Molton Brown has joined forces with spa designers The Syntax Group to create a 'therapeutic space' where customers can combine retail therapy with a relaxing spa treatment.

Set to open next month (November), the Molton Brown Lotus Garden at Bluewater shopping centre is the first in a series of facilities planned for shopping environments.

The Garden consists of a sequence of spaces. First is the 'retail gallery', featuring a display of products claiming to be 'more artwork than shopping'. This is followed by the 'urban garden', decorated with silk curtains, grasses, shale and mood-enhancing lighting.

Finally, natural wooden boardwalks lead to one of six 3.2m x 3.3m 'lotuspods', enclosed spaces providing 'cocoon-like isolation and privacy', where guests can choose from facials, massages and body treatments.

Outside the pods, there will be a hand and therapy area, a relaxation area and a waiting area offering natural juices and herbal teas.

A total of 10 staff are employed in the Lotus Garden: the spa manager, six therapists and three personal shoppers.