hemmysphere's profile

I tried the Universal Contour Wrap, which guarantees an all-over inch-loss of 6in for up to 30 days.

After an initial consultation with a cup of complimentary herbal tea, I was taken to a quiet room downstairs where I stripped to just my knickers (a disposable one provided by the spa). Then Agatha, the therapist, measured my body in various areas so we could compare the weight loss after the treatment. She then put some mud mask on my "women's ares" (ie. thighs, bum and tummy!) and then she wrapped my body all over, except the face, with bandages soaked in warm, mineral solution. I must admit, I felt like a mummy at this stage :) and then I put on what looked like a space suit to keep my body warm, then was left to relax for about an hour.

I admit, the bandage didn't feel too tight at the beginning but it was a bit uncomfortable towards the end. Agatha then unwrapped the bandages and wiped down any excess moisture with a towel. We then remeasured the same spots. I had lost about 9 inches over all, although it came to less than an inch in most areas, it was still something. She stressed that this wasn't due to loss of water but of toxins, so it wasn't temporary. My skin felt amazingly smooth as well - I'd recommend it before a big event.

I went to a free intro session as part of a group. All the staff and the instructor, Sebastian, was lovely. Most importantly, I felt that I got a really good workout in 20 minutes with personalised attention from the instructor who was motivating and paid attention to my form.

The cozy, clean, airy studio has 4 power plates, a rowing machine and a cycle. There are classes every half hour, and if you are the only person who turns up, you get a private lesson. However, with only four machines, I can imagine it getting quite busy in the mornings and evenings. Also, there are no showers.

Overall, I'd recommend Powertone Studio if you're looking to tone up in a short amount of time, with personalised attention.

I had the detox massage which was done using a lovely lemony-smelling warm oil, to flush out toxins in the system. I was in pure bliss every second, and felt very relaxed and cleansed afterwards. A perfect way to assuage your guilt if you've been a bit naughty :)

I went to 171 for the first time, and had a great experience. The salon was quiet, clean and modern, the hairdresser (Faith) was bubbly, and I was very happy with the cut. I went back there about 4 weeks later for a hair colour, and asked for the same hairdresser. She did not remember me at all from the previous visit, although we had chatted extensively. After the colour which turned out nice, she asked me if I wanted a trim. I told her "no" as I wanted to keep growing my hair and had it cut only recently. She told me that it was really important to keep the hair healthy, so I said yes. She literally trimmed about 1/4 inch all around - no major styling involved. I was surprised when she charged the full price of a haircut on top of the colour for my trim. The way she suggested it without mentioning the price, I thought it was going to be included, as it was such a minor trim. I definitely hadn't needed it - I'd been happy with my cut before. I just paid and left as I didn't want to haggle, but it left me with a sour taste in my mouth and I haven't been back since.

I had gone to Bloww before for a massage, recommended by my sister, and had a fantastic massage therapist who was friendly and blonde (whose name I think was Sandy?). I like my massages to be deep and firm. I think that's what you expect when you book a Swedish massage, and this is what I got. I came for a second time and was told that the previous girl had left. The new girl (whose name also escapes me) who looked to be from the far east, was nice and sweet, but nowhere near firm enough in touch, and I felt she hardly touched on my trouble spots. Granted, I should have asked her to be firmer, but I wasn't sure if this was just her technique. I didn't go back for a massage after that though.

Having said that, the salon has a swanky, dark, seductive atmosphere (for a spa) and the location is fantastic. The staff are really friendly too.