TrendLife Baby

The entrance to the spa was the Sanctuary Shop where I 'checked in' and filled in the normal medical forms.  Being inside a small shop, it didn't feel like The Sanctuary Spa we know and love, but then I was quickly shown upstairs where it emerges into a huge tardis of rooms where it felt much more spa-like. 

The changing rooms had great quality decor, providing good robes, flip flops and excellent showers.  Once changed, I waited for my therapist in the fantastic relaxation room which has demi-chaise chairs where you can put your feet up. read a mag and help yourself to teas and fresh fruits.

After ten minutes of chilling out, I was met by Zuli, my therapist, a friendly and attentive lady who took me up to the treatment room, relatively small but well decorated and very peaceful - I didn't once hear any surrounding noise or people passing by the door.

I was shown to the regular massage table where I was given lots of help to lay on my side and given a comfy supporting pillow for my ever-expanding bump and, once settled, Zuli began the treatment.  The quality of massage was superb, firm but relaxing, getting rid of many knots in my shoulders after a frantic last week before maternity leave.  I then had to switch sides to finish the back area before moving onto my back for the body mask - which covers bump and arms in a delicious smelling moisturiser.  Whilst that worked its magic Zuli massaged my feet and legs, also including a stone massage which was intended to stimulate circulation, ideal for those last few 'puffy' weeks of pregnancy.

After the treatment, Zuli showed me back to the relaxation room where I was encouraged to stay and take as long as I wanted, which I thought was a lovely touch.

Summary:

The number of treatments in the 50 minutes meant the experience was excellent value at £65 and very theraputic. However, I had to move three times into different positions for each different part of the treatment, which stopped the 'flow' and, although the quality of the massage was the best I have experienced, meant it wasn't quite as relaxing as other maternity massages I've had.

£65 for 50 minutes

Overall I give The Sanctuary Yummy Mummy massage 7.5/10

I arrived at Cupcake in Putney and it was already bustling with mummies and babies catching up, grabbing a coffee or waiting for a range of activities on offer.

I was soon met by my lovely therapist, Jennifer, who filled me in on the Cupcake concept. More than just a spa, Cupcake is a hybrid of member's club, gym, spa and creche - dedicated to providing ante-natal and post-natal wellbeing.  It offers over 45 different classes for all of the family, including fitness, birth-preparation seminars and 'Mumpreneur' networking. For babies and toddlers you can find singing, crafts and signing workshops and there are also gym classes for Dads, as well as regular socials such as the popular wine-tasting evenings.

I was shown upstairs to the Orientally-decorated and softly-lit treatment room where I spied a very interesting bed... on the traditional massage table was a heated, water-filled mattress with a raised rest for the knees.  I wasn't sure entirely what to expect but settled myself down, popped my eye mask on and then she began.

Starting at my feet, nothing unusual so far, but as she worked her way up my legs, due to the plastic cover on the mattress and the oil on her hands, it meant she could easily massage under the backs of my legs.  Then she moved up to my back, where it was a revelation, I was having a proper back massage whilst lying on my back! After trying a few other mum-to-be massages where I have lain on my side or leant on a chair whilst leaning my head on the bed, it was a real treat to experience the 'real deal', undoing all of those knots caused by carrying a great big bump for eight months!

And so it continued for a blissful hour and I can happily say I haven't enjoyed such an effective massage since becoming pregnant!

So I give this a superb 9/10 - Total maternity=focused massage without any compromise.

Cupcake in the Oven 60 minute Full Body Massage £70 http://www.cupcakemum.com/

I have just heard about Wahanda - a beauty website which reviews spas, practioners and treatments as well as providing some real bargains. It aims to do for wellbeing what Amazon did for online shopping and describes itself as "a health, beauty and wellness ecosystem" which contains listings of spas, salons and health centres all around the world, as well as everything you need to know about treatments, classes and therapies. 

They have a dedicated section on pre and post natal massage, full of tips, articles, practioners and spa and treatment listings. The usabiity and sheer depth of info on the site makes it a superb place to find treatments for mums to be, organise a special baby shower, or find a bit of pampering when you are feeling frazzled with your newborn. 

They provide some great deals each day and today I logged in and there is a whopping-great discount on an afternoon tea and beauty package at the So Spa at Sofitel.  Included is a very tasty afternoon tea with manicure and Martini for £25 - it was £69.50.  Vouchers are valid for six months... so it is a great Christmas present idea, or perfect for a good-value and fun baby shower.

www.wahanda.com