Gary & Danielle's Northern Exposure

We were off to the seaside for our final visit in Co. Down. But instead of stripping down on the seafront we were promised a slightly more luxurious way of getting back to nature. Our last port of call was to be Soak, a spa in Newcastle which specialises in seaweed baths. While Jackie rubbed her hands in glee, I took a deep breath at the thought of what might lie ahead...

BACKGROUND

Seaweed baths aren't a new concept in Northern Ireland, having been used in farming communities for centuries as a way to ease aches and pains. However, it took Dermot and Claire Dickinson to introduce the idea to Newcastle. In a renovated Victorian house on the town's South Promenade you can soak in all of the seaweed's natural benefits.

The seaweed itself is collected twice a week from nearby Tyrella beach. This process is done by hand, and a special licence has been granted to allow this harvesting to take place.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Clients can book single or double bathrooms. An initial steaming process will open the pores in preparation for the bath. After this you step into a tub of hot saltwater which has been filled with seaweed. Sessions usually last for an hour, at the end of which a jet water spray is used to clean away the seaweed.

People can soak for as long as they want, at which stage they use a fresh water jet spray to clean themselves of the seaweed.

You can pick from bathrooms with Victorian style wooden steam cabinets or a modern steam shower. Towels are provided on the premises.

Each room has its own set of speakers, so customers can bring their own choice of music to relax to as they bathe.

COST: Sessions last approximately one hour. Prices range from £20 for a single bath to £30 for a double deluxe bathroom with two baths.

BOOKING: Visit www.soakseaweedbaths.co.uk

or telephone 028 4372 6002

Soak Seaweed Baths

5a South Promenade

Newcastle

Co Down

BT33 0EX

ALTERNATIVES

• www.goodspaguide.co.uk
• www.www.downdc.gov.uk and click on the tourism option.

Or:

• www.armaghanddown.com

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.