Hygge Hub wellness centre opens in Littleborough

A new wellness centre has opened on Church Street in Littleborough, bringing the cosy Nordic concept of hygge to the borough.

The Hygge Hub (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) is run by Michelle Claridge, who qualified as a hygge practitioner last year.

Hygge is a Danish concept which became a national trend in 2016: it has no direct English translation, but embodies the feelings of comfort and relaxation, wellbeing and togetherness through enjoying the simple things in life.

Michelle previously worked from a summer house in her garden, having started as a beauty therapist in 2012. She gained a massage qualification in 2018 and is also a qualified baby massage teacher.

She gained her teaching qualification in 2016 while working at a college, and hopes to set a baby massage class up at The Hygge Hub soon. 

 

 

Michelle said: “Previously I worked as a mobile therapist, in a salon, and up until this year, in a summer house in my garden, which I loved. But recently I'd had a yearning for a bigger space that I could bring all of the elements I love together - holistic therapies, teaching and community.  

“I just loved the whole ethos and idea of hygge. I found it really interesting that Danish people are found to be some of the happiest people in the world year after year, and it is thought this has a lot to do with how they embrace hygge into their everyday lives.

“I love the idea of finding the joy in simple things, finding time for comfort and self-care, and prioritising togetherness and community. These are all aspects that I wanted to bring to The Hygge Hub.”

The mum-of-three added: “I have a particular interest in women's health, and pre- and post-natal health and wellbeing, as well as anxiety and stress management. My favourite treatment to do is pregnancy massage as I love chatting to mums-to-be as the whole pregnancy process fascinates me.

“As a mum of three myself, I know how tiring and stressful parenting can be, and I want to encourage the idea that parents (or anyone) can take just a few minutes to incorporate a bit of hygge into their day, to top up their self-care tank.”

The Hygge Hub provides massage, facials, pedicures, reflexology, pregnancy treatments and reiki, plus accredited courses in massage, reflexology and facials.

Michelle plans to offer pamper parties for events like birthdays, baby showers or hen parties, where people can rent the space for a few hours with mini treatments provided.