Mind, body and spirit healing in Jersey

February is a depressing month. Grey skies and lots of rain and no prospect of sun. I feel as if I've eaten my body weight in mince pies and that toxins are accumulating at a rapid rate. No better time then to visit the Ayush wellness spa at the Hotel De France in St Helier in Jersey (www.defrance.co.uk). This largest of the Channel Islands is better known for the ‘80s TV series Bergerac and its cows, but this Ayurvedic spa is a godsend for women seeking to get rid of poisonous toxins!

The spa treatments are based on the principle of Ayurvedic medicine which works on the basis that each individual at birth is a combination of three different ‘doshas' known as ‘bio-physical forces' involving five different elements. A person is out of balance when one of these ‘doshas' is dominant. The three doshas are ‘Pitta' - fire and water; ‘Vata'- air and space; Kapha - earth and water. To find your own ‘dosha', click here.

The spa is decorated with soothing natural materials such as stone, rattan and wood in a colour scheme of brown and cream. I fill in a consultation form and find out that I've got an excess of ‘Pitta' in my body. This means that I've got far too much fire in my body and I'm easily stimulated. Tell me something that I didn't know!

Abhyanga massage

My first treatment is an Abhyanga oil massage which claims to boost circulation and get rid of those toxins. Good for someone who has recently eaten her own body weight in Christmas cake and drunk like a fish in the New Year! Two trained therapists massage my body in long, flowing movements from the tips of my toes to my head. So my limbs feel like jelly when I'm led to a steam chamber which resembles a Dalek from Dr Who.  Next my body is assailed with the gusts of steaming herbs, specially chosen to have a calming effect on my mind and body.

The spa facilities include a sauna, hydrotherapy pool, hot pool and a freezing cold plunge pool. The hydrotherapy pool pumps out volcanic blasts of bubbles which certainly wake me up and I admire the beautiful views of St Helier as I swim in the pool.

Udvartana herbal treatment

After a day of relaxation, it's time for my herbal body massage known as Udvartana. This treatment uses herbs which break down fat and is recommended for women with circulation and digestion problems. Firstly, warm oil is massaged over my legs, back and arms and then I'm turned around and the front of my body is oiled in a brisk manner. Dried herbs are applied on top of the oil and there is a slight burning sensation when the powder is massaged into my body. (It, by the way, is now a dirty brown colour and I look like I've been dragged through the mud.) But the treatment paid off: my skin felt like silk afterwards.

Ayurvedic consultation

I also had a consultation with Dr Prasanna, the Ayurvedic doctor. He recommended that I cut down on all the food that gives me great pleasure in life such as red meat, caffeine, wine and mushrooms, and increase my consumption of green vegetables. This is to reduce the amount of ‘Pitta' in my body and restore balance between the three doshas.

Since I've left this oasis of calm, I've taken his advice and my skin feels clearer and my energy levels have risen. Maybe there is something in this after all.

Spa prices and contact details

An Udvartana treatments costs from £65; an Abhyanga oil massage from £125; half day and day spa packages from £135.

Contact Ayush Wellness Spa on +44 1534 614172 or email: info@ayushapa.com

Hotel De France

Room rates start from £60 per person bed and breakfast, check www.defrance.co.uk for special offers. For bookings phone +44 (0) 1534 614000 or email: general@defrance.co.uk

Visiting St Helier: where to eat

Atlantique seafood bar on 8-10 West's Centre serves fantastically fresh seafood at affordable prices. Dive into gambas, squid and scallops with a Portuguese twist.

If you're feeling flush, Bohemia on Green St is a one-star Michelin restaurant where you can dip into unusual combinations of goats cheese ice cream and carrot jelly, or opt for the more traditional belly of pork with glazed pig cheek.

Visiting St Helier: where to shop

Maison de la Mare, 33 King St, is a treasure-trove of delicious local produce such as ‘black butter' and Jersey liqueur.

Diana Wilson, 40 Bath St, sells handmade crystal and Venetian glass jewellery.

Getting there

Fly Jersey (www.flyjersey.com; 0845 230 3240) is offering three nights for the price of two at Hotel de France until March 28 2010 and from October  1 to December 20. A three night stay will cost from £119 per person, based on two sharing a room on bed and breakfast basis, with Flybe flights from Gatwick starting from £109 per person.  

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