Hózhó • {h/o/zho} • Navajo (n.) a fundamental Navajo concept reflecting beauty, harmony and balance in life. Promoting a deep connection with the natural world.
A full-body massage with Charlotte awaited me at Hózhó’s new location, YoYo Yard in Brighton. The venue is just a short walk from The Fountain pub in the vibrant North Laine area and as I entered through the gates, I paused.
Shafts of sunlight beamed down softly onto the cobbled courtyard and you could hear a penny drop – an oasis of calm and tranquillity surrounded by leafy plants and serene beings. The yard offers Finnish-style saunas and there are numerous businesses within its walls, Hózhó being one of them.
Prior to the massage I was given an extensive consultation (as is the norm) while Charlotte asked about my problem areas (old and achy).
The room itself is a cosy, soothing space with plenty of natural light and calming music. As you might expect, there’s a charming Navajo aesthetic and an incredibly comfortable massage bed.
The essential oils are all made in house and Charlotte selected lavender, lemon, neroli and ylang ylang for their calming properties to be used on tired old me. Somehow, I’ve never experienced a full-body massage before, so I had zero expectations. What followed was a blissful hour of expert limb and muscle manipulation I didn’t know I needed. Highlights for me (although the whole experience was great) were feet, hands and neck. I turned over from back to front, becoming floppier by the second. It’s rare to completely switch off for a whole hour and focus only on your own wellbeing, but believe me it was an hour well spent.
If like me, you emerge floating and happy, you’ll be pleased to know Hózhó offers £50 monthly memberships where you receive a massage of your choice once a month (T&Cs apply). Charlotte’s partner in life and business, Glenn, is also a highly trained masseuse and the pair complement each other, offering different styles and techniques, depending on your needs.
You may well see me slithering out of Hózhó on a monthly basis – and next time I’ll stay for a sauna…
