A massage with a touch of fire, ice and spice

The spice part comes from the ESPA Fitness Oil, a delicious blend of West Indian Bay (renowned for its antiseptic and pain relief properties), May Chang (valued for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties), Clove Buds (a pungent essential oil that relieves aches and pains and gives the oil its distinctive smell) and Rosemary (another oil that eases muscular pain). A small dish of this oil under your breathing hole ensures that you get all its aromatherapy benefits.

The pressure of the massage was hard, but each time it got to the point of being painful, the hot stones instantly soothed. I quickly gave up trying to work out if I felt hot or cold, and just enjoyed letting go of the knots in my shoulders. The only vaguely unpleasant bit was having the ice pad on my tummy, but it was removed fairly quickly and the overall feeling was lovely.

The damage
The Fire, Ice and Spice Massage costs £85 and lasts 55 minutes. New treatments are added each month so check with the spa for the theme. Facials begin at £70, with treatment packages costing from £105. All clients are encouraged to use the steam room and sauna and the changing rooms are stocked with ESPA shower and body products.

The Renaissance Chancery Court
252 High Holborn
London WC1V 7EN
Tel: 020 7829 9888
Web: www.marriott.co.uk