Spas get the treatment

THEY soothed our senses, purified our pores and massaged the nine-to-five from our system.

For a fat fee, they allowed us to forsake the stresses of work, commuting and parenthood for a galaxy of exotic treatments and thermal suites. They rejuvenated mind, body and spirit.

They were also some of the most bling-tastic symbols of Celtic Tiger Ireland. In 2006 alone, 30 new spas popped up like mushrooms around the country, funded by fast credit, often charging triple figures for treatments, and lathering their clientele in milk, mud and seaweed.