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Little Black Book
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Little Black Book: Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa
In the French village of Martillac, just eight miles from Bordeaux, lies a charming white-washed country chateau amidst acres upon acres of grape vineyards called The Sources de Caudalie. The hotel boasts 49 guest rooms, two restaurants and an incredible Vinothérapie Spa that incorporates actual grapes, vines, seeds and local spring water in their treatments.
Caudalìe launched in 1993 by a young couple, Bertrand and Mathilde Thomas who were passionate about starting a beauty brand.
Little Black Book: Strip Waxing Bar
If you're anything like me, you get easily freaked out by the thought of a bikini wax. They're painful, embarrassing and they take forever. So whilst they are just one of the things us ladies endure for the sake of beauty, I never look forward to appointment time...that is, until now.
Little Black Book: Hotel de Russie
Walking into the Wellness Zone at the Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy, I was overcome with with the feeling of luxurious calm. The serene spa (you won't be able to talk on your mobile phone here) hosts treatment rooms, a comfortable reception area and an over-sized jacuzzi with built-in lounge chairs for the optimal 'chilaxing' experience.
They use and sell four different brands in the spa, namely Carita (a prestigious skincare line from Paris), Dècleor, Skinceuticals and their specialty treatments feature products from a coffee based lined called Body Coffee Brand.
Little Black Book: Ritz Carlton's Give Back Getaways
For far-flung spa trips look no further than the Ritz-Carlton hotels. This five star chain boasts spas to die for, with a whole host of signature beauty treatments to the highest standard. I've visited quite a few of these around the world and if you're looking for a luxury treat with that home-from-home attention to detail then I can't recommend them highly enough.
Little Black Book: Hotel Le Bristol
If you're looking to treat someone extra special to a spa trip or just needing to get a dose of glamour before the Christmas shopping grind begins, than I simply cannot recommend a better bolt hole than the Hotel Le Bristol. This sumptuous hotel in the heart of Paris has recently revamped it's luxurious spa. Needless to say the results are very impressive and well worth a quick trip across the channel.
Little Black Book: Steenberg Spa
Some of the best-kept secrets amongst beauty journalists are the spas and hotels in Cape Town, South Africa. For the price of a blow dry in London (£30-£40) you can get top notch head-to-toe treatments that will leave you glowing. My favourite is the gorgeous spa at the Steenberg; the oldest farm in the Cape, Constantia Valley.
Little Black Book: Penha Longa
If you're planning a special spa break or are looking for something that might work for a honeymoon or pampering hen weekend, the luxurious Penha Longa Hotel and Spa in Portugal could be just the ticket. It's recently been voted number one in the 'Top Europe Resort’ category in Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards in the U.S. The spa is seriously impressive and it's based a half hour outside of Lisbon, so it's easy to get to for a weekend escape.
Little Black Book: Pleasure is Pleasure with Darphin Treatment
The next installment of my Little Black Book feature is about the incredibly luxe Pleasure Promise Facial (£60) from Darphin (available at Harrods). I'm a devotee of Darphin products since they use high quality ingredients, they smell gorgeous and give me amazing results.
This facial works on a sensory-basis.
Little Black Book: ZenZone at Hotel La Florida
I'm a bit of a spoiled kitten when it comes to facials, I have to admit. Years of working in the beauty and fashion industry means I've had my fair share of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
The worst, was a 'couple facial' in which my skincare expert actually flicked the sides of my cheek with her artificial nails, while at the same time Mr Bella kept trying to grab my hand, shouting "don't let her touch my face, I don't like having my face touched" as his masochistic therapist tutted at the state of his stubble.
Little Black Book: Wining and Reclining at Steenberg Spa
I keep being asked for more spa recommendations, so my first would have to be the gorgeous spa at the Steenberg; the oldest farm in the Cape, Constantia Valley – in Cape Town, South Africa.
If you're not the virtuous type, but need some well-deserved pampering and re-balancing, then this one's for you. I love the wine-based treatments, such as the famous Theravine Grape Seed Body Exfoliation, the Wine Barrel Hot Spa bath, the special Hot Stone Therapy massage and the rejuventating hair and scalp treatments.
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