The festive season is now in full swing and it’s no wonder most of us will be feeling a little frazzled with presents to wrap, cards to write, trees to decorate, festive celebrations to attend or organise with family and friends plus a million and one things to do before the big day. If this sounds like you, maybe it’s time to take some time out and and book in for a spa treatment or focus on your physical and mental wellbeing to help you keep calm and carry on until the new year.
Ross-on-Wye has long been considered a place for wellbeing and relaxation and acknowledged as the original tourist destination where visitors came to unwind and enjoy holidays by the River Wye. Travel writer, William Gilpin – so impressed with Ross and the beautiful Wye Valley countryside – wrote the first recorded ‘tourist guide’ called ‘Observations on the River Wye‘ which was published in 1782.
Fast forward to 2022… Ross-on-Wye and the Wye Valley is still one of the most popular locations to unwind and relax – whether walking in the countryside or canoeing on the river. Recharge your batteries and book a weekend of pampering with friends or just treat yourself to some quiet ‘me time’ and allow your stresses to melt away.
Massage is one of the best treatments if you suffer from headaches, tension, sleep issues, stress, depression, anxiety or even more serious conditions and auto immune diseases – but finding a good therapist is often a minefield and it’s hard to know where to start.
Wye Valley Massage Therapies, located in the centre of town on the High Street, offers a myriad of wonderful treatments including lymph drainage, deep tissue massages, scrubs, reflexology and spa treatments to rebalance and rejuvenate. Owner and therapist, Sarah, is fully qualified in Holistic and Sports Massage therapies and has trained in London, working in luxury spas such as The Bvlgari Residence, The Dorchester Spa, Intercontinental Four Seasons and Relax Covent Garden. She has recently gained the Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) practitioner Diploma and is fully trained in the Elemis product range. Book your treatment by calling 07584 879680 or emailing wyevalleymt@outlook.com – or why not enter Ross-on-Wye Town Council’s ‘Winter Wellbeing Giveaway‘ to win some wonderful prizes including Sarah’s spa experience for two?
One of Ross-on-Wye’s newest massage therapy and beauty treatment salons is Darlisa Thai Massage located on Broad Street. With four therapy rooms, the salon specialises in Thai massages – including traditional, yoga and foot massage – plus aromatherapy, hot stone, deep tissue and hand massages as well as waxing treatments. Contact the salon on 07385 766209.
Tucked away in a little mews off Church Street, The Ross Health and Beauty Centre is an oasis for anyone looking for a wide range of beauty treatments, from traditional facials, leg and back massages to more technical non-invasive treatments including Environ Cool Peel, Bio-Ultimate Age Defying Facial, Electro-Sonic Focus-On treatments and Decleor aromatherapy facials. Call 01989 564579 to book.
Ross has many salons which specialise in a variety of different beauty and massage treatments from facials to lash extensions, microdermabrasion to waxing. Popular salons include Perfect Measure behind the King’s Head Hotel on High Street; The Beauty Bar on Hill Street; and Heavenly Health & Beauty and Inspirations Hair & Beauty (both on Brookend Street).
For CJP or gel manicures including special occasions and weddings, Georgina Hughes is one of the best nail technicians in the area and her professionalism and creativity are second to none. Call 01989 485896 to book an appointment with her at the Khaos Nail Bar in town (11 Gloucester Road HR9 5BU).
If you fancy a manicure pamper session with a difference in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, head to Pink Wellies Nails, a gorgeous home salon in Benhall Cottage, just outside the town centre in Wilton HR9 6AG. Open 7 days a week, there is plenty of off-road parking and owner, Laura’s story is quite unique (even featuring in Farmers Weekly) – a mother of two and farmer’s wife, she is passionate about nails, professional customer service and giving you the best experience – read her story here.
Finally – if you want to follow your treatment up with some yoga or pilates for extra wellbeing and relaxation – why not head to one of the local yogis and find your inner chakra? Regular classes are available at Ener-g Yoga with Helen or Eat.Love.Yoga with Lisa who also offers sound baths. Or join one of the free yoga and Thai Chi wellbeing classes at the much loved local Ross-on-Wye Community Gardens just behind Old Gloucester Road – contact Tim on 07972 624378 or email Tim.shelley@haygrove.co.uk for more info or to book.
