As the nights draw in and mornings grow darker a new wave of fragrances are set to hit the market. Warming, spicy and perfect for long brisk walks in the part and cosy nights by the fire, this is The Spa Man’s pick of the best.
This is my favourite from the selection of fragrances. It’s long-lasting, potent and a heady mix of oud laced with smoky cypriol and gaiac wood (that’s the base) you will also experience bergamot, apple and plum rest on an aromatic elixir of geranium, clove and cinnamon, fused with rare saffron and evocative labdanum resin.
BOSS BOTTLED OUD is available nationwide at House of Fraser and Debenhams RRP, £56.00 for 50ml, £76.00 for 100ml
Another potent spicy mix this time from Ex Idolo which has created an interesting blend inspired by the history of the members clubs of Mayfair and St. James in London. The fragrance is a juxtaposition of sweet tobacco and boozy notes against a warm woody-amber accord. The fragrance is anchored by an ultra-rare Omani (Hougari) frankincense.
Instantly likeable, indeed loveable, the spicy, warming notes of this cologne hit are perfect for autumn. Not as long-lasting as BOSS Bottled Oud, but elegant and refined. Incense & Cedrat is the new addition to Cologne Intense and blends incense with three layers of resins. The lemon and pepper notes of Elemi bring out a radiant freshness as the fragrance opens. Amber-like labdanum ciste presents the heart whilst sweet benzoin accentuates an addictive richness at the base.
Light, fresh and almost a touch summery, this is a refreshing alternative for those who don’t like the spicy, warming scents of amber and oud. Ermenegildo Zegna Acqua di Bergamotto picks up on neroli, rosemary and vetiver notes which are modern and light, and most importantly long-lasting. Perfect for a sunshine breaks mid-winter?
OK, it’s not brand new, but it is really rather good. Tom Ford Noir Eau de Parfum is an oriental, sensual fragrance that captures masculine duality: elegant and sensual at once. A smooth and luminous spice bouquet is blended with masculine florals and enveloped in warm and creamy leather, resins, amber and vanilla.
Perched on the top two floors of the Hotel Arts, the Six Senses Spa in Barcelona provides panoramic views of the city, beach and Mediterranean Sea which certainly rival the world’s best spas for its stunning vistas. Divided into separate male and female spas, the facilities include a hydrotherapy plunge pool, shower experience, steam room and a sauna that looks out across the sea. Two of the sauna’s wooden walls have been replaced with glass – the views are out of this world. It’s so rare for a hotel spa to have natural day light, let alone a view, it’s definitely worth the trip alone. The shower area – again offers floor to ceiling views and the relaxation area has day beds and sofas, whilst outside on the deck there are sun loungers to hang out, catch some rays and relax – looking across to Montjuic, the port of Barcelona and Barceloneta Beach.
Finished with black slate and modern wood touches – it’s smart, compact and you can spend a few hours there post-treatment with ease. The Hotel Arts spa is the only urban spa operated by Six Senses (world-renowned for superior destination spa experiences). You really do feel like you are on top of the world as the spa is built across the 42nd and 43rd floors.
I was treated to a relaxing full body massage. It was cocooning, calming and exactly what I needed. I was asked to slip into paper pants, I’m often a bit hesitant, but glad I did as I was slathered in oil from head to toe. You do get to shower afterwards. So, the Barcelona Signature Massage – a full body and head massage with the balancing and healing powers of essential oils.
The base oil utilised is organic almond oil, my therapist also used a little Muscle De-stress Gel which includes rosemary and lavender to help to relieve some tension in my neck and shoulders. Locally inspired and really rather divine, the treatment lasted just under an hour and was firm enough, but more holistic than therapeutic. The scent wasn’t overpowering and I did drift off to sleep at one point. The massage movements are long and flowing and the front and backs of the legs were thoroughly massaged including the back, neck, shoulders and upper chest. My therapist was very efficient and the team at the Six Senses Spa were very helpful.
I didn’t stay at the hotel, so can’t really comment on it. It is part of the Ritz Carlton group – so it’s fair to say you can expect the very best. If you find yourself on a weekend break to Barcelona and have a few hours to spare – you could do a lot worse than visit the Six Sense Spa. The only note of caution to couples, the male and female spa areas are separate, so you won’t be able to relax, post-treatment with your husband/wife or partner.
An amazing location with views of one of the worlds most exciting cities. Six Senses Spa has got this one right.