Treat of the Week

First of all I must apologise for flashing my therapist Alma. Inadvertently I hasten to add. I resolved recently to leave body issues at the treatment room door, but I'm pretty sure getting my chest out wasn't what I was aiming for. But on to my treatment - an Óg Ireland peat body wrap at the Sanctuary Spa in the Bridge House. Yes, peat. Founder of Óg Ireland Bill Kenny wondered what peat could do for the living when a very well-preserved 3,000 year old body was discovered in a bog close to his Offaly home in 2003. Six years of research later, Óg Ireland arrived. The blurb says peat is naturally hypo-allergenic, so suitable for even sensitive skin. The essential oils, fatty acids and lipoids in peat make it a great rejuvenator and moisturiser. And of course it's a great preserver. I don't spend a lot of time in spas, but to me this felt like pure luxury. Taking over two hours along with the complimentary polish add-on and use of the relaxation room it's not bad value for money either at €75. First I was basted in a citrus oil, and then I was smeared with the blackest of peat before being covered in plastic. A mini facial massage nicely saw off the time needed for the peat wrap to do its magic, before I showered the peat off and was slathered in a rich citrus moisturiser. At not yet 30, I like to think I don't need preserving yet. I can vouch for moisturising properties though; over six hours later and I still feel moisture-soaked. Hello's Beauty Editor Nadine Baggott thinks Óg Ireland's peat products are a Summer Best Beauty Buy. Ireland AM's Laura Birmingham thinks it's fantastic, and I think it's pretty damn good too! Don't make a lunch appointment - you might not make it back to the office in time. Do think about booking in with a friend - it feels like a great girlie thing to do. This treatment is one of Sanctuary Spa's Summer Specials. Book a facial (€80), an Óg Ireland body wrap (€75), a full body massage (€75) or a Sacred Nature treatment (€90) and choose a free express manicure, toe file and paint or eyebrow tint and shape add-on. For opening hours and more special offers see Sanctuary Spa on Facebook or www.bridgehouse.com.