Spa Wars 'Won'

A prestigious Co Down Spa facility appears to be bucking the recession with clients now queuing-up for stress-beating massages and body treatments.

Booking in advance is required as the Five-Star Culloden Hotel's Spa Health Club has been inundated with trade since Christmas, with only limited time slots available daily - such is the demand.

Even with treatments starting at £70 for an hour-long session - and with a £150 bill for a Chakra Balancing with Hot Stones treatment being just as popular - there seems to be little sign of cash-strapped clients cutting back.

Margaret McCallum, who manages the Hastings Hotel's Spa said it is down to quality an range of service.

"The Spa offers a full range of facilities, including a deck level swimming pool, Jacuzzi, marble steam room and needle shower, a state-of-the-art fitness suite with cardio-theatre, fitness consultation clinic, dance studio, Zest Juice Bar and deluxe changing suites," she said.

"The recently extended and refurbished Spa area incorporates eight treatment rooms and two dedicated relaxation suites, (pictured).

"With its fitness suite, heat and water experiences and modern treatments, it's a place where you can improve the body, and indulge the senses," she enthused.

It's not as if there's no competition either, as there's another similar leisure facility at Knocknagoney, just a short drive away.

However, Hastings Hotels Marketing Director, Julie Maguire, said it is the overall experience that counts: "All hotel residents have full access to the facilities of the Spa Health Club on a complimentary basis during their stay and if they choose to enjoy the Spa treatments, they are available at the rates shown in the Spa Treatment Portfolio," she said.

"It all adds to a well rounded package of hospitality and there seems to be no end to the interest we are enjoying," she said, "despite the economic downturn."

But even the Culloden recognises that value-for-money is important too and there's a special offer available that is helping to boost business.

Firing another salvo in the 'Spa Wars' campaign, she said: "The package includes a Welcome Foot Ritual, the hour-long ESPA Detoxifying Full Body Massage and a ESPA Boutique Facial.

"That followed by a Detoxifying Herbal Tea and a light lunch in the Spa's Juice Bar, the whole thing, including use of all the other Spa facilities and pool, is £99, from Monday to Thursday," said the Marketing Director.

Meanwhile, in the midst of a major downturn in the fortunes of the local construction trade, Hastings has just undertaken a complete refit of the Culloden's popular 'gate lodge' pub.

The £60K contract to refit the Cultra Inn, the popular licensed facility in the Culloden's grounds has proved to be a fillip for local builders.

Local specialists, Mi Architects are designing the refurbishment with the contractor, Grahams of Dromore undertaking the much-needed work that is also seen to be bucking recessionary trends.

(BMcC/GK)