Lush upgrade Buchanan Street store to include spa
By Flora Irvine-Hall
The well-known cosmetics chain has upgraded its flagship Glasgow store to offer new services
Lush fans will be delighted to know that the Glasgow store in Buchanan Street has opened its spa.
The branch upgraded to an anchor store in December, making it the second-largest Lush shop in the UK.
The spa is located on the second floor of the building and even the waiting room in the spa is totally blissful. With comfy seating, lemon water, the sounds of birds chirping and lots of natural light, you’ll immediately feel incredibly zen.
A view of some of the spa’s facilities, including ambient lighting
“There actually used to be a hole where we’re sitting right now,” said Emma, one of the therapists, referencing the spa’s very comfy sofas. “We are fortunate because I think we are the only spa that’s on the top floor which means we get lots of natural sunlight. We wanted to keep the high ceilings because we wanted the spa to feel inspired by tenement buildings.”
Jenny, another spa therapist, explained: “We were training in some interesting spaces, like upstairs in the old shop while it was being dismantled.”
The first Lush spa opened on London’s Oxford Street in 2009. At first, the only spa treatment they had was Synaesthesia, an 80-minute full-body massage that incorporates touch, smell and taste for the ultimate relaxing experience. Because this used to be the only treatment, the experience could be very different based on the client. However, this treatment has now been adapted over the years due to the expansion of the range of treatments.
One of their new treatments is The Highlands treatment which is currently only available in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Highlands treatment is a 60-minute full body hot-stone massage, with 23 hot stones are used on the body.
Of course, there are a lot of spas in Glasgow. So what makes Lush Spa special?
“It’s so much extra,” said Emma. “Lush will incorporate your massage but we’ll also add other elements so that it’s an experience rather than just a massage, which is lovely. So things like scent and sound. Everything is really thought about. I don’t think other spas have the same attention to detail as we do.”
Jenny agreed.
“A lot of the products we use in our treatments you can buy in-store. Most of our massage bars are available in-store, although we do have exclusive ones specific to the treatment you receive,” she said.
Another treatment available is Book a Bath, where you can indulge in a full relaxing bathing experience with lush products. Emma explained that “the treatment is amazing for people that wish to unwind who find it difficult to do so in their own space”.
The spa therapists have already had a lot of clients.
“It has been really busy despite only opening less than a month ago,” said Catherine, another therapist.
The therapists shared their favourite treatments to carry out.
“My favourite treatment to do would be Tangled,” said Emma. “It is a Japanese-inspired scalp massage, so it transports you into Japan. The treatment was designed by a woman on maternity leave as a way to feel like you have had a full night’s rest. There is also a great modesty level as the only item of clothing that needs removed is your shoes.”
Jenny’s favourite treatment is The Good Hour.
“It uses firmer pressure and has sea shanty-inspired music, making it different and fun,” she said.
Catherine really loves The Highlands treatment.
“It holds a lot of intention as it is very emotional. It is a really beautiful one to deliver when you are holding the stones and are able to support the guest through a journey,” she explained.
A lot of the shop floor staff also shared what their favourite spa treatment was. A popular treatment is The Good Hour, which is a full-body firm massage.
“It’s firm pressure, it focuses on trigger points and it gets into your knots,” explained Caroline, one of the shampoo therapists.
Supervisor Arran agreed.
“I feel like they’re working out the knots, the music goes really nicely with the treatment and it’s inspired by our Big Blue bath bomb, so what’s not to love?” she said.
Anyone who enjoys a firm pressure massage will probably also love Hard Days Night which is Lush’s answer to Thai massage. Cara, another one of the supervisors, shared its praises.
“It’s a stretching massage and it’s all done to a remastered Beatles soundtrack. And you get a comfy pair of pyjamas and you’re underneath the duvet. It’s very immersive. If you’re stiff it’s really great and it’s also more like passive stretching so you’re able to get more of a result at the end due to it being done by someone else.”
Another popular treatment among staff was the Synaesthesia treatment.
“You sort of feel reborn after it. And I’ve had it so many times now that it just feels very comforting and familiar. And I like the lovely little massage bar that you get tailored to you and get to take away with you,” said Marcus, another of the supervisors.
If you want to book a treatment at Lush Spa, you can do so over the phone, email or you can go in person and book at the spa reception.