Why it works … VOYA Seaweed Massage at Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour

Extolling the virtues of seaweed, VOYA products claim to have powerful effects on the body, not to mention being at the forefront of an ever growing trend for organic products ranging from tea to massage oil.  Waterside Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour have been putting the products to the test in the form of our favourite pastime … really decadent treatments … so what exactly is so great about their VOYA Seaweed Massage and why does it work?

What is it?

It is a full body massage using seaweed oil which promotes circulation and detox, as well as different massage strokes that encourage relaxation and also help the detox process whilst simultaneously rehydrating the body.

What is the theory behind it?

Seaweed baths have been popular for years, after people started noticing that their skin was firmer and they felt a lot better having soaked in it.  The VOYA products are 100% organic and are certified by the Soil Association, which is very unusual.  Seaweed is harvested by hand from the sea and then goes straight into a freeze drying process so all the natural elements are preserved.  The resulting products are extremely detoxifying and stimulating, promoting circulation and anti-aging without being synthetic.

What is the science behind it?

Seaweed is rich in iodine, which stimulates the thyroid gland and boosting circulation which helps to move all the bad elements that are in the body out that much faster.

Is there anything you recommend people do to help the treatment work more effectively?

For any spa experience it’s a good idea to come in an hour before to relax, have a shower and use the sauna and steam room to start the detox process.  After a treatment do the same thing, but let the products sink in for a little while first … if you have had a facial then perhaps don’t go in the pool afterwards.  VOYA also has a range of herbal teas that use seaweed in them and continue that detox process as well as keeping you hydrated - they have fennel, peppermint, and chamomile which prolongs the treatment’s effects, so a cup of tea won’t go amiss!

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

People who consume a lot of alcohol or for one reason or another have a lot of toxins in their body will obviously benefit from the detox element!   As a full body massage it is also great for anyone who is aching a bit - perhaps they have been sitting at their desk a lot, or people who do a fair amount of sport.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have it?

Women who are pregnant are not advised to have the treatment and if you have been suffering from a serious illness over the past two years then you should speak to your doctor first to see if it’s safe - therapists are happy to advise on this before you come.  It isn’t suitable for anyone who’s allergic to shellfish either because of the high levels of iodine in the seaweed.

What Spabreaks.com Editor Bonnie thought … I love having massages (obviously), but at the same time I am really fussy about them and anything too light can prove an exercise in trying not to squirm on the treatment bed (shudder).  The VOYA massage balanced this really well - it is a firm massage so being ticklish wasn’t an issue, the oils smell wonderful making it very relaxing and the therapist was great at making sure that I was comfortable.  As a full body massage it also paid attention to your hands and feet, which often get neglected and really completes the treatment well!