Theodora Burrow tried out a luxurious three-in-one body treatment at Farnham Estate Spa and was suitably impressed

The treatment: Trilogy Thalasso Cure
Duration: 85 minutes
Cost: 150 euros

The Setting
Farnham Estate in County Cavan is exactly what you would expect from a spa hotel: a true retreat from city life and all its distractions. Set in 1300 acres of land on a 16th century estate, it is Ireland's first purpose-built spa. In addition to the therapies on offer inside, there are nature trails to explore through sun-dappled woodland, past meadows and lakes, all bursting with birdsong.

What's involved?
Farnham Estate Spa offers seven signature body treatments, or 'cures', each taking place in a suite comprising three separate, temperature-controlled rooms, with only natural light and candles to promote a feeling of calm. I chose the Thalasso Cure, which began with 10 minutes in a steam chamber to open the pores, then into the main room where a hydrotherapy bath awaited.

Crystals, made from harvested algae from the coast of Brittany, were added to the bubbling water and I was massaged with jets for 20 minutes, after which I felt both invigorated and completely relaxed. I then lay down on the treatment bed and was covered with a warm towel which felt more like a cosy blanket. Warm spirulina - also made from algae, and said to have anti-oxidant properties - was applied to my back, arms, legs and decolletage.

Strangely, I found the scent of the spirulina reminiscent of a warming mug of hot chocolate. My therapist then performed a mini-facial involving a spiruline mask, and a wonderful facial massage, followed by a full body massage with oil and a firming body cream. I was then led to the last room where a tatami mat awaited me, and I rested with a cup of tea.

Results
I immediately noticed that the skin on my thighs, usually dull and dry, was softer than it had ever been. The tops of my arms, where the skin has always been rough and slightly pimply, felt much smoother; something I had never achieved with exfoliation or body-brushing. The most astonishing difference, which may have been helped by the other water treatments, was the improvement in my circulation. I found myself skipping around the house in my bare feet, and had much more energy.

Verdict
This was a truly relaxing treatment. I am usually sceptical about the claims of certain treatments and products, but this had tangible results. I should also mention the Thermal Mint Water Suite - which includes a Swedish sauna, Laconium and two steam cabins - particularly the Salt Inhalation Room, which cleared my sinuses and lungs after just 20 minutes.

I was initially loathe to try the Kniepp Walk, which blasted the feet and lower legs with alternating jets of hot and cold water, but it left me with a pleasant tingling feeling, and I'm sure it improved my circulation. These facilities are available to all spa guests, even if you only have the time or finances for just one treatment.

For more information on the Farnham Estate Health Spa visit www.farnhamestate.com