ON cold wet days when Spring seems a long way off there is supposedly nothing nicer than a bit of pampering.

However, I have to admit, I am a rather nervous salon-goer. I have just about got over the fear of the hairdresser (it was too long sitting in front of a mirror that was really frightening) but have yet to really embrace the cult of the spa.

Me-time in my book is usually five minutes with a cup of tea and with any luck a chocolate Hobnob.

But I began to wonder if I was missing out on something.

After a long winter I was feeling tired and dull and my skin was looking it. I thought a facial would be the solution.

At the Wellness and Holistic Centre in the West Hants Club in Talbot Woods they have created an oasis of calm amid the sporting and social frenzy.

The centre opened late last year and is building up a client list from club members and others.

Some spas can be a bit snooty and too many white towels can make you afraid to sit down because you might dirty something. But there is not a bit of this at the Wellness and Holistic Centre. Although they do have very nice organic cotton towels.

The experienced staff were all super friendly and put you at your ease immediately explaining how the procedure worked and not laughing at my complete lack of a skincare routine or odd socks.

They are obviously proud of the organic skincare ranges they stock but there wasn't too much product hard sell, which can be so off putting.

I opted for the John Masters rose and ginseng City Booster, which promised it was specifically designed for dry or dull skin types. Along with the slathering on of yummy smelling products there was also a face massage and head massage. It was very relaxing - I think I might have even gone to sleep for a bit even though I did not want to miss any of it.

What made the experience really special was the shoulder and arm massage that was given towards the end of the facial.

The centre also offers the Dr Hauschka treatment which is a two hour, all-singing all-dancing full facial - if such a thing can be imagined.

It is conducted by an Esthetician, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi film but is a specially-qualified beauty therapist.

At £95 it seemed pretty pricey to me but it has proved popular.

According to experienced beauty therapist Karen Stone some people have a facial just once in a while for a treat, others come three times a year but to get the full benefits you should find time for one every six weeks or so.

The ethos of the Wellness and Holistic Centre is that it is much more than a beauty salon. The idea is to treat the whole person. So when someone comes in with a sore neck rather than massage away the pain, although they will do that, they also try and find out the cause of the problem and how it can be prevented in future.

They aim not just to fix problems but to prevent them.

There are wide range of treatments on offer from Alexander Technique and aroma-therapy to Shiatsu and no-hands massage.

Many of them really require a course of treatment to get the full benefit but others could make lovely present for Mother's Day or a birthday.

But be warned, if you go once you might get a taste for it.

The Wellness and Holistic Centre, The West Hants Club, Roslin Road South, Bournemouth, tel: 01202 525255 The John Masters Rose and Ginseng City Booster costs £52 and takes one hour.

I also had Shiatsu trial, which costs £55 for the first consultation and lasts one and half hours. Further treatments last an hour.