At the tail end of last year Lush opened their new flagship Scottish store on Glasgow's Buchanan Street. Set over four floors and around 20,000 sq ft, I was blown away when I visited on the eve of the opening. I shared a couple of snaps over on my Instagram but if you're ever in Glasgow City Centre, it's the kind of space that you'll simply want to experience for yourself.
With a Lush Shampoo Bar, where you can get your hair washed and styled, what must be thousands of bath bombs and even a cafe, it makes shopping such an experience, which is something that Lush has always done so well. However, I was even more excited when it was announced that Glasgow would be getting its very own Lush Spa, on what would be the top floor.
Visiting the Edinburgh spa is always such a special experience for me and my Mum. We tend to book in to celebrate one another's birthdays every March. But this will be the first year where we break with tradition and head to the new Glasgow spa instead.
I got a chance to try out their latest spa treatment, which is currently exclusive to the Glasgow and Edinburgh spas but will be launching nationwide in the autumn, when the spa opened on the 1st of March. And if you're looking to treat yourself to a suitably Scottish spa experience, let me introduce you to the Highlands Treatment.
Priced at £150, this 60 minute full body hot stone massage is inspired by the spirit of the Scottish Highlands. And like every Lush Spa treatment that I've had, it truly engages all five of your senses. From the Gaelic folk songs soundtrack to the scents used to transport you, I cannot rave about this treatment enough. I've tried a number of the Lush Spa treatments so far (The Comforter, Synaesthesia and The Spell) and even though I loved all three, The Highlands has quickly become my favourite. And possibly even my favourite spa treatment of all time.
You start your consultation by selecting a stone carved with ancient Scottish symbols, which correspond to various different states of mind. I picked the river stone that is all about ebbing and flowing with life’s twists and turns. Then it was time to head into the treatment room. I can normally take or leave hot stones as part of a massage but in this instance the stones really give you such a warm and deep massage. The pressure, which you can choose, was perfect and I definitely felt myself ready to doze off quite a few times.
The treatment ultimately ends with a warming cup of Scottish tea infused with heather. Then you can spend as much time as you like just relaxing in the beautiful space. I have to say, even though I love how cosy and intimate the Edinburgh spa is, there isn't a lot of space to spread out and relax afterward. Whereas I could have spent hours just chilling at the Glasgow spa. They even have books for you to pick up and read, along with typical spa fare such as chilled water, fruit and cosy seats.
As I say, me and my Mum have swapped our usual March visit for one next month in Glasgow and I can't wait for her to experience the Highlands treatment for herself. I think I'll be treating myself to the Tangled Hair treatment this time, as how incredibly soothing and relaxing is a good scalp massage?
Have you been to one of the Lush spas before? If so, what did you think of your time there? And does the Highlands treatment appeal to you?
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