From high-end to holistic, Manchester's spas offer treatments and services for every pocketbook
With its Gucci-suited footballers' wives and chic Cheshire set, Manchester is a city that knows how to spa. And with everything from bijou city centre spas in swish hotels to perfect pampering in beautiful, budget-conscious surroundings, the city's spa credentials are impeccable. We've sought the best: trendy, posh, classic and budget. Now all you have to do is decide when to indulge.
Le Petit Spa
Malmaison, Piccadilly M1 3AQ
0161 278 1010
www.malmaison-manchester.com/petit_spa.asp
The scene
Chic, sweet and classy, this is a boutique-style spa. There's no pool, but a gym keeps workout fiends busy and a Jacuzzi keeps things bubbling. It's the kind of place where party girls prep themselves for a night of dancing and cocktails - perfect for a girlie get-together rather than a serious detox session.
Star treatments
The half day E'SPA Holistic is tricky to top - it lulls you into a state of soporific bliss with a facial, back massage, scalp treatment and choice of luxury paraffin hand or foot treatment for silky-smooth paws.
The cost
Despite its city centre location and cool credentials, Le Petit Spa is good value: the half day package is £85, a day costs £105, other treatments from £8-£90, and access to facilities is included in the price of a treatment.
GL14
Canada House, 3 Chepstow Street M1 5FW
0161 228 6789
www.gl14.com
The scene
This uber-hip health club was voted best in class at the inaugural Manchester Awards. Little wonder - its first-class gym and swim facilities, range of E'SPA treatments and deli bar serving delicious food including enormous salads, sandwiches on speciality breads and smoothies (they know the way to our hearts) are fab. The stunning modern-meets-Moroccan decor alone makes a visit essential.
Star treatments
Where to start? Stressed skins and city-weary bodies must indulge in the Marine Mud Envelopment. Being anointed with oils, slathered in mud then wrapped in foil might be messy, but it feels like heaven.
The cost
Pleasantly affordable for E'SPA, with facials from £25 and body treatments from £25-£50. Alternatively, tell them how much time you have and they'll tailor a package for your needs (from £25 for 30 minutes, to £75 for 2 hours). The idyllic Serenity in the City day package, which includes a salt and oil body scrub, aromatherapy body massage, head massage and fab skin-brightening facial costs £115.
The Lowry Hotel
50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf M3 5LH
0161 827 4000
www.thelowryhotel.com
The scene
Arguably the chic-est spa in Manchester, but you'd expect no less from the hotel that puts up Jennifer Lopez and Madonna when they're in town. The small but perfectly-formed spa is set in Zen-like surroundings - acres of pale wood and white walls - nothing to distract from the fine art of spa-ing. It offers E'Spa and alternative (reflexology, Reiki) treatments.
Star treatments
Can't decide between a facial and a massage? Try the E'Spa Holistic Aromatherapy Back, Face and Scalp Treatment with Hot Stone Therapy - an indulgent treatment which includes a facial and massage using hot stones on the body's energy points. So blissful it'll render you incapable of doing anything bar snoozing in the relaxation room.
The cost
This standard of pampering doesn't come cheap, as evidenced by the glossy set that frequent the hotel, but it's worth it. Day packages cost £125 (half days from £85); facials cost from £48; body treatments range from £35-£85.
Sienna Spa
Radisson Edwardian, Peter Street M2 5GP
0161 835 9929
www.radissonedwardian.com/sienna
The scene
The Sienna Spa is a little pocket of serenity tucked away in the historic barrel vaults of the five-star hotel. The decor is reassuringly expensive; most impressive is the pool with its reflective ceiling, and the mood-enhancing fairy lights in the sauna and steam room, which gradually change colour to soothe frazzled minds.
Star treatments
The Elemis Japanese silk booster facial leaves you with baby-smooth skin. It's aromatherapy with added science: a pro-collagen lift reduces fine lines, vitamin C rebalances and soothes. For all-over invigoration, try the glorious Elemis exotic lime and ginger salt glow - you'll tingle with health.
The cost
From £38 to £170 (for a day package with multiple treatments) plus £12 per day for the use of gym and swim facilities. But despite the gloss, the attitude is inclusive and friendly rather than exclusive and chilly.
De Vere Mottram Hall
Wilmslow Road, Mottram St. Andrew, Prestbury, Cheshire SK10 4QT
01625 828135
www.devereonline.co.uk
The scene
Visiting the De Vere Mottram Hall is rather like spa-heaven in a Jane Austen-esque landscape. Set in 270 acres of rolling parkland, complete with ornamental lake and sweeping drive, this is the afternoon tea of spas: traditional with all the trimmings, including a stunning swimming pool, sauna, tennis court and gym.
Star treatments
The detoxifying Algae Wrap is favourite with David and Victoria Beckham, and if it's good enough for football's first couple... After brisk exfoliation, your body is liberally covered in the detoxifying, firming algae. In need of a beauty MOT? Try the Mottrams Monthly Must: eyebrow shape and tint, half leg wax, use of all leisure facilities and champagne lunch.
The cost
Treatments cost from £7-£210 (the Monthly Must costs £65); splashing out an extra £7.50 allows you to use the pool if it's not included in your package.
Urveda
Holmes Place, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Shudehill
0161 819 2229
www.urveda.co.uk
The scene
Housed in the swanky Holmes Place gym, Urveda is for those who take their spa sessions seriously: its focus is on problem-zapping treatments in a fabulously modern setting. Water babies will adore the stunning swimming pool with its overflowing, 'infinity' effect.
Star treatments
For a treatment that firms, clears pores and reduces fine lines, try the holy grail of facials: the Hydradermie Plus. Specialist facials with Beauty Tox Oxygen and Darphin are also available, along with holistic body treatments and even colonic irrigation.
The cost
Treatments cost from £35 to £103 for the Ultimate Destress package; £189 for a full day pre-wedding splurge. A day pass giving access to all facilities (pool and first-class gym) is £10.
Budget
Heaven Spa
115 Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury M20 6UR
0161 448 8786
www.heaven-spa.co.uk
The scene
Set in the bijou suburb of Didsbury, Heaven is one of the few Which? approved salons in the country. One of the new generation of 'super spas', offering the latest hair, beauty and non-invasive cosmetic surgery, it's gorgeous, with its soothing pale blue and white, 'heaven-themed' surroundings. The ultra-friendly vibe keeps the mood down to earth.
The star treatments
The SkinCeuticals facial uses a skin scanner beforehand to read what's happening beneath the skin (scary: you'll never leave the house without sunscreen again), and facials are tailored accordingly. For a special occasion, the Touch of Aphrodite package (manicure, pedicure, facial, delicious lunch from the local deli) is a brilliant, cost-conscious must.
The cost
The SkinCeuticals facial is £60, but other facials cost from £25; manicures cost from £12. Day packages are excellent value: the Touch of Aphrodite is a bargain-tastic £60.
R3 Holistic Therapies
22 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter M1 1JN
0161 228 6698
www.r3holistictherapies.co.uk
The scene
Tucked away in an airy loft-style studio in the trendy Northern Quarter, R3 offers the 'three Rs': relax, release and revitalise. It's cool, informal and welcoming, with its comfy cream sofas and pale wood interior and friendly therapists. Think beauty spa meets holistic therapy centre.
Star treatments
This is the place to get have an Aromatherapy Facial tailored to your skin without crippling your bank balance and it comes with a hand massage.
The cost
A facial and hand massage is £20; body massages start at £20, and they will tailor packages for any occasion.
Details and prices are correct at time of publication