Voya-ism at Lusty Beg Island

Ireland might not be the first place you think of when looking for historic origins of spa therapies, so it might surprise you to know that at the beginning of the 20th century there were an estimated 300 seaweed bath houses in Ireland and nine in the small town of Strandhill alone.

Strandhill is important. It held strong with the last of the original Strandhill bath houses, until it was destroyed by the 1961 Hurricane Debbie, the worst hurricane to hit Ireland.

Now, in the new millennium the Walton family have given a rebirth to this history, attracting 40,000 visitors every year to Sligo's regenerated seaweed baths and their Voya products are the basis of treatments in many of Ireland's leading spas.

The new spa at Lusty beg island is one of those, and I was lucky to indulge on my recent visit to the island

Wrapped in luxurious soft grape robes, warming and comfortable, compared to the bright white that is typically provided in spas, I was led to the dimly lit sanctuary where I would spend my next hour of unadulterated me-time. 

I've had the relaxation of a Voya seaweed bath before, introduced to the wonder of this range during a past visit to Galway, at the luxurious Twelve Hotel in Bearna. So, when I saw that Lusty Beg's recently opened spa was a Voya spa, I knew I was guaranteed relaxation and rejuvenation.

I opted for a full body scrub. Body brushing prepared me, top to toe, to absorb the natural goodness of seaweed, mixed in hot Voya essence oil. The result is heavenly.

Light exfoliation combined with gentle massage, seaweed goodness gliding over every limb. Once applied, the dark paste is something of thirty leagues under the sea, but underneath I'm feeling more mermaid than algae. As it absorbs into my skin, the therapist weaves Voya seaweed hair conditioner through my scalp, head massaging me to a state of sleep....

Even the showering off of the seaweed is Voya relaxing, the Squeaky Clean shower wash has since made it back to my home wet room.

Dried, feeling smooth, I'm then slathered in Voya body moisturiser and left to relax and let nature breathe new life into my weary bones.

Time out in the relaxation room, with fresh fruit and calming tea. A dip in the outdoor jacuzzi, toasty warm under the winter stars.

This is a dream come true. An escape from the mayhem of the day to day madness of life and a real chance to switch off and think about you.
You've earned it.

'Til next time, Pandora