Unless you knew about it you would never suspect that below the Lush boutique in Commercial Street Leeds is a heaven of peace, tranquility and absolute bliss.

The Lush Spa is a wonderful experience and like no other. Over the years I have had just about every treatment they offer – and as a beauty writer I can tell you they are like no other.

This time I wanted a pick-me-up for my skin before a non stop three months of journalistic mayhem with little or no time to spare.

I was recommended the Validation Facial which was perfect for me and my needs.

It was created with the aim of emulating the glow and allure of someone bursting with confidence and love, Lush’s Validation Facial nourishes the face, head and mind.

The bespoke 60-minute facial  is entirely tailored to the skin’s needs, designed to demonstrate how beauty is more than skin deep and encourages the recipient to show themselves and their skin more love.

Powerful ingredients and effective techniques are combined throughout the treatment, taking it way beyond the average facial – elongating the spine using simple stretches, a soundtrack of carefully chosen, validating words, and the power of intention to leave the client feeling beautiful from the inside out. Lush believes beauty shouldn’t be underestimated as simply superficial, but begins from within.

As we made our way down to the spa which resembles a country garden cottage with wooden tables, country cottage style chairs and lots of ornaments, plants, bric-brac that wouldn’t look out of place in the most chic country cottage kitchen.. Its comforting and unlike some spas, which have a clinical atmosphere,  just so simply beautiful. Sitting in this relaxing atmosphere Laura, my therapist brought out the various products she would be using during the treatment and invited me to chose which one I liked the best from each range, and with Laura’s advice which would suit my skin. These were then put on a palette to be used during my heavenly hour.

The treatment room was scented with orange essential oil, setting the “smile through scent” concept for the session my therapist Laura told me . A spritz of orange essential oil enveloped me at the start of the treatment which was wonderful

My chosen fresh Lush skincare products were used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin.This was then followed by a facial massage that invigorates and brightens the complexion while nourishing and protecting the skin’s microbiome.

Hot stones were then used on the chest to relax my pectoral and trapezius muscles, while cold stones are used for the facial massage to tone, awaken and energise the skin and then my mask was applied and I relaxed to the gentle sound of the waves on the pebbles of that far off Devon Beach.

This is one thing I always love about Lush Spa treatments – the bespoke compositions throughout the treatment,  by The Fresh Handmade Sound. This this time it featured wave recordings from Chesil Beach, vocals from Eliza Carthy and Jackie Oates, and validating, affirming spoken statements.

I was really sorry when my treatment ended. However I was gifted a themed drink whilst I relaxed in the kitchen of the country garden cottage. This was a Pimms-inspired mocktail, served with smoke and bubbles . A fresh orange is squeezed to make this delicious drink with the most delicious fruits brimming in the glass. A true celebratory finish.

For full details of the Validation Facial and other treatments available at Lush Spa email: leeds@lush.co.uk or visit LushSpaLeeds

Tel: 0113 243 3636

Lush Spa is situated at 12/13 Commercial Street, Leeds LS1 6AL.