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Scin Spa

With a philosophy of simplicity and quality treatments, Scin offers clients jargon-free pampering. Peggy Nuttall found out what that means

Arriving on Friday evening, haggard after a hard day's work and experiencing the tail end of mild panic that I'll never find the place, I'm warmly greeted by Nicky Noble, one half of the pair of sisters that run Scin spa for men and women.

This boutique spa, tucked away in trendy residential Notting Hill, offers an uncomplicated but expert service, Nicky explains. And it's my kind of place. There's nothing worse than a spa so precious looking you daren't touch anything for fear of leaving an embarrassingly greasy finger print on a meticulously polished glass surface. But here the decor is refreshingly unpretentious, minimalist and clean.

I'm a spa novice, easily intimidated by spa culture and embarrassed by my ignorance when it comes to lotions, potions and beauty-lingo. Stupid I know, but when Nicky talks me through the treatment options I'm pleasantly reassured by the uncomplicated-sounding items on the menu, such as 'Pregnancy Leg and Foot Treatment' and 'Quick Fix Toenails'.

I start with a 15-minute session in the hydrotherapy bath. This is a two-person-sized pool with various jets and pressure settings. The ambience created with candle light and calming stone tones is perfect. But I must admit to having become a little bit bored about seven minutes into the session. The jets were a little weak and so didn't really feel as though they were doing much to loosen any tight spots in my back or legs; and the water wasn't quite warm enough to feel like an indulgent soak in the bath either.

An aromatherapy facial
So, after amusing myself with the various buttons, I am a little relieved when I'm collected from the pool and taken to a treatment room for the next stage. I have opted for the 60-minute organic aromatherapy facial which involves a double cleanse, exfoliate, warm compresses, face and shoulder massage, mask, scalp massage and moisturise.

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