USP For too long, the well-heeled ladies (and gentlemen) of NW3, seeking a bodylicious pamper zone after the hectic school run, have had to schlep into town for their beauty treatments, abandoning their people-carriers for the Tube and getting all stressed in the process. That all changed four months ago when the Natura Day Spa opened its doors as a dedicated beauty retreat. Although the official address is Hampstead High Street, the spa is actually situated on a lane, the delightfully named Oriel Place, just off the main drag. The spa takes up the three floors (including basement) of an old building that housed a men’s clothes shop before its more glamorous reincarnation. Sandwiched between the Pentameters Theatre and the seriously delicious Gail’s patisserie, with the spreading gnarled branches of an ancient tree in an adjacent garden, the location offers a little taste of the earthy wonders of Hampstead Heath, just a five-minute walk away, where the trees are putting on a spectacular autumn light show. The oriental-cottagey feel of the spa’s décor doesn’t grate, with the beige, ochre and brown colour scheme nicely set off by soft lights, eastern statuary and the chocolate-brown attire of the therapists.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE The day I visited was Hallowe’en and, as it turned out, I was in for a treat. Natura claims to be one of the few spas in London to offer a facial based on the products of Dr Sebagh, the international skincare guru. So, I headed down to the basement for 75 minutes of bliss. My therapist, Kim, who hailed from Belgium, swathed my arms in towels and explained the treatment, which consists of cleansing, exfoliating and rejuvenating, the latter being what I was after. The arms and décolleté get a look-in here too, so it’s the ideal treatment if you’re planning to show off your assets later. After cleansing my face and arms Kim got to work with a deep exfoliating mask (on face and arms) to refresh and brighten the skin. That was followed by the reassuring-sounding serum repair, which claims to boost collagen levels (yippee!). She then applied a “mood enhancer”, lavender oil in my case, before a massage (face, neck, shoulders) with chamomile oil. I was beginning to smell like a Mediterranean herb garden when Kim applied a refreshingly cool green tea and aloe vera face mask, which quickly brought me to my senses in the nicest possible way. While the mask was working its magic Kim massaged my arms and hands. To round off, my face was dusted with vitamin C powder cream, which, Dr Sebagh claims, revitalises the skin. I had to look good after all that.

AMBIENCE Natura has a cosy charm, with attentive, friendly therapists. The treatment rooms are stylish and comfortable, although it occurred to me that the head-to-toe thing works in reverse here, with pedicures on the top floor, manicures (and reception area) on the ground floor, and facials, massages, scrubs etc in the three treatment rooms in the basement. Kim gave my toes 30 minutes of the best treat they’ve ever had. The conversion of old buildings, however, has its drawbacks as well as charms, and the sound of chairs being pulled across wooden floor boards above while I was having my facial - and the sound-effects of Victorian plumbing - made me thankful that I hadn’t ticked the “No Music” box on the client treatment form.

IN CROWD Yummy mummies, professional women (especially at the weekend), nature lovers. Male clients include personal trainers who work in the area. Manicures for thirtysomethings seemed to be the treatment du jour when I was there.

FOOD There isn’t any; water, tea, coffee are all on offer. However, I was told that Natura is happy to provide outside catering on request. If hunger should strike between treatments, give in to temptation and sample some of the top-quality delights from Gail’s next door.

WALLET WATCH The spa caters for high-income families in the area and some treatments, such as the 75-minute Dr Sebagh anti-ageing facial (£115), reflect that. However, if you just need to tone your legs before striding on to the heath, a 15-minute aroma foot and leg refresher (£15) should do the job, while a file and shine manicure (£8, 15min) might be all you have time for before negotiating the heavy traffic of the afternoon school-run. Although you may be lucky and get a walk-in treatment from Tuesday to Thursday, clients are advised to book in advance for weekend appointments – NW3’s yummy mummies have no intention of reverting to slummy mummies.

NEED TO KNOW Natura day spa, 64a Hampstead High St, London NW3 (020-7443 9678; www.naturadayspa.com) Open Tues-Sat, 10am-7pm

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