Lush Spa: Your Personal Immersive Theatre Experience?!

AD/GIFTED: You heard that right, theatre lovers: if you love all things theatrical, Lush Spa may be the spa experience you've been waiting for. Tried and trusted by a theatre fanatic.

STOP your thoughts right now! It is an AD; this was GIFTED, and I am a part of the 'Friends of LUSH'. However, I am a girl who has spent a good chunk of my salary on their products and follows them like there is no tomorrow. I am someone who only works with products and brands that I trust, and before LUSH gave me this opportunity to create, I was trying out LUSH spa treatments with my own money and found myself gravitating towards it because it was so theatrical and whimsical. So, believe me when I tell you... WORLDS HAVE COLLIDED. Stick with me, and you'll NEVER BE HUNGRY FOR SELF-CARE AND THEATRE EXPERIENCES AGAIN!

There is not one moment I am not in awe of these spa experiences; being able to leave wow'd and relaxed is a dream. How is this theatre, then? Oh honey, there's set, choreography, music made for each experience, and not to mention the script. We can work this like every other theatre review on this website, baby. Prepare to be blown away. As a LUSH fan, I have been collecting up each of the spa treatments, and each one is different from the next; they all have their own tailored soundtrack and benefits. Today we will be reviewing the treatment 'Synaesthesia', and this is an 80-minute full-body massage tailored to you! But first, what is Synaesthesia, then? It is a cool neurological condition where someone experiences one sense triggering another sense at the same time. For instance, people may link a smell to colours or maybe a taste to certain sounds. The idea of this treatment is all about this: the creator of the treatment experiences this condition, and it's all about opening the mind by igniting the senses. When you are welcomed into the space, you are given a set of words, and you choose which word you are drawn to. I chose 'Belonging'; then you are given a selection of oils, and without smelling them, you have to choose which one you want by the words on them. I chose 'Kindness '. The experience is different depending on what you choose. We all love theatre that can change with each performance, don't we?

Let's talk about performers! Tabitha, what do you mean by performers? Aren't they spa therapist? No, they too are performers! They tailor their performance of the treatment to the customer, and they go through the script, interact/engage with the audience (you), and they perform the choreography to match the music tailored to the treatment. Now, that's a performer, isn't it? This performance was performed by a spa therapist called Hema; she was calming, explained everything perfectly and added a little whimsy. Which is what we need from a treatment; we need it to be magical, and believe me, it was. She made me feel listened to and matched my energy. She performed the treatment in perfect tandem with the music, it's so impressive how they know the soundtrack so well and stay in time with the sounds. There's no pressure to make conversation or be present whilst the treatment is going on, which helps you settle into the 'Synaesthesia' show. Hema was a great massage performer, and I felt empowered, relaxed, and healthy.

Each treatment is a little different; they all have their own magic tricks, setting, and scents. It is a joy for all the senses and floats you away to a different setting. This treatment is colourful and tailored to you in that moment. Mine was light, relaxing and smelt sweet, with soothing tones. If I could pick a colour to compare the atmosphere to, it would be a deep pink; there were so many sweet smells that it made me feel like I was caring for myself mentally and it made me appreciate the things that make me ME. I won't spoil the magic moments of this treatment, but just know that as soon as you are left to undress for the massage, you are escorted to fluffy clouds and a realm of serenity.

The music is completely different for each treatment as well. There is not one playlist that has felt in any way similar and all of the music is created for LUSH's treatments. 'Synaesthesia' has a selection of songs that blend birds singing into an orchestral score; it's quite divine and magical. The idea of the soundscape is to make you escape into the Dorset countryside. It really does just that. Each song has a different intent in the treatment; as the time comes to an end, the songs get more upbeat and energising. It really works! After each treatment, you are taken into the spa sitting room, given a drink and some time to relax. I was also given a bath bomb that had my chosen scent, to remind me when I need it most that I do belong and that I should be kinder to myself.

'Synaesthesia' is one of the most delightful treatments I've received at LUSH; it rolled all my muscles out and made me feel a wave of calm throughout my body. It reminded me of the crazy, busy life that my body carries me through, and how I should be grateful for the strength it gives me to get from A to B. However, it made me realise how I really need to take more time to take a step back and switch off. As someone who is always on the move and has so much to do, like a human white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, this was the perfect opportunity to help me get away from the pressures of living a busy life, the high expectations I have of myself and the idea that you don't have to achieve something groundbreaking each day. Sometimes showing up is more than enough. I am so grateful to have experienced this treatment and to be able to share it with you! What will you try? We all need some time to look after our bodies and appreciate how they carry us every day.