Review of SK Clinic and Spa, Bury St Edmunds

SK Clinic and Spa, Bury St Edmunds - 5 bubbles

SK Clinic and Spa is an immaculately presented treatment rooms in the upmarket, historic town of Bury St Edmunds. Covering two floors of a converted chapel, SK Clinic is spacious and chic. With treatments by professional, skilled therapists, no wonder this is spa brand Pevonia's flagship spa in the UK.

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?

SK Clinic invited Shy Spy to visit, but she had to book in at short notice after arranging a trip to Suffolk. The staff at SK Clinic and Spa were very helpful in arranging treatment times to suit.

If you've received some Good Spa Guide spa vouchers as a gift, you can redeem them at SK Clinic.

First impressions?

SK Clinic is walking distance from the shopping area at the centre of Bury St Edmunds. The building, a converted chapel, is easy to spot in the mostly residential area.

On entering, I was taken by how immaculate the reception area looked. It was immediately obvious that a lot of thought had gone into the décor. Spas often follow a similar theme: oriental, clinical white, opulent boudoir, and so on. Not in this spa. Take away the spa equipment and retail shelves, and SK Clinic would look like a stylish city apartment in a Wallpaper magazine feature.

How did they welcome you?

Cordially. Laura, who turned out to be my therapist, was behind the reception desk when I arrived. She greeted me with a smile, and offered me water or herbal tea.

What happens next?

Before my treatments, a member of staff took me on a brief tour of the facilities. There is no thermal suite or pool at SK Clinic, but there are plenty of treatment rooms to cater for a variety of therapies. There is a hydro-bath for therapeutic soaks. As this bath had been used not long before I arrived, I caught a glimpse of flickering candles and floating petals. Pedicures are performed in a dedicated treatment room complete with a massage chair. Manicures take place in a nail-bar area set discreetly back from thoroughfares.

The manicure area features panels of Cole & Son "Fornasetti" wallpaper with monochrome motifs of a nineteenth-century beauty. Black-and-white photos of classic beauty icons also line the walls. The spa had been open two years by the time of my visit, but it was clear that it had been well looked after. It appeared as if the decorators had just packed up and left.

SK Clinic has two areas to relax in. The bright, airy lounge doubles up as a lounge and a room for group functions or corporate events, and is also used for yoga classes. Light floods into the room through the long chapel windows onto the centrepiece grey modern sofa and a screen printed with the image of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.

The second relaxation area is smaller; tucked around the end of one of the corridors is an area with even more chic sofas and a couple of Barcelona chairs, all in subdued lighting. Perfect if you can't face the shock of daylight straight after a soothing treatment. After my tour, I sat down in this area with a cup of fruit tea and filled in my detailed consultation form.

Which treatments did you have?

I had a tension-relief massage (30 minutes, £25) and a prescriptive facial (60 minutes, £45).

What were the treatments like?

After I had finished my tea, Laura collected me and took me to the room that houses the spa's top-of-the-range skin-analysis camera. Laura used the camera to look for any skin damage or problems that were not so visible on the outer surface of my skin. She suggested that the dark pigmentation across my forehead and cheeks, and the dehydration, would be the best targets for the facial. I mentioned to Laura that I had recently had another facial (the trials and tribulations of a Spa Spy). SK Clinic offer a range of Pevonia's advanced facials, but Laura sensibly advised that these might be too harsh for skin that had recently been treated.

Laura took me to her treatment room. I say "her" room as each of the therapists at SK Clinic has her own room. The therapists make the room their own with finishing touches such as beaded cushions and striking framed images. Laura's treatment room was immaculately clean and tidy and there was plenty of room to change. As with every other aspect of the décor and fittings, the showers in the treatment rooms looked high-spec and spotless, too.

Laura left me to change and hop onto the massage couch. I got comfortable easily on the warmed bed under the soft covers. Laura returned and, before beginning the massage, informed me that the massage oil contained chamomile and lavender. Although I had filled in a consultation form, she made sure that I was not allergic to these specific ingredients.

As always, my shoulders were in need of some work. I told Laura to use whatever pressure necessary to make a difference. She then started a very intuitive massage. Laura used a range of strokes and pressures, applying firm pressure in deep, rhythmic strokes where I needed it most. She clearly took heed of my preferences. She used longer, softer strokes down my arms and torso, so the massage was still relaxing despite the all-important knot digging.

I turned over onto my back for Laura to finish the massage before preparing for my facial. Laura had selected a range of products that aim to brighten and even out the complexion. She told me that she would use a gentler range of products than those used in Pevonia's advanced facials. My slightly dull skin responds well to a good exfoliation and massage, and I wasn't disappointed.

Laura first used the Pevonia combination-skin line to cleanse and tone my skin. She massaged my face using a balancing aromatherapy face oil. Instead of a coarse exfoliant, she used a gentle peeling cream to clear pores and brighten my skin. Laura followed the peel with a creamy kaolin mask. Laura finished the facial with a lick of oxygenating moisturiser and an anti-oxidant gel aimed at correcting sun damage.

Once done, Laura quietly told me to take my time coming round. She left me to get changed in my own time and brought me a glass of water. Even if you don't happen to need a shower after a treatment, SK Clinic have thought about everything you might need to get ready for the world after your visit. The attention to detail in the spa even extends to the toilets, which had plenty of useful products such as deodorant and perfume in a basket by the sink.

How did you feel afterwards?

My back felt less stiff. I felt relaxed and my face looked fresh as a daisy. The combination of facial spa products was perfect for my skin.

What happens afterwards?

After changing, I made my way back to the relaxation area. I had another fruity tea to prepare myself for the journey home. Whether in the bright lounge or the subdued corner, SK Clinic has a very soothing ambience. I didn't feel in a rush to leave.

Was it worth it?

Clearly. SK Clinic is as good as any Mayfair treatment rooms but at half the price.

What else could you have?

Being a flagship Pevonia spa, the full range of Pevonia treatments is on offer.

There are facials for all skin types and skin complaints, with advanced facials for lightening and brightening, refining skin texture, hydrating and for combating ageing. There are specific treatments for the eyes, lips and bust.

You can have body scrubs, wraps, back-cleansing treatments and hot-stone therapies, as well as Thai massage, sports massage, tension-relief massage and aromatherapy massage.

A range of beauty treatments and finishing touches are available, plus teen treatments, treatments for men, haircuts and styling, teeth whitening, injectables and yoga.

Phew!

Who do you think would like it?

Anyone looking for a classy destination for excellent spa treatments and service. You would feel perfectly at home on your own at SK Clinic as it is very discreet. SK Clinic would also be good for couples or groups, though this isn't the place for a bawdy hen party.

If you're looking for a romantic spa retreat, SK Clinic have teamed up with the nearby Tuddenham Mill. You eat and sleep at the hotel, and are transported to and from SK Clinic for your treatments.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

SK Clinic is without doubt a 5-bubble spa. It is immaculate, stylish and serene. Customer service is professional and treatments standards are excellent. I only wished I could have stayed there longer.

See more on how we rate the spas