Unless you have been living underground, you won’t have been able to escape the over-night and phenomenal success of the ITV2 reality TV show, The Only Way is Essex. The fly on the wall series follows the real lives of a glamorous group of friends and family living in and around Brentwood, Essex. With average viewing figures of one million per episode the show was the surprise success of 2010, with series one coming to an end in an hour-long special on Christmas Eve. Since the launch of the show, the cast members have been catapulted into the spotlight, with end-less magazine photo- shoots, club appearances and TV interviews. The Only Way is Essex has a growing fan base with avid viewers desperate for the new series to start on March 23rd 2011.
Professional singer James Argent (nick name, Arg) and his long term on/off girlfriend Lydia, are two main cast members on the show. Viewers tuned in to watch their romance re-blossom on screen, as they decided to give their relationship another go, just before Christmas.
The happy couple took a break from their busy schedules to spend time together relaxing at Lifehouse, the brand new luxurious health spa, located in Thorpe Le Soken, Essex. During their stay, Arg and Lydia were the first celebrities to try out ‘The Oriental Bathing Experience,’ a totally unique spa treatment journey exclusive to Lifehouse. The signature treatment, combines mystery, luxury and rejuvenation, inspired by the tradition of the Oriental bath house, promoting relaxation, health and wellbeing, using the therapeutic effects of water. The treatment begins with a Thai foot ritual leading to a soak in two luxurious baths to ease away the stress of everyday life. Followed by a full body exfoliation and warm oil hot stone massage. The treatment ends as you are guided to a private sleep pod, where you can overlook views of the spa, enjoy a glass of champagne or simply drift off into a refreshing sleep.
Arg described The Oriental Bathing experience as ‘absolutely amazing, no other spa experience will ever beat this,’ with Lydia adding, ‘It was like a fantasy, you didn’t know what was going to happen next as there was something different at every stage. I was so completely relaxed that I fell asleep afterwards.’
Lydia and Arg both had a really enjoyable stay at Lifehouse, with Lydia describing the overall experience as, ‘totally relaxing and rejuvenating. Lifehouse is so immaculate, everything is brand new which makes it feel extra special, I would like to come here on my honeymoon.’ With Arg agreeing, ‘It is really peaceful here and the scenery is amazing, I feel so chilled out and refreshed.’
Lydia and Arg are both passionate about their home county of Essex, which the show has helped put on the map, Lydia, ‘I love the nightlife, it is so much fun! There is a tanning shop on every corner and everyone is so glamorous. I am so pleased such an amazing spa has opened in Essex as I know everyone will love to come here. Looking after yourself is really important to us Essex ladies!
With their names now on the guest list for the hottest London film premieres and celebrity parties, the year ahead looks exciting for the young reality TV couple. Long-term, Lydia is keen to pursue a career in fashion and as a keen writer, dreams of bringing out children’s books. Professional singer Arg, hopes to focus on further developing his singing career and is currently booked to sing at a number of events throughout the UK, even appearing with X-Factor finalist Olly Murs, who also originates from Essex.
For more information about The Oriental Bathing Experience or the full list of treatments and facilities available at Lifehouse, please visit www.lifehouse.co.uk, or telephone 01255 860050.
