Review of The Haven on the Loch

The Haven on the Loch

This delightful salon offers a fabulous range of facials and massages, delivering effective results. A winner of the "Salon of the year" award, it is a salon rather than a spa, but worth visiting if you need a specific treatment rather than a full-on spa experience.

Was it easy to book?

First impressions?

How did they welcome you?

What happens next?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

How did you feel afterwards?

What happens afterwards?

Was it worth it?

What else could you have?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

Was it easy to book?

We were invited to visit The Haven on the Loch, so all our timings and treatments flowed perfectly.

First impressions?

A smart shop front in the small town of Balloch; the purple signs make a dramatic statement. I parked easily outside.

How did they welcome you?

In a very friendly fashion. Debra, The Haven's owner, was expecting me, and welcomed me in. The reception space is light, not overcrowded with products, and smart. Chrome and clever lighting give an atmosphere of understated sophistication.

What happens next?

I sat down and filled in a (rather long) consultation form.

Which treatments did you have?

I had a customised Skin Spa Facial Treatment (60 minutes, £45) using Dermalogica products.

What were the treatments like?

Excellent. The facial was individually tailored to my skin. Lynn chose products accordingly, after examining all 14 zones of my face and neck using the Dermalogica skin mapping chart and a bright light. This "face-mapping" analysis aims to eliminate any guesswork when selecting the products for best results on your skin, both during the treatment and for use at home.

On the chart, which I took away with me, Lynn noted the problems for each area of my face: some dilated capillaries and sun damage across my cheeks, a little dehydrated under my eyes, and a small comedo (a little white bump in a hair follicle that can develop into a whitehead or blackhead) on one cheekbone.

A "pre-cleanse" before my cleanser would enable the products to work more effectively, explained Lynn. Pre-cleansed, then cleansed, using an "ultra-calming" cleanser, my skin was ready for exfoliation, then nurturing using the AGE Smart products from the Dermalogica range. As this is a customised facial, your therapist adapts the basic techniques of cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and masks to treat your skin's specific needs.

The massage element of the facial, which I loved, included acupressure techniques. I always think massage has a great long-term effect, so I was delighted.

Lynn ended with some wide words of advice about the sun damage, recommended I never venture out without a decent SPF, and gave me a little envelope of Dermalogica samples to take home with me.

Lynn won the UK Facial Therapist of the Year Award at the British Beauty & Spa Awards in 2007, 2008 and 2009, so it's not just me, obviously, that thinks she's an excellent facial therapist.

How did you feel afterwards?

My skin looked nicely glowing, smoother and clearer than it had on arrival. The Dermalogica products are gentle but effective.

What happens afterwards?

It was time to go! There's a relaxing and calm atmosphere at The Haven, but no changing rooms or relaxation rooms, so it's not a place to linger. There is a seating area, but I didn't feel I could sprawl there in a robe.

Was it worth it?

Indeed. The costs of the treatments available at The Haven on the Loch are very sensible and offer excellent value for money.

What else could you have?

A surprising range of interesting and different treatments. As well as Dermalogica facials, you could try Crystal Clear microdermabrasion for even more intense results.

You can also try salt scrubs, mud wraps, and choose from several varieties of massage including Swedish, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, hot stone, and lava shells. Indian head massage and other therapies such as reflexology are also on offer. There are specific treatments for mums-to-be, men, and golfers (a popular pastime in this area).

I've put my name down for the "Complete Indulgence": reflexology, a scalp massage and an aromatherapy back massage.... I'm floating away already.

Beauty is coved with waxing, tinting, Jessica manicures and pedicures, electrolysis and body bronzing.

Who do you think would like it?

Any savvy shopper in need of effective treatments with an eye on value.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We didn't give The Haven on the Loch a bubble rating as it isn't a spa. (We thought it might be when we set off, but on arrival discovered it really is a salon. A good salon, certainly. The fact that it won a "Salon of the Year" award at the British Beauty & Spa Awards should have been a clue.)

We'd certainly recommend the salon, though!

See more on how we rate the spas.