Taste the exotic at Sirana Spa at the Sheraton Hotel

Rose petals, lavender, francipani, mimosa. All gorgeous flowers, that conjure up images of basking in the delicious fragrances of a sun drenched exotic flower garden, somewhere in far off climes. Well, that's what comes to my mind but maybe that's the dreamer in me. With a holiday in the sun out of reach, I got to sample the best of those blooms much closer to home at Sirana Spa at the Sheraton Hotel in the centre of Athlone in recent days, with a luxuriously scented Elemis Moisture Dew Facial, a treatment that the highly regarded brand tells us draws on the best of flower extracts, essential oils and herbs for what they call the purest form of living energy to your skin. It's a super saturating moisture boost according to the girls in the spa and that I could certainly do with considering the lack of skin care routine in the last few weeks and my always dry skin becoming more and more like a prune. The water bottle routine has gone of the window in recent weeks and it was beginning to show. In need of remedial action, I left the noise of the street behind arriving in to Sirana, Athlone's first urban spa, and it was really like stepping into another world where you felt fabulously cocooned from the stresses of everyday life, at least for an hour anyway! The warmth of the rich browns, creams and terracotta colours immediately aided the relaxation process and the pace immediately slowed from rushing to a glorious stillness. Sirana was designed in conjunction with Irish artist and potter, Stephen Pearce, and his stunning pieces are dotted throughout the spa, statement pottery that adds to the luxury of the environs and earth theme. The decor and music is certainly inspired by a spirit of the East with the earthy colours of the Sahara, bamboo, dark chestnut furnishings and creamy trim, all of which really make a visit seem like a journey to the exotic far from the mundane. Taking me in hand Susan Elliott from nearby Tang, brought me to one of the seven treatment rooms where the vast candlelight was a gentle welcome for a tired body. With a rosepetal cleanser, a rich aromatic cleansing milk, Susan gently removed all the gunk off my skin with expert precision and gorgeous massage, before adding a soothing lavender toner to the equation, which Elemis says is perfect for rehyrdating dry skin. Next up was a gentle rose exfoliator, a product that felt like pure luxury rather than sandpaper like products that I have definitely used in the past. After some more gentle massage, this was removed with hot towels, itself a lovely treat. An exotic moisture mask was then applied and left to do its work to revitalise my skin for about 15 minutes as Susan gave me a truly fantastic arm and foot massage. If only there was someone to replicate this every day after a hard day's work! The exotic fragrance of francipani oil then took over my senses as Susan massaged its goodness into my skin before the addition of an exotic island balm and the cooling gel for Elemis eye renewal for my tired, ever so slightly puffy peepers. This fabulous skin boost was topped up further with a deep massage of Pro-Collagen marine cream on the neck and face. This revolutionary anti-ageing treatment cream uses the powerful Padina Pavonica to mimic the skin's own function, transforming the complexion in just two weeks. That's no idle boast from Elemis either, they have clinical trials to back it up. It is proven to give a 78% reduction in the appearance of wrinkle depth and up to 45% increase in hydration. It's hard to argue with that! In a sleepy state of relaxation at the end of the facial, I discovered the treatment wasn't over yet as I made my way to beautiful Serenity Lounge to milk the very last bit of pampering out of my visit. Custom designed and hand made seating cradles you gently as you relax and unwind as your body and mind adjusts to the tranquil rhythm of the spa. Fresh fruit, magazines and water with a slice of lemon and lime are available to nurture the healthy, relaxed vibe of this fantastic journey, one I really don't want to end! For further information contact Sirana Spa at Sheraton Athlone Hotel on 090 6451000.