Try a chocolate facial

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If you’re content with just consuming chocolate why not have it painted on your face, in one of the sweetest-smelling treatments you’ll ever have.

The Ajala Spa at the Grange St Paul’s Hotel is an underground refuge – the decor’s muted tones and restful atmosphere is a welcome haven for stressed city dwellers. The anti-aging chocolate facial I’m there to try consists of Karin Herzog oxygen therapy products, a natural range made from oxygen and water. This sounds a bit Emperor’s New Clothes but therapist Charlotte explains that the oxygen molecules open the capillaries and help to push the nutrients deep into the skin.

Cocoa is becoming increasingly popular as a beauty therapy. Not only does good quality chocolate hydrate and nourish skin the sensual, soothing aroma is instantly relaxing and mood-balancing. First, Charlotte cleanses, tones and exfoliates using a chocolate-based range of cleanser and scrub, then my face and shoulders are treated to a massage with chocolate monoi, a rich Hawaiian oil. After smoothing on eye and vitamin K cream she applies the pleasantly tingling oxygen mask, which carries on working for eight hours.

Next, a gauze mask is laid over my face and warm, sweet-smelling chocolate is painted on. As it sets and my mug is mummified in chocolate the adage ‘you have to suffer to be beautiful’‚ springs to mind. It’s not uncomfortable, just a bit weird, but soon I’m enveloped by a comforting odour and a feeling of well-being ensues. As the aroma lifts my mood, the subsequent hand massage relaxes to the point of slumber.

This is an indulgent facial – decadent and luxurious, it’s a real treat. You’ll leave glowing and feeling so stress-free it’s as if you’ve had an all-over-body treatment. If you need a chocolate fix that doesn’t threaten your waistline, this will not only benefit your skin you’ll feel calmer and happier. As far as facials go it’s the cream of the crop.

The anti-aging chocolate facial takes 1hr 20 minutes and costs £125.
The spa also offers a chocolate body wrap for £125, and chocolate manicures and pedicures. For a really lavish day of pampering, opt for the 5hr 50 minutes chocolate delight package.
If chocolate isn’t your thing there’s an orange and cinnamon facial – its uplifting aromas are a great antidote for the winter blues.

grangehotels.com

T: 0207 233 7888

Grange St Paul’s, 10 Godliman St, London, EC4V 5AJ