senses be ravished.

A place where a multitude of sensations wash over them to cure negative emotions and feelings.

Where pastel shades and a green garden atmosphere mingles with a view of Bermuda's South Shore.

And where friendly staff are only too pleased to pander to your wishes and make you look good and feel good.

Welcome to the Secret Garden.

The Secret Garden, skin clinic and hair studio nestles in a quiet corner of the shopping floor of the Southampton Princess Hotel.

It promises: "Visit the Secret Garden and experience the truly unique and intimate charm of a Bermuda garden setting.

"Our uncompromising personalised service, combined with this idyllic setting is sure to soothe and relax the soul while tired minds and bodies are rejuvenated.'' Entering the salon is like stepping outside into a summer Bermudian garden embracing the pastel Bermudian home.

It is an oasis from the stress and strains of everyday life, offering breaks from the rat-race for hours or even days.

The Secret Garden is the brainchild of ex-Olympic swimmer Victor Ruberry who has linked the salon with his Body Tech Fitness Club on the same floor of the hotel.

Managing director and owner, Victor is keen to carry over the health, nutrition and stress management successes from the fitness club to the aesthetic side of matters.

He said: "For all our aesthetic treatments, we will make sure our clients know what is effective and realistic and we will inform them how to take good care of themselves at home.'' While Body Tech uses the most modern equipment tied into a computer system to monitor the progress of members, the Secret Garden often touches on modern treatments of methods known to be used thousands of years ago.

Aromatherapy for instance is a treatment that can subdue, or help alleviate certain ailments and create a feeling of well-being, the Secret Garden specialises in this area. Victor is quick to stress that they are not advocating alternative methods of healing, but complementary ones to traditional Western practices. Primarily they are promoting healthier lifestyles and creating an environment where people can relax and rejuvenate.

Situated in the Southampton Princess Hotel's high class shopping area the Secret Garden offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Hamilton.

Victor added: "It is a great place to escape. You do not have to fight the crowds in Hamilton and you do not have to fight for a parking space.

"What you have is the atmosphere and professionalism associated with this four-star resort hotel.'' The majority of the customers since the Secret Garden opened in October have been hotel guests from the Princess.

Victor enthused: "We want to encourage the public to come up and take advantage of the fantastic services and atmosphere that we have up here.'' This could include packages offering half or full day sessions at the Secret Garden and Body Tech and, in the winter months, full weekends.

The Secret Garden is the essence of rest and relaxation where beauty is created in a beautiful location.

HAPPY STAFF -- Victor Ruberry (centre back) and his staff at the Secret Garden.