Pamper zone

FROM the moment you cross the threshold of the Alquimia Spa in Stonegate, the load lightens. Here in the midst of the city's busiest tourist thoroughfare is a veritable oasis of serenity. The sophisticated yet stylish interior of the ground floor hairdressing salon is just part of the package of pleasure.

Upstairs there are luxurious treatment rooms, a sauna and a relaxation room akin to the drawing room of a grand stately home, complete with giant fire place and leather sofas covered with tapestry throws.

Just ascending the staircase and taking in the beautifully-decorated hall takes you further from your troubles. And that's before any stress-busting treatments begin.

Alquimia claims to be one of a kind, specialising in what it terms 'beauty medicine'.

Owner Julie Sharp explains: "Our aim is to bring about 'beauty wellness'. Just look at someone's face when they have had a facial - it's not just what they look like, they have gone into such a deep level of relaxation which is a bit like having a week's holiday. It's all about the quality of your relaxation time."

The spa is involved in healing work as well as beauty treatments. There are two types of treatments: basic and magistral. The latter involves a consultation and is aimed at people with specific health worries.

For example, if a customer has a skin problem, such as eczema, psoriasis or acne, therapists would seek to find the cause rather than just offer a luxury facial treatment.

Kinesiology, which involves the use of magnets, is used to try to identify the root of problems. This approach is based on the core of the Alquimia philosophy: that all illness is due to an imbalance in the body of yin and yang, which according to ancient Chinese beliefs are the two opposites which control destiny; yin being negative, feminine and dark and yang being positive, masculine and light.

"Women have lost a lot of their yin in our quest for emancipation," says Julie, who claims the acquisition of too much yang has lead to a host of health worries for women from PMS to infertility.

For clients who might benefit from seeing a qualified medical expert, Alquimia also offers appointments with Dr Nyjon Eccles, a Harley Street GP who specialises in stress therapies and complementary therapies. He often works with cancer patients.

You don't have to be ill to use Alquimia spa: it's also a palace of pampering, offering everything from a quick blow dry or leg wax to therapeutic massage and spa body treatments.

Physiotherapy, reflexology and aromatherapy are also available as are yoga and Pilates classes.

The spa also has a room suitable for couples and it will take group bookings of up to eight.

Although only open a few months, Alquimia has already made it into the Harpers & Queen Beauty Address Book, which recommends its hairdressing, waxing and complementary therapies.

Julie says the spa has something for everyone, with prices ranging from £10 for an eyelash tint, £25 for a full leg wax, £40 for a spa facial, £40 for a therapeutic massage and £30 for a cut, style and finish in the hair salon.

Half day and full day packages are available too, with prices starting at £65.

Julie says: "Spas in the countryside give the appearance of being expensive and exclusive. What we want to do is bring the spa idea to the High Street.

"The spa mentality is that it helps prevent illness. There's no need to wait until you are at the end of your tether before you come here.

"I've got people who come in just for an eyebrow trim. The hope is they will see how friendly we are and if they decide they want to treat themselves they will come here."

For more information, contact Alquimia spa, 18-20 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS Tel: 01904 632888.

Updated: 09:18 Saturday, March 02, 2002