When The Spa at The Principal heard that the average UK worker only takes around 20 minutes of their lunch break (for fear of not being able to complete all their designated daily tasks), the team wasted no time in developing a range of express spa treatments to help time-poor city professionals reclaim some of their free time.
The Spa, which is part of The Principal Edinburgh – Charlotte Square hotel, believes all employees deserve to take their full lunch break and time to relax. That’s why it’s introduced a new series of 25-minute express treatments, all of which can be taken during a break, after a stressful morning, or as part of an extended Friday lunch.
Holistic Scotland Magazine headed along to the Edinburgh spa to sample an ishga Express Massage and find out just what can be achieved in 25 minutes. 
We discovered that the ishga part of the massage is the natural skincare range developed here in Scotland from organic seaweed and that the spa’s expert therapists really can work tension-relieving wonders in less than half-an-hour (thank you, Reagan!)
This particular massage focuses on the back, neck and shoulders to target areas of tension, release stress and relax the nervous system, while the Invigorating Body Oil works its seaweed-based magic to stimulate, revitalise and encourage self-repair.
Seaweed has been used for hundreds of years for its therapeutic and natural healing properties and contains a number of vitamins, including A, C and E, as well as trace elements and amino acids. It can help to contribute to healthy, glowing skin and has been said to improve certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Other treatments in the 25-minute range include the ishga Express Facial, comprising a professional cleanse, tone and moisturise with; ishga Salt & Oil Scrub, whose Hebridean scrub and body wrap is said to detoxify and nourish the skin, and ishga Foot Recovery, which combines a Scottish seaweed foot scrub, foot massage, and cooling foot mask.
The only problem is, after 25 minutes of relaxation and therapeutic bliss, you really don’t want to go back to work! Nevertheless, we think this is a great addition to The Spa’s treatment portfolio, which also includes a range of OSKIA facials and OPI ProSpa manicures, pedicures and nail treatments. And we love the fact that you can mix and match and try them all! You can create a bespoke spa experience, for example, and bolt on as many treatments as you like.
Holistic Scotland Magazine recommends the Champagne Spa experience, which includes a 55-minute treatment and a 25-minute treatment plus lunch or Twilight Tea in The Garden and a glass of champagne. And, of course, you can take advantage of the pool, sauna and steam room while you’re there.
Why not treat yourself for National Spa Week?
To find out more, or to book, click here
