Gazing out across the River Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills through vast ceiling-to-floor windows, my normal life as a frazzled, perimenopausal mum of three juggling the demands of teenagers and work deadlines feels a world away.
I have come to JA Mar Hall in Renfrewshire, Scotland, to experience their new Tides of Change treatment.
It was introduced at the start of the year for guests like me who are in the grips of the perimenopause or menopause (when women’s hormones start to decline and menstruation eventually stops).
The treatment uses a range of ishga products, an award-winning Scottish skincare brand infused with organic Hebridean seaweed, offering a host of benefits. It’s rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help neutralise toxins, as well as polysaccharides, which reduce inflammation.
Both are particularly helpful during perimenopause when the decline in oestrogen and progesterone can cause a systemic spike in inflammation.
This midlife shift, sometimes known as ‘inflamm-ageing’ can trigger joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain and poor sleep – all of which I have been suffering despite taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
I am a little wary when my therapist, Ella, tells me the treatment also uses lymphatic drainage massage, a specialised technique that focuses on light strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system and requires massaging my abdomen.
It turns out to be surprisingly pleasant and gentle, though.
Georgina Fuller stayed at the Mar Hall Resort menopause retreat in Scotland
The hotel, in Renfrewshire, Scotland, is home to a luxury spa, which includes an indoor pool, steam rooms and saunas
Tides of Change is geared towards reducing body toxins and fluid retention, which can build up during perimenopause and cause bloating.
As someone who often lives in ‘fight or flight’ mode trying to keep on top of three different school schedules, a demanding freelance job and the never-ending domestic drudge of family life, I surrender to Ella’s gentle touch and drift into a deeply relaxed state.
Ella tells me the treatment, which includes a rejuvenating facial, has been designed to promote hormonal balance.
The products used include ishga’s Muscle Recovery Oil, which contains stress-easing lavender, as well as rosemary, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. As everything is organic and natural, they don’t trigger my rosacea either.
By the end of the 90 minutes, I feel calm, relaxed and the previous tension in my neck has completely gone.
Mar Hall is a serene setting, and a great spot to spend time with two old school friends, Tori and Natalie, who lives in Edinburgh. She tells me the hotel is a celebrity hotspot with Kylie Minogue and Roger Daltrey (whose guitar sits in the gallery) among former guests.
I wonder if they visited the spa, which includes an indoor pool, steam rooms and saunas.
The hall was originally built as a private residence for Lord Blantyre in 1828, with the help of renowned architect Sir Robert Smirke, who designed the British Museum, and sits in a 240-acre estate that includes an 18-hole golf course.
The massage treatments for women going through perimenopause or menopause are relaxing, and use ishga’s products known for their anti-inflammatory benefits
The historic hotel has other perks, including an opulent lounge and dining options
A hospital for amputees during the world wars, it was brought back to life as a hotel in 2004, and last year was bought by JA Resorts and Hotels, a Dubai-based hospitality company.
It underwent a £20million refurbishment and every detail, from the scalloped ceilings to the golden bar at the centre, has been beautifully restored, and the gardens are glorious.
The staff are kind and attentive – everyone from Michael, who collects us at the airport, to Lynne, who greets us when we arrive, and Tasha, who serves us the most delicious Sunday lunch.
We leave feeling well rested, revived and pampered. Mar Hall successfully combines contemporary luxury with its proud Scottish heritage. It’s a little slice of Scottish heaven I feel privileged to have experienced.
It also got me out of ‘fight or flight’ for a few days… thank goodness.
TRAVEL FACTS
Return Gatwick-Glasgow flights from £54 (easyjet.com). Mar Hall is a 20-minute drive from Glasgow. Doubles from £305 at Mar Hall Resort (marhall.com). The Tides of Change treatment costs £155 for 90 minutes.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
