When our editor asked me to check out the Re: Fresh Spa in the West Wood Club– I groaned. I didn’t want to be reminded of all the gyms I had loved and lost within the first week of every sluggish January.

Besides, the West Wood probably wasn’t any different from all the other fitness clubs– apart from maybe having an extra treadmill or yet another promise of a groundbreaking therapy treatment.

But I was wrong. For a start, they had a friendly receptionist who invited me to sit on one of the soft leather chairs while she went off to get Claudette, the manager of the Re: Fresh Spa. Claudette was equally welcoming and the good rapport between her and the club staff was evident on our grand tour of the gym, spa and pool area. The gym is modern and although compact, Claudette assures me that no member has ever had to queue to use a treadmill.

The Re: Fresh day spa is what I would describe as a magic corridor of beautifully lit rooms equipped to heal and invigorate the body with treatments like an Indian Head Massage or a course of Hot Stone Therapy. Most spas have those treatments nowadays you might say– but not all spas have a Thalassotherapy Pool.

In fact, the Thalassotherapy Pool is the only one of its kind in Dublin. Because the pool is built on a well, sea water is filtered through and heated– aiding the body’s natural healing process.

After the guided tour, I chat with Claudette in the club’s café area– which is run by the ubiquitous O’Brien’s sandwich bar. She tells me it has been her mission to thwart the perception that health spas are for the carrot-chomping killjoys.

Her mission is obviously successful, judging by the amount of bookings they get for their ‘Floozy in the Jacuzzi’ Hen nights (and if like me, you’re allergic to cabbage juice, you can opt for a beer or a glass of wine instead).

They also have a ‘Don’t tell the lads’ package for Stag nights. The price of this package includes a wide range of therapies, a dip in the pool and a good, decent sandwich from the café. But what perhaps is most refreshing about this fitness club is that it does not claim to be exclusive. Non-members are more than welcome to come in and enjoy a cup of tea in a warm and friendly environment.

The West Wood Fitness Club is currently running a special offer on its join-up fee for new members. Members receive a 10% discount on all therapy treatments. West Wood Club is situated at 1a St John’s Road, Sandymount.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 6 am to 11 pm, Saturday 8 am to 9 pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9 am to 9 pm. For further details on the Gym telephone 2695764, for Re: Fresh telephone 2033713.