I Tried a Hot Stone Massage That Spiritually Connected Me to My Celtic Roots

Self-care looks different to everyone. For some it’s practising daily manifestations, for others it’s a long, calming walk. But for me? For me, it’s a day at the spa and, thanks to my job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit quite a few. I’m not calling myself a spa expert but I know my aromatherapy rooms from my steam rooms, my flotation pools from my hydropools and while I enjoy all the added extras (yes, I’m talking about the big cosy robe and slippers), the main event for me is the actual treatment.

Spa treatments are a luxury and often on the expensive side, so there are always a few things I’m looking for when booking. Firstly, I enjoy trying out different types of treatment. Whether it’s a hot stone massage or an aromatherapy facial, I’m always looking for a new way to relax. Secondly, I’m looking to get the best experience possible for the most reasonable price. I often book treatments mid-week as they’re slightly cheaper or if I’m looking at options on the more expensive side, I at least want to get a cup of herbal tea and access to some spa facilities thrown in. Lastly, I want to know the spa is using the highest quality products during my treatment. There’s nothing worse than leaving a massage covered in a bad smelling oil that won’t wash off.

As a longtime Lush fan, I was over the moon to find out that the brand had opened spa in nine store locations across the UK. Luckily for me, the Oxford Street location is practically on my doorstep and it’s thanks to my recent trip to the Lush Spa that I found out I have a spiritual connection to ancient Scottish stones. So, if that’s piqued your interest, keep reading to find out how my Scottish-themed Lush Spa treatment went.

About the Lush Spa

There are nine Lush Spa locations across the UK. You can find a Lush Spa in store at the following stores: Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow City, Leeds, Liverpool, London (Oxford Street) and Poole.

In keeping with its products, the Lush Spa is all about supporting the wellbeing of your body and mind. It offers a variety of treatments like massages, facials, sound baths and self-led bathing. Each treatment uses a selection of Lush products, including some scents you already know and love from the store.

The treatments range from 30 to 80 minutes long and prices start from £40, making it one of the more affordable spa options out there.

What I Liked About the Lush Spa

I recently visited my local Lush Spa to try the Highlands treatment (£150), one of the newest options on offer and it’s safe to say the whole experience was unlike anything I’ve ever had before. Inspired by the spirit of the Scottish Highlands, I had a 60 minute, full body, hot stone massage complete with an ancient Scottish stone reading, a Gaelic soundtrack and furze incense scents inspired by the Celtic ritual of “saining”.

I really enjoyed how immersive the treatment was. I was greeted by the lovely Cal and over a crisp glass of water straight from the Scottish highlands itself, and he performed a stone consultation using 250 million year old Scottish marble, carved with ancient symbols. Cal asked me to pick three stones that were calling to me and I silently prayed for simplicity and calmness. Going back to my earlier mention of my spiritual connection to stones, it turns out those are the exact stones I picked as well as the “community” stone which represents the good people I have around me. After my reading, it was time to head to the treatment room (simplicity stone in hand).

Another part of the treatment I appreciated was Cal’s explanation of what to expect. I’ve never had a hot stone massage before and it turns out, it’s nothing like the classic picture of a woman laying on her front with three stones on her back. Cal explained in detail the tools he’d be using (stones made of natural basalt, commonly found in Scottish river beds, of course) and the products (a massage oil bar infused with mugwort).

There was not a single detail spared in this experience. Before starting the massage, Cal asked me to close my eyes and picture a magical landscape, beginning in the heather surrounded by nature, then travelling up a mountain, reaching the peak and feeling the fresh air. This is where the treatment’s soundtrack comes into play. As I laid on the bed, I could hear the Gaelic songs taking me on this journey.

Aside from all of the extra details, I’m happy to share that the massage itself was amazing. I could feel the hot stones soothing the tightness in my upper back and the aroma in the room was so calming. I felt instantly relaxed and could feel the benefit of the massage for days afterwards. I was also pleasantly surprised at how quiet the room was, given that the spa was beneath a busy London store.

Who Would Benefit From the Lush Spa Treatments?

Obviously, if you like Lush products, you’re going to love the Lush Spa. Being in the stores themselves, the spa has that iconic Lush smell seeping in and adding to the aromas.

The treatments are perfect for busy people looking to escape for an hour or two. There are plenty of options when it comes to types of massage, length and availability. They even offer a treatment where you can tailor it to relieve specific areas of muscle tension.

One detail I really appreciated was the modesty level listed in the treatment description. As not everyone is comfortable with getting completely undressed, they have a handy guide to what you can expect. The Highlands treatment I booked was a modesty level three and described as “down to your underwear, nestled beneath a cosy towel.”

What to Consider Before Booking the Lush Spa Treatments

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, this might not be the one for you. As it’s located inside Lush stores, space is limited. In the one I visited, the post-treatment relax space was in an area the public could peer into.

Another thing to consider is that you have to be a lover of Lush products to enjoy the spa. Obviously, if you’re choosing the Lush spa, you’re probably going to love Lush products. But, if you’re gifting the experience, perhaps check in to make sure the recipient is a fan too.

There are also no classic spa facilities. There’s no fancy jacuzzi or sauna to relax in and there wasn’t a big fluffy robe. There was a toilet stocked with Lush products and the treatment room was completely private and comfortable to change in but there was nowhere to shower, which you might want to do if you’re heading back into the office or out for dinner after.