Award-winning Aromatherapy Associates has partnered with the Montpellier Chapter to create sheer tranquillity and relaxation in their ubër-relaxing spa within the Montpellier Hotel in Cheltenham.

Having opened just two weeks ago, the spa is beautifully designed and comprises four treatment rooms, a steam room and chill-out area for before and after treatments.

With an extensive treatment list including (to name a few), full body massages, foot treatments and aromatherapy massage, the spa had an abundance of treatments and was beautifully designed.

I had the Ultimate Aromatherapy massage, which started with a consultation to enable the therapists to understand the essential oils my bodied needed most.

 A treatment card was provided, and I was asked to tick everything I felt was relevant to me. Having ticked boxes including need to feel focused and admitted that I had dry, out of condition skin on the card, the essential oil tailored to me - containing evening primrose, coconut, macadamia and olive – was smoothed onto my back and the treatment began.

As I lay on my front, the oil was applied to a tissue that was directly below my face through the donut-shaped pillow, and I inhaled the gorgeous fragrance. The therapists started with pressure points on my neck and head, and I knew from the first touch on my neck that the therapist knew exactly what she was doing.

Each pressure point on the nape of my neck, leading to my back and down my spine released tension, and throughout I was asked if the pressure was okay. I relaxed even more as my entire back was massaged, and then pressure points on my arm, elbows and shoulders were pressed firmly.

Meanwhile, the upbeat yet relaxing music played out on a stereo in the circular, wooden-cladded twin treatment room. Having visited many spas before, I must say hearing something different from the usual whale calls and dolphin clicks was a welcome change.

Next was the back of my legs, which were worked on firmly, yet I was relaxed and didn’t tense like some massages can make you do. My ankles, knees and thighs were massaged, in circular, strong strokes outwards, increasing my circulation.

After an hour and 20 minutes, having had my entire body massaged, I was told I could relax for a few moments more, before I got up and got dressed. I then went back into the relaxation room, and drank elderflower water whilst looking through the spa leaflets and Aromatherapy Associates product brochures.

The quality of the massage and overall spa experience was helped by the fact the therapists knew so much, and gave me such a warm welcome. Despite being open for only two weeks prior to my visit, there wasn’t even the slightest air of uncertainty and nothing was left to chance: everything ran smoothly and I was left feeling relaxed yet completely energised and comfortable.

Whilst some spas can over-promise and under-deliver on a full body massage (and miss out vital areas such as the thighs and stomach), the Ultimate Aromatherapy massage was the most thorough I have ever had in a spa. And for an avid spa worshipper, that says a lot.

The Ultimate Aromatherapy treatment – £55 for 50 minutes/ £65 for 80 minutes.

For more information and to book, visit www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com