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WeddingsOnline.ie

If you are one of the many brides-to-be who cringes at the thought of being given the gift of naughty chocolate body parts or are not amused by the idea of being forced to wear underwear as outerwear, then you may want to consider an altogether more enjoyable way to celebrate your hen party.

A beauty day or weekend is the ideal way to spend some great quality "girl-time" and is the perfect relaxation therapy for a stressed out bride and her mates. Best of all, no matter where you are in Ireland you can find a health and spa centre to suit your location, your pocket and your party.

WeddingsOnline.ie takes a look at three locations, one of which is sure to be near you.

Blue Eriu, Dublin
7 South William Street, Dublin 2, Tel: (01) 672-7818, Email: therapy@blueriu.com This "emporium of beauty" on Dublin's South William Street is a haven for the mind and body. Every aspect of the shop and its three treatment rooms have been beautifully designed to showcase the products of famous names such as Eve Lom, Dr. Hauschka, Elemis and Phytology. These, and many other famous brands, are exclusive to Blue Eriu and are used in their luxurious selection of treatments.

The wide range of treatments available means that there is a treat to suit all ages and budgets, from Brazilian waxing to facials, manicures, body wraps, aromatherapy and other massages. One of the most popular treatments is the Eve Lom facial, used by such international beauties as Gwenneth Paltrow, Goldie Hawn and Sharon Stone.

Eve Lom's philosophy is based on the belief that all living organisms pulsate with an energy that sends out information about the physical, biological and emotional state of the being. During this ultra-luxurious, two-hour treatment an aesthetician will evaluate the current needs of your skin and then use the Eve Lom range of products to cleanse, decongest and exfoliate, leaving you glowing from the inside out.

If the scent of nature is your thing, then you might want to try the hugely popular "Field of Dreams" - a full body aromatherapy massage using Dr. Hauschka products. "Dr. Hauschka" is another international name with such famous followers as Madonna and Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice). The "Field of Dreams" massage is a purely personal experience which takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Therapy hours are at Blue Eriu are as follows: Monday to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday:
Thursday:
Sunday: 9:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
9:30 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

While you're Blue Eriu ask about their make-up services for the bridal party, gift ideas for your mums, dads and bridesmaids and exotic flowers for your bouquet. They're also planning a "Men's' Day" so keep an eye out for more information.

Powerscourt Springs Health Farm, Co. Wicklow
Coolakay, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Tel: (01) 276-1000, Website: www.powerscourtsprings.ie The Powerscourt Springs philosophy of "relax, surrender and enjoy" will certainly appeal to the more harried bride-to-be. With a selection of six different packages, ranging from a one-day visit to a week-long binge of beauty treatments and pampering, there is once again something suitable here for everyone. The simplest package is perhaps the most flexible and is called the "Health Farm Day".

When you and your bridesmaids arrive at 8:45 A.M. there is tea and coffee waiting, which is followed by an introductory welcome and tour of the facility. Then it's time to let go of lists and diaries and to enjoy a back massage or maybe a sunbed session. Later you can choose your own way to relax or work out, with unlimited use of the tennis courts, bicycles, sauna, steamroom, jacuzzi and pool. This is followed by body toning and aqua aerobics classes and organised walks through the nearby countryside.

The "Health Farm Day" package also includes a three course lunch and tea/coffee throughout the day upon request. But probably the best way to make use of your time at Powerscourt is to indulge in some of the beauty treatments available.

You and your friends can "pick and mix" your indulgences from a wide range of goodies, such as the self-tanning treatments for the neck, shoulders and arms, a make-over, the aromatherapy massage (55 minutes of bliss), and the Pannicocyt Cellulite treatment, which increases circulation and aids in the release of toxins from the body. As with all packages available, do make sure to book your treatments in advance. The "Health Farm Day" sends you home - or out on the town, plucked and pampered, at 5:00 P.M.

Remember that due to the flexibility of all their packages you can choose to take a residential stay package and ask other friends to join you for a day. Beauty treatments must be purchased with a short or long-stay package and cannot be bought individually. Lockers, showers and hairdryers are provided for day-stay guests.