HEALTH & BEAUTY FEATURE: These days we are often too busy juggling work, social lives and families to take time out to pamper ourselves and recharge our batteries, writes Lisa Flynn.

I'm definitely guilty of this, rushing here there and everywhere, often needing a boost but claiming I just don't have the time to spare.

Now Gina Akers, star of Channel 4's show The Salon - and possibly one of Swindon's busiest businesswomen herself - has attempted to provide a haven to pampering, right in the heart of the town.

Hailed as the 'complete image and well-being experience', it was an offer tempting enough to finally persuade me to take time out of my busy schedule.

The list of health, beauty and holistic treatments offered by Gina's salon @aqua-G is truly amazing, if a little daunting. But the staff are happy to offer advice on the treatments available, and there will certainly be something in there to suit everyone.

I was due for a haircut and colour, so went along to the Regent Street salon and plumped to have a manicure and facial to follow.

THe @aqua-G salonWith semi-curly, fine hair and a tendency to frizz, I don't have an easy mop to contend with. But after some subtle highlights in honey colours and a great chop cutting deep layers, I walked away with a more manageable cut that has got even better as my hair has grown. But it was the beauty treatments that were a new experience for me and made me feel totally pampered.

I started off with the standard manicure, which alone takes 40 minutes. A hand massage and refreshing moisture treatments felt luxurious and proved a real opportunity to relax. I opted for a natural varnish, but you can choose from a range of colours and my nails felt strong and my hands incredibly soft (and three weeks on my usually brittle nails were still growing!).

My final treatment was the Pure Logical Age Defying Collagen Facial. It's hailed as an alternative to collagen and botox injections to firm and plump the skin. The facemask is 100% collagen and claims to 'help reduce lines and wrinkles' making 'the skin look more plump, smooth and radiant giving you a youthful look'.

The facial took just under an hour and, as I was already relaxed from almost three hours of pampering, it was divine.

The treatment consists of cleansing and a massage, including your pressure points, which melted away any last remnants of tension. Then you have the mask applied and relax to music for 10 minutes (where you could quite easily nod off), and finally a deep moisturiser.

It is a progressive treatment and therefore continual use, of 3-6 month course, is recommended for improvement, but even after this treatment I noticed a marked improvement with my skin glowing fresh and my pores improved.

I left the salon relaxed, confident and with a feeling of well being that lasted the week.

Most people take enough time out for a haircut but next time you go to book yours, why not think about having a beauty treatment too. I know I will.

The salon is open seven days a week and late hours. Telephone 01793 610611.