Li'Tya

Ragdale Hall are among several spas launching a new range of Li'Tya spa treatments previously only available at Pennyhill Park. We went to Ragdale to meet the founder, Gayle Heron, and the head trainer, an Aboriginal elder, Anne Warren, to have a Li'Tya treatment, and try out their range of skin care products.

Who, and what, is Li'Tya?

Li'Tya (say "li-dee-ya") is an Australian brand of skin-care products and spa treatments. The range is almost entirely organic, and uses ingredients extracted from indigenous plants grown specifically for the purpose in their original natural environment. The philosophy and method for developing and using the products is based on Aboriginal natural law and sacred knowledge of the Dreamtime. The products are low on packaging, and high on environmental and spiritual ideals and practice.

They say: "...tribal elders and members of Australia's Indigenous community have willingly shared with Li'Tya their intimate knowledge of native plants, healing modalities and their deeply respectful and reciprocal approach to the workings of nature.

"Using organic native Australian ingredients not only brings a unique and enriching dimension to an industry already focused on holistic healing principles, it also creates an opportunity to generate greater awareness of the value of our earth and the beauty of the people that have learnt from it and lived with it for thousands of years."

We say: "Guilt-free, genuinely organic, environmentally friendly, delicious products that make you feel good about your everyday skin care."

How much do they cost?

Li'Tya products are in the mid to high price range. For example, their everyday moisturiser, Macadamia Facial Hydrating Cream costs around £30 for 25ml. But the products are highly concentrated, so you get more use for less product - a little goes a long way.

What do we like about Li'Tya?

Everything (except the airmiles it takes to get here from Australia).

First, the packaging It is such a relief to see products not strewn with unnecessary packaging that adds nothing to the product or your experience, but plenty of unbiodegradable junk to your bin and your planet. Many products that are called "organic" contain as little as 11 poer cent organic ingredients to earn the label. Li'Tya are around 98 per cent organic, with the other 2 per cent as organic as possible. You get the simple tube the product comes in, and the tube is fully recyclable.

Second, the ingredients Not simply the fact that the ingredients are organic; not simply the fact that they are pure and natural and smell wonderful. But the fact that you have all the information you could ever need on the tube. Li'Tya not only tell you what is in the product, but in many cases why. For example: Lillypilly Facial Cream Cleanser contains "Sesame to soften skin, Macadamia Nut Oil to hydrate, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Essential Oil to regenerate and enhance elasticity", and so on. If you like to know what you're putting on and in your body, and/or just like to have something to read in the bath, these are great!

Thirdly, the philosophy Meeting the founder and head trainer was inspiring. Apart from having a very peaceful and warm presence, they come across as the most modern of business women - sincere, committed, hard working and not prepared to compromise the environment to bring you a great product. The products have been developed with Aboriginal elders, and the founder, Gayle Heron, regards the information and stewardship of the concept and products as a responsibility.

Finally, the effects It's all very well having a great concept and method, but if your product is only okay, you're not going to shift many units! But the products really are - I'm going to use the phrase "a delight to use" without too much shame at my hyperbole. I've never come across a product range that is so rich in natural aromas. Every product you open has its own distinct and soothing smell, that make you want to go "mmm". Which is what - without exception - every one of my friends who has smelled them in the last week has in fact said, shortly before they've disappointedly exclaimed "Oh!" as I retrieve them! They can get their own...

The products absorb easily, which makes you confident that your skin likes what it's being coated with. Your skin feels clean, fresh and smooth afterwards. I've experienced no stinging or irritation, even when I've got the products in my eyes, though I'm sure it's not advisable to rub them into them!

The smells linger, but gently - you won't smell like a spa yourself after using them, but if my experience is anything to go on, you'll find yourself smelling the backs of your hands during the day for the last vestiges of the smell, and opening one of the tubes for a sniff whenever you're in the bathroom.

Li'Tya products - what have we tried?

Quandong Hair Mask My therapist applied this as part of my facial, and was pretty evangelical about it, new to the product herself. She advised me to leave it on for as long as possible, and to wash, not shampoo, it out for maximum benefits. Like all Li'Tya products, it smells amazing, though I was only able to leave it on for about an hour. My hair felt silky and fresh when I washed it out, and it stayed that way for days. I'll list the ingredients, which are similar in purity for all products, just to give you a flavour. It contains: Quandong Extract, Macadamia Nut Oil, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose Geranium, Gum Honey, Coconut extract, Beeswax, Sesame Oil, Shea Butter, Carrot Oil and Wheat Protein. Essential oils and botanical extracts - and that's all.

Pepperberry Pedi Mask has a distinctly astringent but earthy scent and a grainy clay-like texture. It's easy to apply and just a thin layer results in a cooling sensation and the feeling that someone is gently prodding your feet with their finger tips. My skin was noticeably softer afterwards. This is a luxury product that I wouldn't buy in winter when my feet are hidden away, but I would consider treating myself before digging out the Birkenstocks.

Munthari Pedi Hydrating Lotion (for feet) has an intense natural scent: that classic "plant extract" fragrance. It's a rich cream that soaks into the skin (although not sure it's tough enough for rough neglected paws like mine).

Cherry Alder Hydrating Lotion smells gorgeous: intense, but not overpowering, and it lingers. Not too greasy or sticky, it's easily absorbed and does exactly what it says on the tube: leaves skin nourished and refreshed.

Lillypilly Facial Gel Cleanser A tiny dab of this clear gel lathers up to cleanse and wash your whole face and neck, taking off make-up as it goes, and without leaving your skin even remotely tight afterwards. I'm a moisturiser fanatic but you don't feel that you need to put any on after this.

Lillypilly Facial Cream Cleanser This is good for drier or more mature skin that likes a bit of creamy reassurance in its soap-free cleansing. Again, use just a dab of the palest blue cream, mix with water, and you get a milky wash that leaves your skin feeling nurtured and fresh.

Pure Native Mint Soap I feel a bit bad about this one, as I haven't actually used it as a soap yet. This isn't because I don't wash, it's because I've had it sat on my desk for a week and it's made the whole room smell spa-ey and fresh. I'll have to get some more to actually use...

Macadamia Facial Hydrating Cream I am very attached to my current moisturiser, a German brand called Lavere. I don't know that I'm ready to ditch it completely for this one, but this one will go on my birthday and Christmas lists so that I can mix and match. The appeal is that you need very little, it closes pores and smoothes skin. It doesn't have the thickness that I like in a night cream, but then it's not a night cream. I don't think I'd use it every day, as in winter months I think I need something more nourishing to tackle very dry skin. But as a daily day moisturiser, it's great.

Wattleseed Protein Polish I've had trouble retrieving this from my boyfriend since I asked him to try it. This is a light exfoliating cream with an earthy smell that feels like a man's product to me. He likes a strong exfoliator but I'm not always sure that's such a great idea for every day. This polish is lighter and natural and has kept his usually-a-little-bit flakey skin smooth and soft.