FORGET five-star hotels and expensive health hide-aways.

There's a new top spa destination ... and it's in Paisley.

The luxury spa experience opened in November as part of a half-million pound investment to transform part of the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Eve Spa, which claims to rival some of the top hotels, health and spa venues in the country, boasts the type of health and beauty treatments that would normally only be associated with the haunts of the rich and famous.

And it certainly lives up to the high expectation my friend and I had for our visit.

The atmosphere inside is soothing and calm – but if you want a bit of excitement you only have to walk through a door to enjoy the leisure pool.

We decided to have a short swim in the pool before embarking on some serious pampering.

The spa's thermal experience is a slice of heaven.

There are five rooms – the rasul mud chamber, aroma, steam, sauna and Chinese salt – and each are designed to stimulate your senses, leaving you refreshed.

There's even a fantastic monsoon shower, heated relaxation beds and warm foot baths to help you chill between sessions.

We tried everything but in the mud chamber I immediately felt like my stresses had melted away.

Next, we both went for the ultimate in relaxation: a massage.

I was given the deep tissue massage, a rhythmic pressure massage that eases stress and muscles.

My therapist managed to get rid of some knots that were so huge I felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

My friend went for the D-Age body treatment, which aims to firm and tone skin tissue. She said she felt invigorated and almost fell asleep during it.

Other luxury treatments on offer include Hopi ear candles and facial, reflexology and the Body Boutique Inch Loss Body Wrap. Express treatments include Chrono Reverser Exfoliation, Eye Zone Ritual, Anti-oxidant Facial, Hydramemory Facial and a Purifying Back Treatment.

One of the best things about the spa is that it's affordable.

Membership costs £29.99 a month, giving access to the Thermal Experience and discounts to selected specialist treatments. There is also a day visitor's experience costing £15.

It has to be seen – and felt – to be believed.

For more information, visit www.eve-spa.co.uk, email info@eve-spa.co.uk or phone 0141 840 8200.

WE can all use a little pampering in January – and Lush has created a spa gift box that allows you to do that in the comfort of your home. The set, priced £24.95, has a sea salt and seaweed ballistic bath bomb, a massage bar, a serum facial bar and stepping stone foot scrub.

FOR INFO: 01202 668 545.