Taragh Loughrey-Grant
Fear of the unknown can be a dangerous thing. When I first heard about 'Planet Beach' I was slightly confused and a little reticent. Described as a Contempo Spa, the Planet Beach experience promises to relax, glow and renew but how? Unlike other spa's, there is no pool, massage therapists or beauticians delivering hour long treatments. I was curious to find out more.
Created in New Orleans, Planet Beach is the first fully fledged Contempo Spa in Europe. Contempo is the key word, as most of the treatments are delivered by machine. Initially terrified by the thought of having a massage by machine, five minutes in the Cyber Relax Chair and I was reformed. This is one of those 'see it to believe it' experiences.
Each of the treatments in the numerous private rooms take about twenty minutes and while there is professional advise available if required, its just you, your private room and the respective machine. While the Spa encourages walk-in visitors, it operates primarily on a membership basis (with membership available from €20 per week).
Planet Beach is ideally suited to those who want an alternative, private, low-key approach to relaxing, beautifying and toning. The idea of coming and going as you please, without the obligatory small talk while enjoying numerous short treatments in the one visit is appealing. Robes are available and a number of clients did avail, however most seem comfortable going from room to room as they arrived – minimal fuss.
Cloud 9
At first I thought the Guided Meditation Room aka Cloud 9 was a bit gimmicky. However five minutes of listening to a relaxing programme on an iPod, while my feet were massaged by a pre-programmed machine and breathing blue-berry flavoured oxygen (one of four flavours – still prefer natural) and I emerged very relaxed.
Sauna with a difference
While still fully clothed I entered the two-seater sauna. This far-infrared unit promises to penetrate your clothes and work heat into your skin. After only one treatment I can't vouch for the science of the machine but it felt cosy and inviting.
Aqua Massage
Promising to jump start the lymphatic system, draining excess fluid, the Aqua Machine was my favourite experience. This has to be one of the most fun ways to detox. Picture a car wash for the body – the client lies down on a canvas bed, while a 'lid' lowers down covering from neck to toe and then water jets shoot up and down the body, massaging as they go. Bliss. Although I was on one of the lower settings! If you really want to work those muscles, there are eight different intensities available.
The Well System
My second favourite treatment is a water bed, offering a head to toe massage. Clients can lie fully-clothed on the bed while controlling the intensity of the warm water jets as they relieve tired muscles.
Other treatments include Therasage – an insulated massage bed using jade stones to focus on certain areas of the body, Teeth Whitening, Hydra Derma Fusion, Mystic Tan – a spray tan that promises to dry within seconds, hand and nail treatments.
Planet Beach's flagship spa is offering RTÉ.ie readers the chance to receive three free Contempo Spa Sessions (worth €150). This is the best way to experience the spa to see if it's exactly what you've been looking for. In order to take advantage of the complimentary treatments, mention the RTÉ Fashion site when booking.
Restrictions may apply, call T: 01-4629999 for bookings and further details. The offer is valid for first time guests to Planet Beach in Glashaus, Tallaght.
Suspend your disbelief and try out 'Planet Beach' - the healthy, adult funzone!
For further information log onto www.planetbeach.com
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