Escape to heart of Cork city for a spa treat at the Imperial

TUCKED behind a beautiful old white limestone and red sandstone archway on a small side street lies an oasis in the middle of Cork City, the aptly named Escape Spa.

Despite being nestled in the heart of the city, nothing but the gentle sound of trickling water can be heard once you step over the threshold. Dark walnut wooden floors, soothing green tones, and dimmed lighting soon sets the tone for a highly relaxing spa visit.

A slight mix up with my booking is dealt with discreetly and courteously and I am soon ushered into an intimate waiting area to fill out the forms while sipping water or fresh fruit juice. The changing rooms are bright and clean with plenty of white fluffy bathrobes and disposable slippers on offer.

First stop is the vitality pool, and after an hour in here alone I emerged relaxed and, well, full of vitality. The heated pool has bubble jet massage loungers or chairs within the pool to loosen up all your aching muscles. The salt grotto and aroma steam room mixed with refreshing dips in the pool soon had you feeling amazing. One of the women in the pool was also an Escape virgin, but like me, she intends to return. All too soon the hour was up and then I was brought for Rosemary Mint Awakening body treatment.

The girls at the spa were extremely professional and friendly. After I peeled myself off the massage table I was brought into the relaxation room, decorated with autumnal scenes and pinpoint lighting in the ceilings. Fruit skewers, water, fruit sorbets, and glasses of Prosecco were all on offer as well an array of magazines while you relaxed between treatments or chilled out before it was time to shuffle back to reality.

I also tried out the dry floatation tank, which is like returning to the womb. You lie on the rubber-looking bed covered in blankets, then a plank is removed and you find yourself cocooned between the blankets as the warm water quickly moulds to your body and supports your limbs. With the lights dimmed and only the barest sound of twinkling music in the background, I soon fell asleep, and even though they assured me it was only for 30 minutes, I felt I had been in there for hours.

When I got off the bed I was like Bambi, knee knocked and a bit shaky and glad to head back to the safety of the forest-like relaxation centre before being treated to a tea-tree oil facial and manicure. It is a moment when you feel like a superstar to have two treatments at one time. And what’s not to love about feeling pampered and taking a break from busy lives?

I entered the sanctum at 10am and didn’t emerge until well after 3pm and was starving. It might be a good idea to offer some food when having a full day of treatments, but that was the only complaint for an otherwise great day. If I had any advice for anyone it would be this: Don’t organise a night out to show off your great looking skin or nails. To get the full benefit book a night in front of the TV with your favourite video, or pick up a great book and let the massage after-effects wash over you.

The spa is running summer packages from €99 to €189.

Next time you feel you or someone you love deserves a treat, look no further than The Escape Spa at the Imperial.