Ahava is the only beauty range licensed to use mud and minerals from the Dead Sea. With its first store outside Israel opening in London, Joanna Witt tried one of their signature treatments, a refresher facial

Spa: Ahava, Covent Garden, London
The treatment: Refresher facial
Duration: 30 minutes
£35

The setting
Ahava Spa is a bit like a gallery in that it's all wooden and bright with plenty of information on the walls to tell you about how the products work. Overall, it's a calm sanctuary in the middle of bustling Covent Garden where you can browse their range and book in for a treatment. Or, if you're not ready to go the whole hog (or are strapped for cash) you can always try the products at home.

Dry skin expertise
If you suffer from particularly dry skin, you may benefit from Ahava's Dermund range, which is designed especially for dry and sensitive skin. It includes the company's patented Mineral Skin Osmoter™ complex (a combination of magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium), which helps pull moisture to the surface and is particularly beneficial for eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis sufferers.

The treatment
Ahava spa I tried the refresher facial, which takes half an hour and can be adapted for all skin types. The store has one treatment room downstairs that feels a bit like a Swedish sauna with dark wood panelling and low lighting. There was no music but this is something the store is promising to introduce, which would definitely improve the experience as the acoustics from upstairs did have a habit of interrupting the moment.

Once downstairs, I settled myself down on the treatment table under a cover, which almost felt like getting into bed. I was asked to remove my top layers so the therapist could get to my shoulders. This, I felt, was a good sign! Having had a rather late night I found the covers quite comforting. I also felt surprisingly at ease.

My skin was cleansed, toned and exfoliated and the therapist talked me through each stage. She asked me about what other treatments I'd had before and she had such a calm, soothing voice that the facial literally washed over me. Each product was applied and removed softly with cotton pads, with the sweeping motions making me feel more and more relaxed. I felt I was in the hands of a true professional, and was happy to let her take charge.

Ahava spa Halfway through the treatment I was treated to a bonus lymphatic drainage massage, which is usually included in the Dead Sea Facial (one hour, £60). I would definitely recommend paying a little extra for this expert massaging of the face, neck, shoulders and around the eyes. It has to be one of the most pleasant treatments I've ever experienced. If I were a cat I would have purred.

The treatment was finished off with a detoxifying mask, which was left on for a few minutes, followed by a mineral beauty serum, eye and neck cream and moisturiser. The therapist discreetly left the room to let me wake up and return to planet earth in my own time. I was in no hurry to get off the table and had there been music I imagine I could easily have dropped off. What a pleasant way to spend half an hour, and at £35 it's just about affordable for a special treat. I felt completely spoilt!

Would I do it again?
Not being used to treating myself, I was amazed at how much better I looked. I also felt my skin looked brighter and I felt incredibly relaxed. It was a bit of a shock to head back out into the hustle and bustle of London. If you happen to work in the area and want to treat yourself before a night out I'd definitely recommend it. Though whether you'd want to do it in your lunch hour is another matter. Going back to work might not be ideal. Relaxing somewhere calm with a cup of herbal tea would be a much better bet.

Ahava products are available in Selfridges, Fenwick and selected pharmacies

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Refresher facial at Ahava Spa, Covent Garden