go again?
Yes, definitely. On this occasion I was invited to visit, but I know that my money would be well spent on a treatment here.
We visited Uniquely Organic EcoSpa in August 2010.
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