It’s not as though there aren’t plenty of beauty spas out there offering tempting treatments for the modern man, but booking in for a bit of head-to-toe pampering is never at the forefront of my mind on the seldom occasion I do have a few hours – never mind a full day – off work to unwind. All Your Life’s new express couples day spa experience, then, sounded like a perfect halfway house – and a chance to score some brownie points with the other half too.

While I tried to hint that I ‘wouldn’t normally be interested, but don’t mind keeping you company’ to my heavily pregnant wife, I secretly revelled at the prospect of a massage, facial treatment and now famous fish pedicure at the Cheltenham venue – all promised as part of our two-hour couples experience on a late Thursday evening.

Set in a Georgian period property on St Margaret’s Terrace in Cheltenham town centre – just a stone’s throw from The Brewery with its choice of bars, restaurants and cinemas – All Your Life’s impressive facade gave way to a warm welcome from the enthusiastic receptionist on duty.

Escorted through to the open waiting room, complete with showtunes, chesterfield sofas, a muted television and an honesty bar stocked with cupcakes and coffees, it was an unexpected start to our spa experience – but a reminder that All Your Life is also the setting for services spanning makeover photoshoots, teeth whitening, Reiki, medical cosmetics and more.

After completing brief questionnaires and flicking through the day’s papers, our therapists Julie and Rachel arrived to whisk us downstairs to what used to be All Your Life’s dance studio – now the setting for couples, friends and family in search of a little communal ‘r and r’.

Stripping down to nothing but our underwear, I hopped up on one of the two massage tables in the room while the mum-to-be carefully manoeuvred herself into position on a chair for a pregnancy-specific treatment from therapist Julie. We made an initial effort to chat and take advantage of the joint experience, but the working hands soon left us both in a dozy massage daze.

Julie did a good job of de-stressing and working an aching back, proving particularly adept at de-puffing pregnancy-swollen feet through the magic of her firm fingers. While special mention must be made of Rachel’s expert skills and friendliness, despite her young age she proved an experienced masseuse delivering an exceptional full body massage. Every finger, joint and muscle was worked with care and precision, leaving me wondering why on earth I didn’t do this more often.

We were a little surprised to see products for mature skin being used for our speedy facials, as skin-specific choices for our 30-something epidermis would have been preferred! But, it was a pleasure having faces purified, cleansed and toned – then exfoliated and a deep cleansing mask applied – before being finished off with a no-frills moisturising day lotion.

Revived, tingling all over and fully-clothed again, we made our way along the corridor to the most anticipated treatment of all – a fish pedicure courtesy of the Garra Rufa or ‘doctor’ fish, in All Your Life’s twin tanks. Trying hard to keep giggles at bay, we took the plunge and the amazing aquatic pedicurists quickly swarmed to work their magic, gently sucking dry and dead skin away from our feet. While the practice has received some negative press in recent months, All Your Life pays careful attention to hygiene, health and safety, with the fish pedicure proving a truly unique experience everyone should try at least once.

Affordable, conveniently located and offering a range of beauty spa treatments for all kinds of customers, All Your Life proved a great setting for a spot of mid-week recuperation when time is precious. And always keen to score brownie points, it won’t be long before I suggest another couple’s trip to the Cheltenham venue – my massage being worth the visit alone.

For full information about the range of treatments available at All Your Life call (01242) 222118 or visit allyourlife.co.uk directly.

James Fryer
22 August 2011