With its cool South Beach Miami vibe, The NICI on Bournemouth’s West Cliff (formerly The Savoy Hotel) has recently had a stylish multi-million-pound makeover thanks to its new owner Nicolas Roach, who has grand plans for this five-star establishment, including a state-of-the-art spa which opened in May. It features an 18m heated indoor pool, hydro pool, sauna, steam room (with a soothing lighting scheme), a well-equipped gym (which hosts Qi Gong, yoga and Pilates classes), treatment and relaxation rooms.

The NICI Spa has partnered with two award-winning British spa brands to create a bespoke menu of holistic treatments: OSKIA, a nutri-cosmeceutical beauty brand, and OTO CBD, a renowned wellness brand which harnesses the power of cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it can help aid deep relaxation. If perimenopause or menopause has left you struggling with sleep issues, then CBD helps to reset things. Which is why I had booked The NICI x OTO Signature Massage; a full body massage and face ritual tailored to either re-energise, rejuvenate or balance, depending on your needs. My therapist Erika met me in the relaxation room, a softly lit area of day beds with blankets, and pots of herbal teas. She had three blends of essential oils for me to smell from the OTO range. Focus: frankincense, black pepper, ginger - to restore energy and reduce inflammation; Amplify: bitter orange, juniper berry, grapefruit - to release tension and boost the immune system; Balance: fragonia, jasmine, chamomile - to help pause and reset. ‘Your body will know which it needs,' she said confidently.

I was immediately drawn to Focus. Erika nodded in approval, then led me through to one of the cocoon-like treatment rooms. Settled face-down on the massage bed, the scent of this heavenly blend filled the air. I had ticked ‘firm massage’ on my pre-treatment form, after five minutes or so Erika checked if the pressure was OK. Indeed, it was – she was a skilled masseuse.

An OTO CBD-infused massage is a fully immersive and sensory experience, each blend has its own soundscape and crystal. ‘Focus’ was green aventurine (a form of quartz), and a soundscape of waves, wind and crystal singing bowls (incredibly hypnotic). Erika also tinged some temple bells at one point too. Generally, I’m not a fan of music when having a massage. But this was incredibly relaxing rather than distracting.

As knotty areas surrendered to Erika’s expert touch, my mind drifted off, soothed by the whoosh of waves and ringing crystal bowls. Barely conscious, I gradually came to as Erika whispered for me to take my time to gather myself and meet her in the relaxation room.

As I sat there in a blissed-out state, Erika handed me a post-treatment CBD botanical seltzer of elderflower and juniper enriched with 25mg of pure CBD. Though I could not have been more chilled. My chattering mind was silent. Stiffness and aches gone.

That night I had the best sleep I’ve had in years. The next day I bought a Focus CBD Roll-On from the spa, which I now use on my temples and wrists at the start and end of the day to continue supporting my new inner chill space, which I found at The NICI Spa.

Spa Packages

The NICI Sunrise, Siesta or Sunset: Offers breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in South Beach Restaurant, use of the spa (up to five hours after your meal) and a treatment and duration of your choice (from £165pp/Sunset from £150). £10 supplement on Fridays and Saturdays.

Book at thenici.com/spa/