Achey mucles, dried-out skin and seasonal change blues are just some of the perils we face heading into autumn. Avoid these with a little treat-to-self, says Julia Rebaudo

The temperature’s dropping a little more each day, and most of us have hauled out our winter coats from the wardrobe and are desperately searching for a perfect pair of winter boots. What a relief that perfectly smooth radiant skin is something we can consign to the dust-heap for the next six months or so. But wait a minute, what’s that you hear? Your poor neglected skin cells crying out for a bit of tender loving care.

Here’s what super swanky spa The Sanctuary has to help you and your body make a smooth transition from summer to autumn – you never know when you might need to next bare your well-looked after limbs, winter wardrobe or not!

Nourishing Kyphi
What: Gloriously indulgent and cosseting, Nourishing Kyphi is a new treatment based on the sacred rituals of the Ancient Egyptians. After a ritualistic cleansing of the arms and feet you have a full body exfoliation with a hot sugar scrub. Then your body is drizzled with Argan & Lotus oil while an intense but comforting massage is performed with herbal compresses. You are then lowered into a dry flotation unit where you can drift off into sweet reverie. To finish off you are smothered in warm body butter.
Why: Not only is your skin left beautifully soft and hydrated, this treatment is great for relieving tension, muscular aches and pains.
How much: £90 for 1 hr 25 minutes.

Invigorating Sento
What: Inspired by the traditional bathing ritual of the Sento Baths, this treatment combines Japanese massage techniques, Amma Fusion, Acupressure and Shiatsu. First of you treated to an invigorating exfoliation with loofah mits, to get rid of all the dead skin cells, before being spritzed with a refreshing mix of sweet almond oil and citrus oil. This draws out toxins while you have a Japanese style head to toe massage pays particular attention to reliving tension from your muscles. You finish our by being slathered with a wonderful Sento body cream, made up of rice protein, seaweed and traditional Japanese soothing ingredients that re-hydrate and replenish the skin.
Why: A perfect start to the winter months, cleansing and invigorating the whole body.
How much: £90 for 1 hr 25 minutes.

LaStone Therapy
What: Dating back to 2000 BC, this treatment uses heated or cooled stones to massage the body and relive tense or tired muscles. The theory is that heated stones permeate right through the muscle instantly melting and soothing any tension or strains. After opening the Chakras – the body’s natural energy channels, heated stones are placed on the bed, body and between the toes to create a flow of energy around the body aiding relaxation and healing. The warm stones are then soaked in oil and are worked into the body increasing circulation and easing muscle tension. It is thought that just one stroke using a stone is worth 13 by hand – so a much more intense and effective treatment.
Why: As well relieving muscular tension and aches, you are left with an almost surreal feeling of lightness. Great for lifting any seasonal affective disorder blues.
How much: £90 for 1 hr 25 minutes.

For bookings contact The Sanctuary Spa, Covent Garden: 0870 770 3350 www.thesanctuary.co.uk