While Scandinavians are generally untroubled by nudity, it’s probably fair to say that we British aren’t too keen, and that’s even in the comfort of our own homes with the light off.
So, a visit to Copenhagen’s Mirage Spa creates an instant dilemma — whether or not to be treated in the buff. After much giggling, my significant other and I decide to retain our ‘smalls’ as we embark on Mirage’s deluxe spa treatment for couples. We are led into one of Mirage’s three couples spa rooms, which have adjacent treatment beds and candlelit whirpool spas tucked away in the corner of the rooms.
It may sound faintly contradictory to have a relaxing treatment with someone lying beside you and two therapists pottering about, but Mirage specialises in couples therapies and, really, you don’t notice anything untoward except, perhaps, for the sound of unrestrained snoring that vibrates from the adjacent bed.
Three years ago, Louisa Kaisen opened Copenhagen's Mirage Spa, which sits (possibly tellingly) above a bridal shop on one of the busiest streets in Copenhagen. She reckoned that relaxation didn’t have to be something you did on your own.
'I wanted to create a space where you could go with your partner and relax together', she says. It’s a great idea and one that it is proving popular with hip Copenhagen locals (a larger room with four beds allows groups of guys and girls to enjoy more regular beauty treatments). 'They come here for Guerlain facials or manicures and then go out for a few cocktails. It turns into a big pampering session for them,' Louisa explains.
But we’re not at this Copenhagen spa to be beautified. We’re here to relax with a couples spa treatment, and so the process begins with a fine salt scrub followed by a lavish moisturising face treatment. It’s all a great prelude to the the whirlpool/Champagne/hot stone massage combination that follows.
At last it’s time for the decadence of sitting in bubbles drinking ‘bubbly’. Having failed miserably to fashion myself a ‘bubble dress’ to cover my dignity, I gradually throw caution to the wind and begin to enjoy it.
I am at first concerned that the combination of Champagne and hot water might leave me feeling sozzled and dehydrated, but it turns out to be a wonderful way to wind down before the final treatment: a hot stone full body massage. It’s the perfect way to start, or end, the day with your partner. Relaxed, that is, not drunk.
The Mirage Deluxe for two treatment is £350. Mirage Spa & Kur, HC Andersens Boulevard 10, Copenhagen +45 3333 9500, miragespa.dk
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