Tested for you: Facial treatment at the Anassa Thalasso Spa in Cyprus

In the northwestern part of the island of Cyprus on Chrysochou Bay, there is a fantastic 5-star hotel: Anassa, which belongs to the exclusive Thanos Group. It’s appearance lies somewhere between a grand palace and a relaxed beach resort, perched high above the Mediterranean. And it is home to the award-winning Thalasso Spa. A short walk from Pelagos restaurant, one of the hotel’s four dining venues, where I was served an exuberant variety of mezes at lunch, leads me to the hotel’s beauty temple.

Fuchsia-colored bougainvillea cascades over whitewashed walls. The paved path to the spa meanders past the small Byzantine chapel along snow-white single-storey villas with gardens, it’s 30 degrees Celsius and most of the turquoise shutters are closed. Once and again, I catch a glimpse of the azure Mediterranean between the high pines and olive trees.

Facial: Augustinus Bader’s anti-aging treatment

Normally I avoid treatments in hotel spas, I can book facials in my hometown, where I know the beautician and she is familiar with my skin needs. For the the Anassa Thalasso Spa I make an exception: since June of this year, the hotel has been the first in the world to offer treatments with products from Augustinus Bader.

The German stem cell expert’s power skincare range was launched in 2018 and has since been showered with prestigious beauty awards from VOGUE to Glamour to Tatler. I am convinced. I signed up for the VIP treatment, 90 minutes of regenerative facial, foot and hand massage included. My way to the cabin leads past the indoor pool, which looks like a Roman temple with its tall columns and ornamental tiles. A delicate scent of lavender accompanies me.

How do Augustinus Bader’s products benefit the skin?

Augustinus Bader is one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of stem cell and biomedicine. As head of stem cell research at the University of Leipzig, Augustinus Bader developed a wound gel in 2008 that heals third-degree burns without surgery or skin transplant. The gel works because it sends a series of healing signals to the wound or burned site. This activates the skin cells and enables the healing process. Based on this insight, the stem cell specialist initially developed two facial care products, “The Cream” and “The Rich Cream”, which he launched in 2018. The aim of the duo: vitamins, nutrients and minerals that bring the healing information to the skin’s own stem cells with the help of transport molecules. The effect: the skin repairs itself.

Augustinus Bader revolutionised the beauty scene with this specially developed technology based on 30 years of research, TFC8®, which adapts individually to each skin type. A complex of natural amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules naturally found in the skin. TFC8® directs essential nutrients and powerful natural ingredients into the cells, creating an optimal environment for regeneration. Win win, then, for reducing signs of ageing, the appearance of wrinkles and much more. Just what I needed!

My facial in the Anassa Thalassa Spa in Cyprus

The light in the cabin is pleasantly dimmed. Sofia, my therapist, analyses my skin: “It’s very dry,” she says and begins to cleanse my face first with “The Cream Cleansing Gel”, a mild cleanser with plant-based active ingredients enriched with TFC8®. Then she massages in The Essence, a multitasking 3-in-1 formula that gently exfoliates, tones and moisturizes. I notice how my skin relaxes. The 20-minute facial massage that follows, where the power ingredient TFC8® is infused deep into the skin, puts me in a Zen state of mind.

Sofia’s hands move gently, her storkes are on the spot as she works in “The Rich Cream” in circular motions starting from the jaw line, over the temples to the hairline. While the subsequent mask takes effect – I have lost all sense of time and space – Sofia massages my feet and hands. When I leave the spa later – with an extra portion of “The Rich Cream” on my face – I feel exhilarated. I touch my face. Instead of a grater, I feel supple smoothness. A glance in the mirror in my room confirms: Wrinkles gone, impurities gone, skin rosy. Overall appearance: top with a youthful glow!
P.S.: To preserve my new look I bought “The Rich cream” (30 ml, 170 US$). An investment totally worthwhile.