When the winter chill seeps through to your bones, when all of your muscles are tense both from the cold and the awkward position you assume in your chair in front of a computer, what would be a good winter warmer? A cup of hot tea or cappuccino? Not enough. This spa experience does so much more.

I was lucky (or maybe loved) enough to receive a gift of a hot stone massage therapy at Camelot beauty studio in the Hilton Hotel in Sofia. Being a traditionalist, I had previously only submitted myself to classic manual therapy, and even that I had not experienced too often, so I knew both what to expect and was prepared for some surprises.

I was met at the reception of the Hilton's Health Club by a small group of smiling ladies, given a towel, slippers and locker key and directed towards the changing room. The hygiene was, of course, impeccable, with lockers and shower cabins and anything necessary available. There were no other clients around, either, so I enjoyed my privacy while getting ready for the massage.

Amiable and gentle Katya met me at the door to the massage cabin and introduced herself as my therapist. The massage cabins are near the Hilton's indoor swimming pool but even though there were guests at the pool, the atmosphere was serene and nearly quiet. Music was playing, and this is where I would like to interject my only downside remark - it was a radio station. At least it was at a low enough level not to be irritating or distracting.

I took my place face-down on the massage table as Katya proceeded to applying gentle pressure with her fingers to certain points on my back, concluding that I had accumulated quite a lot of tension. We had a short chat in which I admitted that I had heard something about hot stone massage, but wasn't sure exactly what to expect, and added that I had interest in yoga and other oriental practices and knew some of their methods.

My therapist explained that the lomilomi hot stone massage offered at Camelot differed from other similar massages in that the smooth, oblong volcanic stones were not only placed to sit on reflection points of chakras (energy centres) in the body, but were used in the therapy dynamically. She assured me that there was no room for worry about the stones' temperature, as they were warmed up in hot water only to a level that would be comfortable for the client. She asked me several times how the temperature felt to make sure I was ok.

The rest of the massage took place in silence as I felt the apt hands of Katya move along my back, shoulders and arms in long and relaxing motions. I believe a massage should include some more pressure than gentle stroking: in that my therapist was excellent, using enough of her strength to activate my muscles and circulation but not too much as to cause pain or discomfort. The denser and heavier texture of the stones felt very good as their pleasant warmth and the softness of the massage oil were gradually sinking below the skin and deeper into the body. I was also surprised to sense Katya using her whole arms from the elbow down, not just her palms, but that made her motions and the contact longer and more soothing. There was nothing sudden or jerky and the feeling of total relaxation was slowly taking me over.

At some point I was almost alarmed that the bliss was going to finish soon but I was asked to turn over on my back and the therapy continued to my legs and neck. Katya also took each of my legs in her hands and carefully bent and distended them at the joints. She helped me stretch my neck, too, in various directions.

When, an hour after the start, I was told the therapy was over, I wished it could have continued forever. Katya asked me if I needed anything and promptly brought me a glass of water. I was left alone to take my time in getting up from the massage table and heading to the changing room, where I got dressed without much hurry. The experience was very relaxing so I would recommend this treatment for afternoon hours or the weekend where you won't have to rush somewhere else after your appointment.

Back at the Health Club reception I shared with the therapist and her colleague my impressions that the treatment had included elements from various manual therapy methods - classic, shiatsu, yumeiho and Hawaiian lomilomi. The attitude of the staff was friendly without being intrusive. And indeed, as I was told, the warmth of the stones lingered in my body for a few hours after, keeping me comfortable in the chill winter air outside.

For the record, prices range from 65 leva for a neck massage or Indian head massage to 250 leva for a treatment customised to the client's needs and performed by two therapists simultaneously (Camelot's signature four-hands treatment). Gift cards are available, and spa packages are offered including other goodies such as facials, peelings and masks, and aromatherapy. Booking is advisable as the premises allow for taking not more than two clients at a time.

Address: Camelot Spa and Beauty
Health Club at the Hilton Hotel, Sofia
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 10pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Telephone: 02/ 933 51 90, 088/ 838 32 12