Tried and tested: IMAGE editor-in-chief Lizzie Gore-Grimes tries the Anti-ageing Sleep Ritual

The treatment

Anti-ageing Sleep Ritual – incorporating Medik8 Platinum facial, LED light therapy and spa wave body cocoon – at The Johnstown Estate Hotel & Spa.

What it’s good for

As the name suggests, this Anti-ageing Sleep Ritual is all about utter, immersive relaxation! It is one of the bespoke 120-minute signature spa experiences offered at The Johnstown Estate and is really something special. Let’s face it, just getting to switch off and lie down (on a heated bed) for two solid hours is absolute bliss in itself.

The background 

There are a only handful of good things that came out of Covid and this spa is one of them, as the owners took advantage of the enforced closure to complete a €3.5m renovation of the spa in 2020 and the results speak for themselves. The upgraded space now boasts 15 treatment rooms, indoor and rooftop thermal areas, an elegant spa restaurant and luxurious relaxation rooms (complete with warm water beds).

Cutting-edge technology-enhanced treatments have also been added to the list including Gharieni Psammotherapy, plasma light treatment technologies and sound wave therapies. Most recently the spa has added celebrated UK cosmeceutical brand Medik8 to its offering which further ups the ante with its superior science-backed, results-led approach to beauty and anti-ageing. 

What’s involved 

The minute I was greeted by senior therapist Raimonda, I knew I was in good hands. She sat me down and we went through the introductory form, in detail, together, which I appreciated as you so often fill in those forms and no one even reads them. Then she talked me through the steps of the treatment ahead, explaining that she would not be talking during the treatment as it was all about total peace and relaxation. Bliss. 

Relaxation kicked in straight away as the special SpaWave bed I was lying on was gently heated with a soft undulating – almost water-bed quality to it. Raimonda then began with a Platinum Medik8 facial, using products that smelled every bit as luxurious as they felt on the skin. The facial, neck and shoulder massage she incorporated was also one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Next up, the LED light therapy dome was placed over my face, programmed for 15 minutes of anti-ageing red light therapy (it also offers blue light for soothing and green for energising). Raimonda explained that the dome would also be flooding my skin with negatively charged ions to boost collagen production and blood circulation. 

Even though you wear special goggles the light lamp when it is first turned on seems almost unbearably bright but you adjust to it surprisingly quickly and then proceed to go into an almost trance-like meditative state. I really enjoyed the experience. 

While just coming out of this wonderfully floaty marshmallow-brain state of stupor, Raimonda signalled that there was even deeper relaxation to come as she placed a pair of headphones over my ears and turned on the SpaWave bed. For the next 30 minutes, the bed sent subtle, graduating vibrations up through my body, from toes to head, with accompanying sound therapy to ensure complete transmogrification – in the best sense!

After effects 

This treatment definitely needs to come with a “Do not operate heavy machinery” warning, it is so sublimely relaxing. I was like Mr Soft Mint floating back up to my room after it; a happy cocoon of contentment which stayed with me through dinner and ensured a truly glorious night’s sleep.  

Personal feedback 

My mum joined me on this visit and sampled another signature treatment while we were there: The Quartz Sand Bath Ritual With Facial (more on this to come…). When we were swapping notes we both commented on the personal touch and attention to detail by the staff that really stood out. Both our therapists, Raimonda and Kasha, were exceptionally knowledgeable and clearly took so much pride in their work, which really makes such a difference. 

Details  

The Anti-ageing Sleep Ritual, 120 mins, €175. 

Learn more about the Anti-Ageing Sleep Ritual and other available treatments at The Johnstown Estate & Spa website.

No matter what your skin type or concern, The Spa at The Johnstown Estate have a MediK8 facial suited to you. There are three signature facials to choose from: The MediK8 Platinum Facial, which visibly lifts, rejuvenates and firms the skin, The MediK8 Deep Hydration Facial, which delivers intense nourishment, and The MediK8 Glowing Facial, with brightening actives including vitamin C that will leave your skin glowing.

Book a treatment just in time to show off your newly radiant skin at upcoming special occasions like weddings, first communions and summer holidays. Available from €99 and allow one hour of pure relaxation for this treatment.