Last week, we were happy to have Drew Rutherford — Membership & Events Manager for business network, Glasgow PA — visit us for a review. A man of many talents, he knows what it’s like to carry some stress on his shoulders. Fortunately, PURE Spa Silverburn had his back (literally)…
“From Shampoo to New You”
by Drew Rutherford
I think of myself as someone who works hard and plays hard, which although a good thing in my mind, the work part can leave me tense and the playing bit is taking its toll physically (or it may just youth is no longer on my side). The fact that I wash my face with shampoo and never moisturise probably doesn’t help either, to be fair.
The chance to go for my first ever massage (if not including a horrific experience in Kuala Lumpur) followed by a facial sounded just the ticket. Although I have never really had much of an urge to go to a spa, I thought I may as well give it a go to see what all the fuss is about. I booked in for the Time Out for Men package.
If I’m honest, I was a bit nervous on arrival. But as soon as I walked in the door, reception gave me a nice warm welcome. I filled in a simple form and was shown through to where I could get changed and where the relaxation area was, where I could then wait for the therapist. The facilities were great and I felt completely at ease in the relaxation area.
My therapist soon came over and introduced herself as Jen* and then took me to a treatment room. Jen then explained a little about the massage and facial I was about to receive. The best part was, that while doing this, she massages your feet; something that I didn’t think would be overly pleasant, but it turns out it really is!
*Jen normally works at PURE Spa Ocean Terminal, for anyone wanting to try out her massage expertise!
One of my worries was that I would fall asleep and miss out on the experience, but rest assured the deep tissue massage is not designed to do that…!
Jen’s petite frame is actually misleading, as when she started the deep tissue massage I thought she had sneaked out of the room and been replaced by Hulk Hogan! That being said, after a few seconds, I got used to the sensation and really enjoyed the pressure being applied.
After the 45 minute massage was completed, Jen advised she would leave the room and I should get up slowly as the massage releases toxins and could make me feel light headed. When I stood up my back felt amazing, like I had just got up from a great night’s sleep on the perfect bed. I actually couldn’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed or indeed my back had felt so supple.
Jen came back a few minutes later and started the facial. Now, this part is relaxing, very relaxing! There seemed to be various steps with various different cleansers and moisturisers which all felt very refreshing. I really did relax at this stage and towards the end had to make a conscious effort not to fall asleep.
After the treatment, Jen recommended that I take some time in the relaxation room which I did and I think I could have sat just chilling for the rest of the day. She also mentioned that she had left a recommendation card at Reception based on my skin type.
When I collected the card it recommended a couple of great Elemis products and in brackets she ended her comments with “please, no shampoo for cleaning your face”. This summed up the relaxed and personal experience of the day.
A couple of days after the massage I was on a flight to Dubai and to my complete surprise and amazement didn’t have a sore back at the end of the flight. This is a first and I am sure is no coincidence.
Before going to PURE, I didn’t really know what to expect or indeed if I would find the experience “a bit girly”. This wasn’t the case at all and I ended up loving it – anyone who has doubts really should give it a go. I will definitely be back and should thank Jen as my complexion seems much better already using the products she suggested (no more shampoo for my new found fresh face).