Eileen Larkin left the fast paced world behind and indulged herself in luxury at Newcastle's City Retreat.
 The appropriately named City Retreat is a haven of tranquillity in the centre of Newcastle. It's hard to imagine as it's on the busy Swan House roundabout. But once inside its doors, I felt transported to some far away place as I was greeted with warmth by the friendly staff. A Friday night at the end of a working week is the perfect opportunity for some pampering and escapism - a spa experience and some treatments. A hall with the wonderful aromas of essential oils and trickling water led to a Japanese-style room with a sliding door. I was shown into the beautifully decorated "wellbeing" suite where I could completely relax in one of the huge comfy bamboo armchairs after changing from my work clothes into white towelling robe and slippers. Not a sound from the bustling world outside could be heard. I was given a glass of sparkling wine with strawberries and other slices of fresh fruit and chocolates. A large jug of water and a choice of fruit juice was also placed on the bamboo table next to me, and owner Lesley Caster and her staff were attentive in checking I had everything I needed. The room has a private sauna at one end with subtle interchangeable coloured lights, including a happiness switch for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) sufferers, while the other end has a private steam room - great for clearing the head and cleansing the skin. I basked in both for 15 to 20 minutes each to avoid dehydration, before getting back into my robe, closing my eyes and listening to the oriental background music, which created the perfect atmosphere in which to totally unwind and leave the stresses and strains of the day behind. An hour later I was collected by Jane SirmanOK and taken through to a dimly lit treatment room for a back massage. I slipped under the coverlet on the treatment table to discover the bed was electrically heated. This felt wonderful on a cold winter's day. De-stress massage oil was applied while Jane kneaded my lower and upper back, shoulders and neck to relax my knotted muscles. You can ask for a gentle or more pressurised massage depending on personal preference. Within a short time I could feel the tension of the week leave my body and I almost fell into a deep sleep. Only the occasional few words were exchanged between myself and Jane as there is no expectation of conversation, so you are able to relax completely. An hour later I was asked to turn over, and to my surprise my upper neck and shoulders enjoyed the same pleasurable experience. This was pure heaven as I lay listening to the gentle, calming music making me almost believe I was on a paradise island somewhere. A facial was next on the agenda, but not before a `welcome touch' foot treatment using hot towelling mitts and lime essential oil to lift the spirits. This was a particularly nice sensation. Then Jane moved on to my face. First she gently applied a re-hydrating rose petal cleanser to remove any traces of make-up, followed by ginseng toner. A hot lavender compress was then placed on my face to increase the circulation and help me relax. Jane then broke open some skin bliss capsules, containing rose essential oil and moringa oil from the Tanzanian `Miracle Tree', a cellular recovery cream to help repair and counteract the effects of pollution, and rubbed them into my skin. A papaya enzyme peel - also containing pineapple - to exfoliate and brighten the skin was the next stage in the process. All the Elemis products used smelled deliciously good. Next came an absolute eye mask with extracts of rose, lavender, mimosa, cornflower and camellia to help firm, tone and minimise dark circles, then an exotic cream moisture mask containing honey, mallow and echinacea was applied. While the mask was on I was given the choice of a further shoulder massage or hand and arm massage with re-balancing oil. I opted for the latter. By this time the mask was ready to be removed with more of those wonderful hot mitts and rosewood oil, to ground me at the end of the treatment. A pro-collagen marine moisturising cream was massaged in. The finale to all this was a gentle head and neck massage with a few minutes of rest and calm after the ringing of the Tibetan tingsha bells to signal the end of the treatment, and bring my awareness back to the present. This took a good few minutes and I was in no rush to leave. The heady mix of the various fragrances caressed the senses and left me feeling invigorated, glowing and calm. I left the City Retreat without make-up, allowing the products to absorb into my skin. I felt fresh and clean. I was so relaxed when I arrived home that after a short while I fell into a deep slumber on the sofa. City Retreat offers so much that you want it all - permanent hair removal, spray tanning, the non-surgical face lift, teeth whitening, skin resurfacing, red vein treatment, botox and a nail bar for both men and women. What makes it special is that this kind of therapy is usually found in huge country hotels and here we have it in the middle of Newcastle - perfect escapism. The wellbeing suite is also available to couples or small groups of friends for special occasions from £90 up to £405 for three people. As well as all the usual treatments you would expect to find, there are several packages, all of which include lunch and refreshments. There's even a Business Express Package where two hours can be spent having treatments for £110. ********** Seven-day Retreat City Retreat is open seven days a week at 55 Degrees North, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, with late night opening until 9pm every Thursday. Sunday appointments are available by prior arrangement, and the salon may be booked exclusively by private negotiation. Call (0191) 230-1055, www.city-retreat.com. Top spa product ranges by Elemis, Guinot and Vie Collection are used. | 
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