USP Given the hotel’s location in the Cork countryside, where the night sky allows one a clear view of the moon without the city light pollution, it is apt that Auriga’s body therapies are based on the varying energies of the lunar cycle.

Although it may sound very New Age, it stands to reason that if the moon can affect the tides and nature as a whole, then it can certainly have an affect upon human energy. Therefore, each aspect of a therapy is related to the moon’s progression and the spa has combined techniques, products, and scents to create experiences specific to these phases. However, the spa will happily perform any of the treatments at any time of the moon’s phase if it takes your fancy.

AMBIENCE As all good spas should be, Auriga had a good mix of clinical efficiency and warm welcome. It is well worth making time before your appointment to check out the steam and sauna rooms, plus the vitality pool. The 13 private treatment rooms are flooded with natural light, and should you be on a romantic break there is a couple’s suite.

There are separate wet rooms for men and women, with steam and sauna facilities. The vitality pool is a particular treat, with massaging jets of water that ease away stress from tired bodies. Following a sauna, I recommend partaking of the high power showers that have ice rain or tropical rain settings to really liven your body up.

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EXPERIENCE I underwent the waxing moon treatment - and there was indeed a waxing moon around the time I had it, although it didn't seem to make much difference - that consisted of a body exfoliation, with rose, salt and sugar syrup. Then a honey and jasmine body mask, a facial cleanse with carrot butter and finally a honey and jasmine facial mask and massage.

The body exfoliation was actually a massage with a scrub that, at first, felt like being rubbed with fine sand. This was not the soothing, sleep-inducing kind. It was quite vigorous as it’s all about clearing out the pores and giving your skin a good old polish.

While lying there I was a little concerned that I’d sit up and find my skin bright red, but to my surprise, despite the sanding, it was the same colour. Washing the scrub off afterwards revealed super soft skin, of the sort that many moisturising products promise and never actually deliver.

IN-CROWD Apart from werewolves, honeymooners and romantics and wealthy, spa loving couples seeking an indulgent break.As the hotel where the spa is located only opened in August this year, there were very few visitors to the fabulous wet rooms.

FOOD The Spa Café is situated downstairs, next to the ozone pool and is a delightful environment to chill in following a treatment or dip in the pool. We only had herbal tea as we felt quite serene following the treatment, but fellow guests were happily tucking into fresh, yummy looking salads. The café uses organic ingredients where available and its menu is created around local and seasonal offerings.

WALLET WATCH The waxing moon treatment, which lasted for two hours, costs €220 (£165), although there is a selection of fabulous treatments at prices below €100 (£70).

NEED TO KNOW Auriga Spa, Capella Castlemartyr Hotel, Cork (353 21 4644050; www.capellacastlemartyr.com) or via e-mail spacastlemartyr@capellahotels.com

For more than 235 independent spa reviews log on to timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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