Devon House is surely home to many secrets, the most alluring of them being The Spa by Island Rituals. Nestled close to the entrance is a door that unlocks to a wondrous cavern of aromatherapy, massages and reflexology. Nip in post-patty or pre-ice cream for a coconut wrap or a guava facial and be transported to a world outside of busy Kingston. But, beware! Enter at your own risk — you may never want to leave!

The Spa at Devon House is the happy home of Island Rituals, a skincare line by spa manager Janice McLeod. The line infuses natural Jamaican herbs into every body product imaginable, from thick body butters to refreshing shower gels. The products are proudly handmade in Jamaica.

McLeod gained her expertise while living in Ocho Rios, where she consulted with farmers on the properties of a variety of local plants. “We have so many local plants in Jamaica with incredible healing properties,” she comments. With delicious scents from coconut to peppermint, Island Rituals is one ritual we’re happy to do daily.

McLeod was lured out of retirement to manage The Spa when she was looking for a space to house her Island Rituals line. It was a match made in spa-care heaven. Her all-natural products are used to enhance healing treatments, and the effects of the treatments can be prolonged with use of the products. “I love having a holistic approach. We’re healing from the outside in and the inside out,” she says.

A unique aspect of The Spa is its “all-inclusive” approach to massage pricing. “As all our massages cost the same price, it allows the client to choose a single therapy or to do a combination of therapies,” Mcleod shares. Highly recommended is the Fire and Ice massage, which alternates hot and cold stones to relax muscles and stimulate the immune system. “A lot of places don’t heat or cool the stones to the correct temperature so the full effect is not achieved,” she notes. The Fire and Ice massage is one that we are burning to try!

Another highly sought-after treatment is the lymphatic drainage massage, designed to help the body release toxins. For those of us who slept through biology — the lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Massaging it can help it flush out any contaminants that it might be harbouring. “Everyone, from cancer patients to everyday clients, comes in and benefits from it,” adds McLeod. With the demands of everyday life, there are certainly toxins we could all afford to get rid of.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Perhaps your third eye is blocked. The Spa recommends the Shirodhara treatment. A warm nutritive oil is streamed onto the forehead, soothing away mental tension and excessive mind chatter. A soothing scalp and neck massage tops off the experience. With this level of Zen you’ll be ready to take on the world. Namaste, ladies and gents!

The Spa at Devon House by Island Rituals

The Orchid Room, Devon House, 26 Hope Road, Kingston

Telephone : 9193778 or 6315156

Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00pm

Sunday: By Appointment Only