As the hectic Christmas season creeps ever closer, I’m guessing they’ll be times over the coming weeks when we’ll all find ourselves craving a moment to recharge and reset. For me, this came in the form of Lush’s latest spa experience The Highlands, inspired by the natural beauty and mystical history of Scotland.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t realised Lush’s New Street store had a spa, but tucked away in the corner of the first floor is a space of tranquillity that is far removed from the bustling sounds of Birmingham just outside. The setting is serene, the space is beautifully curated with a homely, vintage feel and the subtle scent of essential oils waft through the air.
My Highland experience began with a consultation with the lovely Becca. It’s not your typical “how’s your stress level?” talk; rather a reading using 250 million-year-old Scottish marble carved with ancient symbols. Each is a doorway into a different mindset: The River symbolises the ebb and flow of life, Simplicity represents grounding, and the Rainbow, which I chose, meant optimism and joy. Becca explained each with genuine passion, setting the tone for my afternoon.
The treatment room itself is like a cocoon of calm, with soft green and purple lighting evoking heather-covered moors and the scent of furze incense, inspired by the ancient Celtic ritual of “saining” where smoke is used to purify and protect. Once settled, firstly on my front, then my back, the head to toe massage began with warm basalt stones carefully applied across my shoulders, back, arms and legs.
Each stone moved seamlessly through Becca’s hands and I found the sensation deeply grounding. As she glided them across my skin they were blended with a solid massage oil bar made from mugwort – a calming, medicinal herb used for centuries in Scotland – neroli and sage to release an earthy, relaxing aroma.
The music that accompanies the treatment has been composed by folk artists and Gaelic singers to guide you throughout, with each song rooted in Highland traditions. It really helped me mentally disconnect from the outside world as the melodies travelled from the sea to mountain, telling a story that perfectly synced with Becca’s hands.
Following the warmth of the full body massage, there’s a wonderfully cooling sensation on your face as colder stones are applied to pressure points. It feels invigorating, almost like taking in a brisk breath of air, and added a gentle contrast that brought me back to the present, feeling refreshed and revitalised, yet still deeply relaxed.
The hour felt like it flew by in moments, and once I was back in the comfy seating area Becca handed me a very welcome cup of tea infused with a comforting, floral blend of heather. As I sat there sipping it, I felt the whole experience begin to settle in my body – relaxation, mental clarity, connection and perhaps even a bit of mystical energy.
With the Christmas season just around the corner, the Highlands Spa treatment is the kind of sensory escape we could all do with. Each element feels intentionally relaxing, from the gentle movements of the hot stones to the Gaelic soundtrack crafted to take you through each section. Even as life inevitably starts to get busier, they all add up to make you feel fully grounded, to help you reconnect with yourself and find a simple slice of peace before the festive rush.
Lush’s Highland Treatment costs £150 and is one of a number of relaxing therapies on offer at the New Street store. You’ll find more details and how to book here.
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