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Pyreneal pleasures

I've just had the best spa treatment ever! It was absolutely blissful, completely relaxing and it left my skin feeling as soft as a baby's

My friend Luce and I were enjoying a mini-break at La Pleta hotel in Baqueira Beret, Catalunya. Having over-indulged a little the previous night (I'd forgotten that Spanish bars don't do measures, so the large brandies I'd enjoyed in the evening were taking their toll in the morning), I was really looking forward to a spa treatment and I chose a winner.

The Total Well-Being Wrap sounded perfect for my delicate state. It promised to firm and tone my skin, as well as combat cellulite and fluid retention and all I had to do was lie there! Nothing too challenging then. Luce, feeling equally fragile, chose the Seaweed Wrap to combat muscular tension and oxygenate the skin.

Encased in cling film
After stripping off and donning a really fashionable pair of disposable knickers, I lay down on what looked like a cling film-wrapped towel. My therapist rubbed a gritty, sandy mixture all over me to exfoliate and prepare my skin, then slathered me in a rich moisturising lotion containing herbs and wild flowers from the area, the Val d'Aran in the Spanish Pyrenees. I was then tightly wrapped in the cling filmed towel, which made me feel snug and cocooned, although slightly concerned that my nose might itch and I wouldn't be able to scratch it!

To encourage me to drift off even further, I was then given a scalp massage, with one of those odd-looking cradle-like devices. Whether it was the delicious aromas, the soothing rhythm of the head massage or the exhaustion brought on by a hangover, I was soon dozing pleasantly, having completely forgotten the possibility of random itches.

I stirred after about half an hour as the therapist was unpeeling me and was expecting to have to move from my supine pose, but this treatment was pure indulgence. A three-headed shower rail was positioned above the bed and I was sluiced off. Dismissing the slightly disconcerting image of being on a mortuary slab (I really must get out more and not watch so many TV crime shows), I relaxed and enjoyed the warm, gentle shower.

Safely cosseted back in my robe, and smelling sweetly of herbal oils, I joined Luce in the relaxation area for a comforting cup of herbal tea. Reclining on the cream-coloured beds, we were both too chilled to chatter, but were thoroughly pleased with our choice of treatments.

After about an hour, we dragged ourselves upstairs for lunch at La Pleta's Petita Borda restaurant. Catalan cuisine is hearty fare, and after a huge bowl of lamb ragout, I felt human enough to explore the area.

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