When a facial meets massage, you're at The Spa at Hodson Bay

An aromatherapy anti-ageing facial at The Spa at Hodson Bay is the perfect way to fully unwind and treat your skin, as reporter DANIELLE HARNEY discovered: "My first ever visit to The Spa at Hodson Bay was definitely one worth waiting for. Tucked away above the leisure centre, as soon as I walked into the reception area after a hectic deadline day, I sunk into one of the comfy chairs and soaked up the calming atmosphere. I was greeted by Eimear and taken into the changing rooms - after all, how can someone really relax unless they're wrapped up in a giant fluffy dressing gown? Then I got to wait in the tranquil waiting area before my therapist Jocelyn Balota welcomed me and led me to the treatment room. The decor in the spa was muted, earthy and subtle and the lighting was suitably low - everything you need to help create that feeling of escapism. I was getting an aromatherapy, anti-ageing facial which I was really looked forward to, as I knew my skin wasn't in prime condition and it felt really dull and tired. After the skin consultation, Jocelyn explained about the products she'd use and how she could tailor them to my skin type. As soon she started cleansing my skin, I felt instantly relaxed, all wrapped up on the treatment bed. Jocelyn was using Aromatherapy Associates anti-age skincare products infused with rose extracts. They were luxurious! They smelled great, really refreshing and also felt very light on my skin. The facial was extremely thorough. After a deep cleanse, she used an exfoliant, and then a revitalising face mask and a repair mask. There was also a toner, treatment oil, skin tonic, face oil, eye creams and renewing moisturiser. She was able to fill me in the various products and how they would help my skin, and also chatted to me about the benefits of aromatherapy. However, as great as all these products felt on my skin, it was the methods Jocelyn used to massage each product into my skin, on my neck and shoulders, which felt amazing! The thinking behind massaging each product into the skin is that it will help to boost your circulation, which helps to absorb the product and massage also helps to flush out toxins. However, it wasn't just the pressure points in my face that Jocelyn massaged, but also the back of my neck and shoulders. And then, when she was letting various masks do their work on my skin, she gave me a head massage and an arm/hand massage. Her skills in massage techniques certainly helped the overall experience! The whole experience - all 90 minutes of it - was so much more than just a facial. I almost nodded off and yet afterwards felt really revived and refreshed. All in all, I felt very spoiled and just as relaxed as if I'd received a full massage! Mentally, I reaped the benefits just as much as my skin! Once it was over (sadly), Jocelyn gave me my first ever cup of warm nettle tea. I loved the taste and it was surprisingly sweet! However, my Hodson Bay experience wasn't over just yet. After my facial, I was then led to the relaxation suite, looking out over Lough Ree and enjoyed the clear blue skies. I sipped some water, flicked through magazines and had a choice of snacks and music from an ipod. It really was the sort of place I didn't want to leave and I felt like I was hundreds of miles away from work and home. But all good things come to an end and I had to leave. However, my skin continues to be fresh, clear and a lot brighter than it was before my visit. So when you're wondering whether to treat yourself to a facial or a massage - why not get the benefits of both and feel great afterwards!"