Last December, my lovely Mum surprised me with a voucher for The Buff Diva Spa Package. As a spa newbie, I was unsure about what to expect, but my worries quickly faded away. From the moment I called to book and heard the reassuring voice on the other end, I knew I was in for hours of relaxation without a care in the world.
I decided to schedule my treatment on a Saturday morning before Christmas, giving me some time for last-minute shopping. Although the spa was bustling with activity, it managed to maintain a serene atmosphere, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
Upon arrival, the receptionist warmly greeted me, provided an overview of the spa facilities, and directed me to the tranquil second-floor relaxation room. To my surprise, the spa was much larger than it appeared from the outside. After changing into a cozy robe and slippers, I settled into the tranquility room with a magazine and a cup of coffee, preparing myself for the pampering ahead.
My therapist, Dervla, entered the tranquility room to escort me to the treatment room. There, she explained the details of each treatment, ensuring I was well-informed. I appreciated the second explanation, as I tend to forget things easily.
First, Dervla asked me to lie on the bed for a back massage. Understanding that I was dealing with sinus issues, she suggested adding essential oils to help alleviate my symptoms. I gladly agreed. She also inquired about my specific areas of concern, which happened to be my neck and shoulders, often burdened by my heavy handbag. As Dervla skillfully worked on these problem areas, I felt myself sinking into deep relaxation, savoring every blissful minute.
Following the massage, Dervla informed me that my next treatment was the full-body Mineral Salt Scrub. Using mineral salts, she exfoliated my skin, leaving it wonderfully smooth and ready for my Christmas Eve spray tan. Once the scrubbing was complete, she directed me to an ensuite shower to rinse off the salts, providing a clean towel and fresh disposable underwear for after. Instantly, my skin felt rejuvenated, making me wonder why I hadn’t been treating myself to scrubs more often. I then returned to the bed, where Dervla moisturized my entire body, giving me the sensation of a mini full-body massage. It was pure bliss!
Finally, it was time for my facial. When I made the booking, the receptionist mentioned that for an additional €30, I could upgrade to an hour-long facial instead of the Buff Express Facial. Feeling festive and indulgent, I decided to go for it. During the facial, Dervla expertly cleansed my skin and examined each area closely. She identified that my T-zone was oily, which was news to me, and that my cheeks were dehydrated. She performed a gentle exfoliation, targeted extractions on my nose to tackle stubborn blackheads, and treated me to another relaxing face and shoulder massage. To top it off, she applied a nourishing masque. It was truly a fantastic treatment.
In terms of skincare, I must admit that I often opt for the convenience of face wipes in the evenings. However, I was hoping Dervla could help me establish a simple and affordable routine. She graciously provided me with a straightforward breakdown: cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate twice a week. I was overjoyed with this practical advice and felt that Dervla genuinely listened and wanted to assist me in creating a manageable skincare regimen.
After the facial, Dervla kindly offered me a choice between a glass of bubbly or a hot chocolate with marshmallows. Considering the chilly weather outside, I opted for the comforting hot chocolate. Reluctantly, I eventually had to tear myself away from the tranquility room, not wanting to leave its peaceful ambiance.
Once I had changed back into my clothes, I engaged in a friendly chat with the receptionist while she processed the payment using my voucher. I was thrilled when she surprised me with a free voucher for a future visit. Without hesitation, I promptly booked a full body massage for the first week of January. I couldn’t wait to return.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend The Buff Diva Spa Package to anyone seeking a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. It not only provided relaxation but also addressed my specific concerns. When I received a text from The Buff Day Spa announcing the return of the package in November and December, I couldn’t contain my excitement. This year, I have decided to treat both my Mum and myself to this wonderful experience, already booking our session for the weekend before Christmas. I eagerly look forward to reuniting with Dervla and the rest of the staff for another memorable spa day.
by Lorraine Murphy 1/11/2014
