Inner city escape
Jo Watson began the business, and now a team of eight, including business partner Lynley Ramsay, are celebrating Urban Sanctuary’s 20th year. Considering the competition within the industry, that longevity speaks volumes. I have high expectations for my treatment.
I’m receiving a birthday special today – a two-hour long “face and body experience” that includes the ‘deluxe facial’. Having never done this before it is with nervous anticipation that I strip into the very ‘attractive’ disposable g-string provided by therapist Jaicelyn, and slip between the soft towels on the heated massage bed. I’m wishing I’d shaved my legs and worked out more – but when Jaicelyn returns she assures me that nothing could surprise her. As she rubs me all over with exfoliant I begin to relax, and we chat about all sorts of things. Apparently beauty therapists aren’t trained in matters psychological – but Jaicelyn may as well have been, she’s so easy to talk to.
It’s hard to remember what happened in what order, but over the next two hours my small talk disappeared as my entire body was exfoliated (the grit removed with hot, moist towels) and massaged with natural oils. The only thing that kept me from nodding off was the fear of missing any of the massage - Jaicelyn worked my back and neck until I had melted into the bed, my thighs, calves and feet, my arms and hands (who’d have thought a hand massage could feel so good?) and my face – seeking pressure points and stroking my temples ‘til my whole body was buzzing. She analysed my skin and talked me through what it needed, but without ever pushing a product on me to buy. She even tidied up my eyebrows.
When the treatment was finished, I was left to ‘take as much time as I like’ for the transformation back to city-dwelling go-getter. I didn’t want to leave the bed – but a cup of herbal tea and 10 minutes over a magazine eased the transition.
As I floated out of Urban Sanctuary I was moving half as quickly as everyone else; looking around me and smiling, where everyone else was eyes-straight-ahead and frowning. Ramsay had told me that, “What sets us apart is that we view treatment holistically, using our hands and our hearts. We like to transport people back into their lives with grounded harmony.”
Before today I would’ve scoffed at that kind of talk, but it really has left me feeling calm and at peace with the world, with the added bonus that my skin looks amazing. If there’s someone in your life who deserves a special treat – I couldn’t recommend Urban Sanctuary highly enough. Considering the effect it will have on their disposition, it’s a gift for everyone around them too.
Melody Thomas.










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