During our stay at Hotel Kilkenny we were invited into The Orchard Salon & Day Spa for some treatments. Situated across from the four star hotel the spa have a team of highly therapists that have been working in the industry for many years and have gained valuable experience in 5* Hotels to top class Salons. Reading through the list of optional services there’s something for everyone. From fabulous Facials and anti ageing Treatments to Massage, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Pedicures, Manicures, Sinus Relief, Hopi Ear and Holistic Treatments using top of the range Organic Voya products and Image Skincare. For women out there with a beautiful bump there’s also a wide variety of Pre and Post natal Treatments using Mama Mio Products. There’s even Dinair Airbase make up application, Shellac Nails, Spray Tan, Waxing and Tinting. After browsing the extensive menu I was brought into a tranquil treatment room where I sat down with my immaculately groomed therapist Deborah who ran through their latest magical machine; the Skin Scanner. After placing my head into the allocated space the machine took an image of my skin and within minutes processed vital information which was then used to decide the facial best suited to my skin type. The scanner analyses oil production, pore size, wrinkle depth, pigmentation and sun damage. It’s really interesting and a little frightening looking at the highlighted areas of concern. Overall my skin was in good enough shape with some expected pigmentation and sun damage down to my sallow skin type and age. I was surprisingly wrinkle free bar dehydration surrounding my eyes which I was aware of. After running through everything with me Deborah left me to get comfortable in the treatment bed and began using the appropriate products. I’m a huge fan of Image Skincare so I knew I would be happy with the results.
Deborah began by using the Vital C Hydrating Cleanser, followed by the Ageless Total Facial Cleanser. She then combined the Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque with a drop of 25% Antioxidant Facial Enhancer, 25% Hyaluronic Facial Enhancer with Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme, followed by the Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque, 25% Kojic Facial Enhancer, 25% and Vitamin C Facial Enhancer. For my eyes she used the Vital C Hydrating Recovery Eye Gel, and finished off my face with the Ageless Total Anti Aging Serum, Daily Defense Hydrating Moisturiser SPF30 and Ormedic Balancing Lip Enchantment Complex. The whole experience was both informative and relaxing and you could really tell Deborah knew her stuff and I was in safe hands. During paused stages of my facial where masks were left on the skin Deborah gave me a gorgeous hand, neck and shoulder massage, which was divine and so calming. While I was enjoying my perfect pamper my boyfriend James had a neck, shoulder and back massage. ‘I had a fantastic experience at the spa. The second I walked in the door I felt relaxed. The massage was great and I would certainly go back again. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, the therapist maintained excellent pressure and happily listened to what I wanted.’ After our treatments we were brought out to the plush reception area and given ice cold water, yogurt, berries, chocolate sticks and a bundle of magazines. It’s these little touches that really made the whole experience luxurious and spa like. If you’re in the area, on a trip with the girls or your other half, I highly recommend taking a visit to The Orchard.
