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Kalmora Spa, Kent - 3 bubbles.
A Good Spa Spy was invited along to this Kent countryside spa, for a morning of black mud envelopment. While she felt like a giant Cadbury's Mini Roll, she liked both the spa and the long-term effects on her skin.
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?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
Was it easy to book?
Yes, they were very helpful. Kalmora has an impressive range of treatments, and their promotional booklet is very informative, and beautifully produced. The website gives good outline details, although a location map and fuller details of the treatments available would be a useful addition to the site.
First impressions?
Not that great, actually. The spa is located in a beautiful rural setting in the heart of the Kent countryside, but in a modern house attached to one of two rather industrial-looking factory units. As with many small spas, the door is locked when the therapists are all busy, but a ring on the bell, and I was given a warm welcome. Once inside, the atmosphere is calm, the décor clean, clear and restful. My initial misgivings were soon completely dispelled.
How did they welcome you?
Very friendly and welcoming. From my fellow customers, it is obvious that they have lots of loyal, regular clients in the local area, which is always reassuring. I got the impression that the spa is frequented by the Kent ladies who lunch, and yummy mummies a-plenty.
What happens next?
A brief, but thorough health details form to be filled in whilst I waited in reception. A notice in the main waiting area pointed out that certain treatments might not be suitable for clients with particular medical conditions, but that the therapists would do their utmost to seek out alternative treatments wherever possible. The sign also announces that one of their specialist treatments (hydro-flotation) is not suitable for those suffering from sea-sickness - obvious when you think about it, but perhaps useful for future reference ...
My uniformed therapist led me upstairs to one of the large treatment rooms. The spa is essentially a large new detached house. My room has space for two treatment beds, with an ensuite shower/loo.
The therapist instructed me to remove my clothes, put on the obligatory paper thong, and lie down on the treatment bed, covering myself with towels.
Which treatments did you have?
Black mud envelopment, designed to ease tension in both mind and body. They say: "A pure spa experience to relax the body and mind, combining the powerful effects of minerals and sensual aromatherapy oils. Your body is luxuriously polished from head to toe before it is massaged with scented oils. We then envelop your body in heated original Dead Sea Mud to soften, soothe and condition the skin with rich minerals from the lowest place on the earth." It lasts 75 minutes.
What were the treatments like?
Mildly amusing, given the wide house-decorating-sized paintbrush used to apply the mud.
My treatment started with exfoliation; I was very lightly scrubbed with a sandy paste which was immediately rubbed off again. My therapist removed and replaced the towels in sections, and asked if I was happy to have the treatment over my breast area. I was, and it was done with subtle but definite, certain strokes which made me feel completely comfortable and not at all intimidated. She then lightly applied scented oils to my skin. I was asked to sit up twice, so that the therapist could deal with my back, first exfoliating and moisturising, and then later for the mud application. Other than this, I lay on my back for the whole treatment. After she had applied the oils, the therapist left me briefly, to collect the mud. She returned with (actually only a surprisingly small) basin of very black paste, which had been heated so that it felt comfortably hot. The mud was administered with a wide decorating brush - the sort that you'd use to paint your walls. I felt more than vaguely ridiculous ... but I was still very relaxed and felt that the mud was benefiting my skin.
The therapist drew up around me the thin loose plastic sheets on which I was lying, and added a layer of towels on top for further insulation. I was left to bake for what felt like 15 minutes. I fell asleep and woke just before the therapist returned. If anything, I was slightly chilly at first, but the towels obviously kept me warm enough to aid sleep, and I could probably have quite happily stayed put for an hour. In my mind's eye, I pictured myself as a giant Cadbury Mini Roll.
The therapist unwrapped me and instructed me to climb off the bed. When I first caught sight of myself in the mirror, I wondered how she had kept a straight face. The combination of a paper thong and almost all of my body covered in black mud could only be a source of amusement. However, my therapist was a complete professional at all times, and gave the impression that painting people with mud was quite a reasonable way to earn one's living.
I waddled into the shower. At that point, I realised why a brush had been used for the mud - it got everywhere and attached to everything. The shower cubicle looked like the Somme. The spa provides shower gels and shampoos, but I tried to keep the use of them to a minimum, to preserve the benefit of the mud on my skin.
Fully showered, but surprisingly with my hair clean, dry and still intact, I returned to lie down on the treatment bed, more clean towels on top of me. Again, the therapist strategically removed and replaced towels as my skin - legs, arms, tummy, chest and back - were fully moisturised.
How did you feel afterwards?
Wonderfully relaxed, and my skin felt soft and beautifully smooth.
What happens afterwards?
Sadly, you just pay and leave. It would be lovely to have somewhere good to relax afterwards, but this isn't a hotel complex and such additional luxuries aren't an option.
Long-term effects
A week later, I felt my skin was still reaping the benefits of the treatment. A couple of dry patches of skin had been eliminated, and I felt generally silky smooth.
Was it worth it?
Yes. Both the relaxing experience of the treatment and the longer-term effects on my skin made this a worthwhile treatment, and one that I would happily repeat.
What else could you have?
The Kalmora offers a wide range of treatments, including facials, body treatments, reflexology, manicures, pedicures, and packages for brides, new mums and businessmen.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
The mud will stick to any clothing it comes in to contact with, so ensure yours are at a safe distance as you stagger into the shower. Getting there and general logistics: If you are travelling by train, the nearest station is Marden. You might be wise to arrange a cab in advance of your arrival, since it is further than walking distance to the spa. The National Rail website (www.nationalrail.co.uk) has useful links including local taxi companies. The cab fare should cost you around £5 (as at Oct 2005).
Any special features?
One of this spa's specialist treatments is hydro-flotation therapy. I was allowed to sneak a look into the hydro room. A large bath pool, plus an aggrandised waterbed, and a steam shower are the components of a luxurious hydro room. I'm curious to know the level of light available, as I can be a bit claustrophobic, and have always been a bit wary of the sensory deprivation potential. Not an issue here. Customers can be in total darkness, or have a range of lighting - I particularly liked the blue lights, or even opened window blinds (the room has the benefit of one-way window glass).
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone within a 30-mile radius, or anyone in need of some relaxed but skilled beauty therapy. This spa obviously has good, loyal and regular customers, and that can be attributed to its ability to act as a good local facility, offering reliable, quality treatments.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
I gave this spa 3 bubbles because of: The ambience: it's very relaxing and they have worked hard to ensure that the atmosphere seriously contributes to your sense of well being. Communication: Everything was clearly explained in a pleasant and helpful manner, yet I didn't feel obliged to ask where the therapist where she was going for her next holiday; a good balance. Facilities: One reservation is the initial impression of the location; once inside, it is new, clean, relaxed and welcoming. It would have got more bubbles if they'd had a relaxation area to make the most of the experience. Standards of treatment: a very professional - and just friendly enough - approach by all the staff who dealt with me. Value for money: although some additional "leisure" facilities would be a nice addition, the treatment itself - both for the experience and long-term benefits - was well worth the money.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Yes, definitely. I think you could rely on this spa to give consistently good treatments, to benefit both body and soul. A chauffeur-driven car would be an added bonus, though.
See also:
* Contact Details for Kalmora Spa
* Read the latest reader review
* Hydrotherapy
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