Daily Record: 23rd June 2009

Whisked away for Zen delights on luxury hotel break

Heading away for a night in a cool hotel was a big enough treat…. but getting whisked away for beauty treatments was the icing on the cake.
Dakota Forth Bridge Hotel has teamed up with the award-winning beauty salons Zen Lifestyle to offer special pampering packages. The Stylish Dakota was created by Ken McCulloch-the man behind luxury hotel chain Malmaison-so you get attention to detail and it’s hip, unpretentious and friendly. And now the new deal means you can be chauffeured in a taxi to and from Zen Lifestyle’s salon in Edinburgh’s Teviot Place for a range of treatments specially designed for Dakota guests.

After checking in, the hotel organised for a cab to take Zen to sample the His and Hers packages. The deal includes a 45-minute customised facial and an hour’s massage as well as an overnight stay and breakfast at the Dakota. But first i got to try an extra treatment-threading my eyebrows. Therapist Tahseem showed me how to pull my skin taunt around the
brow area while she used strands of sterile cotton to pull out the hairs. The result was a natural-looking neatly-shaped brow without the pain of wax.  Then it was time for a therapeutic massage with Julie expertly easing the tension on my back. She chose the Murad Hydrating Facial for me which was perfect for my dehydrated, tired-looking 40-something skin.

Afterwards my skin was glowing and radiant while I felt chilled and ready to head back in my waiting taxi to the hotel.
Fortunately we’d booked the Grill restaurant at the Dakota for dinner as it was otherwise full. Sampling the menu at the award-winning venue was the perfect end to a great day. There are a range of packages available to eat sleep and spa at the Dakota and Zen Lifestyle. The His and Hers Packages costs £270 for two people (usually £310) for bed and breakfast for two people, massage, facial and a glass of champagne. Other packages are available for single occupancy or for double rooms. Eyebrow shape threading at Zen costs £25.

For more information on Dakota and Zen rates see www.dakotaforthbridge.co.uk and www.staging.zen-lifestyle.flywheelsites.com