SIENNA SPA - MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
by Roberta Sotonoff
The Spa: Sienna Spa at the Radisson Edwardian in Manchester (England).
The Environment: Located on Peter Street in the heart of the city, the Radisson Edwardian sits on the old Freedom Trade Hall site -- one of Manchester’s most significant historic spots dating back to 1819.
The Distinction: The spa is one of the few places in the area that is certified to use Comfort Zone skin and body products. These Italian-made creations are purported to be both therapeutic and pleasing to the senses.
The Experience: After taking a trans-oceanic flight, there is no better way to relax than at the serene Sienna. Since my time was short, I had the Express Hydramemory facial (30 min). My therapist, Charlotte, begins by applying cool, damp pads to my eyes. My face is cleansed twice. She then applies moisturizer and massages my neck. I have never had my eyelids massaged, but this is part of my treatment. It really feels good. The mask application follows. Designed specifically for my dry skin, it is a creamy substance made from honey, hibiscus and trehalose -- an additional moisturizing ingredient. It doesn’t harden on my face. Even during the therapy my skin feels silky soft. All the while, Charlotte’s gentle strokes lull me into a state of relaxation. In order to get the full hydrating benefits of this facial, I am told not to apply make-up for 12 hours.
Accommodations: Though the historic, old façade remains, the interior of the Radisson Edwardian is sleek and modern with marble bathrooms and free high-speed Internet.
What to eat: Before or after your treatment, you might want to drop by the hotel’s casual restaurant, Alto. Amid an airy atmosphere, it offers light meals and sandwiches. If you are up for something a little more substantial with a dramatic setting, try Opus One. Red velvet walls and high ceilings are the backdrop for innovative British food.
The Menu: Sienna’s menu includes classic facials, massages, hot stones, mud, cellulite therapies and wraps, as well as massage rituals from around the world. For example, the two-hour Arabian incorporates pressure points with a single movement. The Indian (90 minute) uses spices and Ayurvedic techniques. To stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow, a blend of oregano, basil and lemon oil is used for the Mediterranean treatment. The Oriental uses tui-na, a 3,000 year-old technique which concentrates on posture and utilizes oils from mimosa, jasmine and ylang, ylang. All therapies culminate with a cup of tea that is indigenous of the region. For example, the Oriental ends with a cup of Oriental herbal tea.
Day escape packages, treatments designed for men, manicures, pedicures and body waxing are available. The spa also has a complete work-out area—pool, sauna, whirlpool and workout room.
The Cost: My 30-minute deep hydrating massage was £30 (about US$62.50). The hour-long version, which includes a neck, arm and chest massage, is £55 (about US$110). (Editor's note: Please keep in mind that prices reflect the time of our visit. You may want to check with the spa at time of booking.)
Beyond the Spa: The hotel is walking distance from the Town Hall, Bridgewater Hall (home of the Hallé Orchestra), the John Rylands Library and the Victorian Shopping Mall. This glass and steel shopping venue was patterned after London’s former Crystal Palace.
What I liked best: Sienna is definitely an escape. Though there were other people there, I felt like I had the place to myself. Even if it was crowded, noise does not penetrate the treatment rooms. They are located in old vaults.
Words to the wise: Though the spa features Comfort Zone products, there is no boutique from which to purchase them. Various online sites do offer the products.
www.radissonedwardian.com/sienna
For travel to the UK: British Midland Airways (www.flybmi.com)flies direct to Manchester from several U.S. destinations. With British Airways (www.britishairways.com), it is necessary to connect in London.
For more information on England: www.visitbritain.org