I’d just returned from visiting a friend who was celebrating finishing a two-year diploma in massage theory and practice.

She had most of her kit neatly arranged in the corner of the lounge, three shelves of various oils and freshly folded towels, a small terracotta incense burner, a handful of books on massage technique and, of course, the massage bed with a face hole at one end, the only thing that really separates it from a decorator’s wallpapering table.

This softly lit, tranquil little corner was my inspiration. I quite fancied myself as masseur but rarely ventured beyond the odd back tickle or a soothing foot rub.

I wanted to learn more and it was time to get a bit of technical know-how so I signed up for a beginner's workshop at Westbourne Grove’s fashionable Savana Urban Spa.

Savana Spa, Westbourne Grove, London

A day spa that offers divine chocolate massage, couples workshops, a creche and cranialsacral therapy

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This trendy little boutique spa is nestled at the end of a smart Victorian terrace just off the Chepstow Road around the corner from Carluccio’s new deli restaurant, and must surely be the neighbourhood's preferred chillout zone.

Although luxurious, Savana doesn’t have the luxury of space. It doesn’t have any pools to lounge by or a pumping gymnasium but it has a cool minimalist feel and uses its limited space well.

And although the four private treatment rooms are bijoux, there is also an open raised area behind reception that is predominantly used for beauty therapy but can double as a fifth treatment room.

The overall place feels airy and a massive two-storey floor-to-ceiling front glass window floods the large central treatment area in daylight.

I’d signed me and my wife, Liz, up for a Sunday morning four-hour beginners course of which the last hour is spent in your own private treatment room where the instruction focuses on more in-depth back massaging techniques. However this last hour is optional, and on that day Liz and I were the only couple that stayed on.

Our instructor, Tanya, had bright eyes, a clear complexion and radiated well-being. She was an ambassador to the potential benefits of a bit of massage in your life, and made me further regret that extra glass of wine and roll-up the night before.

Her open, pleasant and relaxed manner put us all at ease, and after browsing several handouts on human anatomy we were ready to go - hands on.

We started with the feet. Sat opposite one another, your cleaned foot placed in the lap of your partner, Tanya began by running over the basic theories in reflexology.

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