Getting your bloom back

Bloomfield Spa stands out from the crowd because of one thing: the holistic approach staff take to the treatments on offer.When I went to get a cosmetic microdermabrasion facial I wasn't expecting to get a mini hot stone massage to start the treatment, a head massage and a shoulder massage all included in the price.Instead of being left alone with a face mask on, therapist and spa manager Helen McCauley worked with me during almost the entire hour of the treatment.And instead of finding this intrusive I found that it helped me to relax because rather than just lying there I was being pampered the entire time which left me with little time to mull things over.If you're like me and find it hard to unwind then the Bloomfield is the perfect place for you. Some people are thrilled to be left on a comfy treatment bed for an hour and others (like me) use the time to make shopping lists, think about work and wonder if the line of washing is going to dry out in between showers.But Helen is a true pro and I hardly even realised that she was in the room as she moved swiftly from one part of the therapy to the next- absolutely seamlessly. The result was a felling of total relaxation as well as glowing skin.The idea behind Germaine de Capuccini facial is to "re texture" the top layer (epidermis) of the skin which has the effect of improving the appearance of wrinkles, marks and darkspots as well as minimising pores.The facial was designed to be less abrasive than surgical microdermabrasion which can drag and pull in the skin and leave it sensitive for some time afterwards.The Germaine de Capuccini procedure used by the Bloomfield produces the same results as the surgical version but instead of irritating the skin, comforting and moisturising with avocado, arnica, rice oil, corn oil, and calendula are used in conjunction with the exfoliating crystals so that the skin is soothed as the treatment is applied.As well as the facial I had a crystal eye treatment which claims to work wonders on dark puffy circles and fine lines.The aim of both treatments is to produce instant and visible results - which of course is what every girl wants for her hard-earned cash.After the facial my skin was glowing and the treatment had a significant effect on the fine lines on my forehead and between my brows. Overall my skin looked very smooth and fresh.The crystal eye treatment was nothing short of a miracle worker and for the first time in more years that I care to think about, I left the house without under eye concealer.As a smoker I am prone to puffy eyes and dark circles but these were all but gone and the fine lines were softened and soothed.Aside from the fast and visible results that treatments give, the whole experience of the spa at Bloomfield is refreshingly luxurious. These people take their business very seriously which is shown from the minute you walk in the door and are taken to the relaxation room.The prices are also surprisingly competitive and the cosmetic microdermabrasion costs €80 with and extra €20 for the crystal eye treatment.Bloomfield have special offers every month so look out for a bargain, they're there to be had.The spa also offers discount cards (up to 20 per cent) for regular customers as well as a loyalty card offer. For every 10 treatments at over €50 you get a €100 worth back.Log onto www.bloomfieldhousehotel.ie/spa for details or call 044 9340894 for more details.