USP The salon is in such a secluded location away from the road that it's difficult to locate without a map. It is the only provider of Karin Herzog treatments in Ireland, and also has an extensive menu of treatments from the Elemis and Nailtiques ranges.

AMBIENCE The Bellfield Centre of Wellbeing is based in a beautiful converted Georgian coach house on a ten-acre estate outside Banbridge; the owner still lives in the adjoining family home. There is an impressive entrance, with a sweeping staircase leading to the treatment rooms upstairs, an open brick fireplace and Celtic knots in the leaded glass. The treatment rooms were named, “Mind”, “Body” and “Spirit” and, in keeping with this holistic trinity, my treatment took place under a sarong. As a bit of a design purist I wasn’t really a fan of the Georgian-Asian fusion, but this salon is certainly not alone in trying to infuse a Zen-like serenity into its surroundings, and it was an inviting space.

EXPERIENCE The treatment began with the obligatory skincare and health questionnaire in the bright open-plan waiting area upstairs, furbished with comfy cream sofas where I relaxed with my herbal tea. Although I’m open about my health history it could have been more private – I could hear the responses of the client opposite me. Emma, the therapist, picked up that my claustrophobia might mean that I didn’t like cotton wool pads over my eyes – a welcome observation from the only therapist I’ve been to who has made the connection. I had the Karin Herzog Space massagen - a thoroughly de-stressing Tibetan head massage that was all the more relaxing because I was lying down and whose Himalayan style complemented the ethos of the spa. I also had an Elemis Tri-Enzyme resurfacing facial, a rejuvenating treatment suitable for treating superficial scarring, fine lines and uneven pigmentation, and which claims a 32 per cent increase in skin smoothness. The facial began with a blissful hot lime foot massage to relax me before the main treatment. The facial used sweet smelling lotions, the most fragrant being a papaya and pineapple enzyme facial mask designed to brighten and clarify the skin, and Emma was gainfully employed throughout the treatment, giving hand, arm and neck massages while the various serums and lotions did their trick. My sensitive skin stung a little from the active enzyme serums, but Emma had warned me in advance that this was normal. She paid close attention to detail – turning the pan-piped music up to drown out the beating storm outside – and making sure my arms weren’t tucked under the duvet so that she could still massage them if I fell asleep. After the treatment, my broken capillaries were more prominent but this calmed down and my skin felt smoother. She recommended a series of treatments and products but this did not feel invasive; when I told her I used Dermalogica products (not available at this salon) she cleverly mentioned that several of her clients use Dermalogica but choose to use an Elemis toner as it is alcohol free.

FOOD AND DRINK A light lunch such as a chicken salad or open prawn sandwich is provided from a nearby gourmet deli for those on the all-day treatment packages.

IN CROWD Anyone who manages to locate it; brides seduced by a visit to the adjoining bridal boutique; the occasional man attracted by the discreet location and indeed, I did see one on my visit. Local NCT classes even recommend the reflexology treatments for expectant mothers.

WALLET WATCH Treatments were a standard price for an affluent Northern Irish market; Karin Herzog Space Massage £35, Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial £70, Bellfield Bridal Package (includes lunch, strawberry back cleanse, facial, manicure, pedicure, eyelash tint, and eyebrow tint and wax) £125.

NEED TO KNOW Bellfield Centre of Wellbeing, Lenaderg, Banbridge BT32 4NN (028 406 60400; www.bellfieldcw.com)

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