Reflexology and Lomi-Lomi massage in the Cloisters Spa Muckross Park

Kirstie and I had a fantastic weekend at the Cloisters Spa a couple of weeks ago. Let me tell you a little about my Saturday there...

After a scrumptious breakfast in the dining room (smoked salmon, croissants, fresh fruit salad and lots of good coffee) we wandered down to the spa. This was a wow moment. The door to the spa swings open from the hotel reception and out flows warm scented air. The pattern of footsteps on the floor echoes the journey the monks used to take through their cloisters - for this spa lies on hallowed ground. After changing into our robes we nipped out to see the pool area. It's gorgeous! And huge - the spa is really big, with loads of treatment rooms, types of treatment and lots of friendly therapists.

First up was the Lomi-Lomi massage. I can honestly say that this was the best massage I have ever had in my life. Tom was my therapist and he is the only person - ever - who has been able to get the knots out of my neck and shoulders. He's great, ask for him if you're ever here. The massage was fantastic, deeply relaxing, long movements pushing the tension out of my back and neck.

Next up was a divine reflexology treatment. Reflexology works on the theory that various places on the foot correspond to different organs in the body. Pressure is applied to the foot and - ow - ankle.

"Thats sore?" my therapist asked, gently pressing my ankle. "You have something wrong with your hip?" Indeed I did. And guess what: it felt a whole lot better by the end of this session. I have had reflexology after long haul flights too and it really gets your circulation going again and stops you feeling so sluggish. Supposed to be particularly good for conditions like migrane, arthritis, hormonal problems and backache.

Then it was a swim in the pool, a fab plunge in the outdoor hot tub and a snooze in the warm, sunny relaxation room.

Then I had my chakras balanced. But that deserves its own post so I'll tell you about that another time.

Suffice to say: bliss. Fantastic spa, loved every minute of it, we'd highly recommend it.