handbag reviews: Bliss Spa, London

With funky treatment names such as Hangover Herbie and Quadruple Thighpass, we couldn't resist a peek at this trendy beauty centre

Bliss Spa was made famous in New York after the fabulous four in TV hit 'Sex and the City' filmed part of an episode inside the sweetly scented walls. With spas in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and London they offer innovative spa treatments and cult beauty products in a no-attitude environment.

As I graple with the underwear on or off question, while diligently slipping into my orange flip flops and white robe, I notice the changing area is spotless and subdued with cool blue d'cor. I'm greeted in the changing room by a lady who shows me where to wait once I've disrobed; she informs me my beauty technician will come and collect me.

I'd heard stories of episodes of 'Sex and the City' playing in the background and being offered glasses of wine and brownies in the waiting room. Now it is 10:30am, so I can forgive the lack of wine but I am rather partial to a mid-morning brownie.

The waiting room is quiet. I spy what looks like a jug of some type of smoothie on the side, but before I have time to investigate further I'm whisked away to another room and told to climb under the sheet.

My treatment today is a Triple Oxygen Facial - the most popular treatment. It is said to rid your face of all its imperfections, leaving you glowing for up to four weeks.

I have to admit I'm slightly apprehensive. My idea of a perfect spa day involves nothing more intrusive than a sauna, Jacuzzi and possibly a bit of a swim. My technician starts by bringing the light closer to examine my skin. I have no idea if I pass but the whole process begins.

First a massage, then a warm towel, then another massage and a few more warm towels.

'Is this a busy time of year?' I ask, filling the silence in true hairdresser-client fashion.

'We're always booked up,' I'm told. 'So it doesn't really feel any different.'

This is followed by more silence. 'So how often should you have a facial then?' I continue.

'About once every four weeks if you can afford it,' she replies.

'I'm slightly behind then, this is my first,' I quip.

'Yes, I can tell.' So there's the verdict, I failed the light test.

I tell myself to relax and I'm actually starting to get there when a new cream is added to my skin to prepare it for 'extraction'.

Not to worry, my technician assures me, this is simply getting rid of blocked pores.

The cream goes on, a net goes over it and several more hot towels. Ten minutes later, the fun begins. Perhaps because I've never had a proper facial before my entire face has become a blocked pore. The extraction is not comfortable - it feels like pin pricks - and I'm suddenly quite partial to my pores and would rather keep them than endure more of the same.

Meanwhile I'm indulged in a shoulder, arm, hand and foot massage. This makes me feel a lot more relaxed.

I step sluggishly into my flip flops and head back into the changing room, where I catch a glimpse of my reflection.

My face is blotchy - I try to convince myself it doesn't look that bad, take a breath and head out into the street to catch the train home.

Over the next few days I do get a comment that my skin looks really good. Now, I wonder, what can be done about the cellulite on my thighs...

Bliss London, 60 Sloane Ave, London www.blisslondon.co.uk

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