2017 is a daunting thought and you’re probably stressing out over all the things yet to come over the next 11 months. We’ve looked back on the fantastic year we’ve had, with the new breakfast room and whatever else, so we are very much looking forward to the year ahead. But of course, it’s been very hard work! If you feel the same, perhaps it’s time you had a little bit of pamper time to recharge and get ready for all that’s ahead this year. There’s nothing wrong with having some you time now and again and despite London’s manic daily life, you can still find some tranquillity within the walls at these simply perfect spas that cater for your every need.
Day Spas
Let’s take Piccadilly Circus as one of the calmest places in London (maybe at 4am on a Sunday morning). Once you’ve weaved through the crowds to reach the wooden doors of Akasha Spa, you can leave the busy world behind and wander along the shiny marble hallways into peace and quiet. Float along the 18-metre pool lit up with magical mood lighting, bubble in the jacuzzi and why not opt for a 50-minute session of hydrotherapy, meditation and massage just to leave you feeling totally refreshed. For a tropical experience, the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair is home to the utterly luxurious Aman Spa, which resembles a beautiful Malaysian beach spa, so that you feel like you’re on holiday (though just for one day). Lie yourself down on a heated bed with a warm towel over you, choose oils from the continent of your choice and enjoy a soothing massage that sends your worries away! The swimming pool is glorious, tiled elegantly with a waterfall filling the room with gentle background sound, perfect for a day’s chill out. Lastly on the day spa list is Berkeley Spa not far from our front door in Belgravia and is a popular choice for celebrities. With a swimming pool overlooking Hyde Park and an impressive selection of facial and beauty treatments, this really sets the pamper scale high. Spend your day in the minimal and chic environment being treated like royalty, by indulging in a range of massage treatments, such as the hot stone massage and even the Gold Fine Body Wrap, which is a special champagne-related skin treatment (not for drinking, sorry!)
On a budget, or in a rush?
Thankfully, treating yourself doesn’t have to bruise your bank account or take up a whole day, there are plenty of affordable spas in London that can pamper without a big price tag. You can still enjoy some relaxation at the House of Elemis in Mayfair that is a cute designed spa for those who fancy a lunchtime or after work chill out. A wide range of treatments from full facials to massages is perfect to squeeze in some quiet time during your hectic day and the stylish, yet unwinding setting will definitely help you to quickly feel comfortable. The award-winning K West spa in Shepherds Bush is the ultimate cool, calming and chilled destination. Hit the gym for a sweat session before heading to relax in the herbal steam room… or go to the other extreme and cool down in the snow room! A spa experience with a light lunch included at the K West spa comes to a very affordable £65, so you’ll be feeling more relaxed and less guilty. Spa London in Bethnal Green is the definition of an affordable spa experience in the capital and offers great value treatments, such as Head in the Clouds massage and Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow. Together with a gorgeous Turkish plunge pool, it’ll be hard not to go back there every day!
The most luxurious of the luxurious
On the other end of the scale, we have the most sumptuous spas in the city, where you can guarantee the most special treatment possible that will leave you dreaming about it for days. The latest spa opening is the Chuan Spa in Marylebone, a Chinese medicine centre where apparently 50% of guests fall asleep during their treatments! Experience the signature Chuan Balancing treatment which aims to detoxify and stimulate pressure points in the body and be scrubbed and lathered until you feel fully nurtured. After, soak up in the vitality pool and breathe easy in the Himalayan sea salt sauna which is beautifully lit with an orange glow. ESPA Life at the Corinthia in Whitehall is the ultimate escape from real-life, shutting the world away in its window-less and low-lit haven. This spa is four floors of luxurious bliss, perfect for banishing any sign of stress and its lavishly cream-washed halls will guide you to the indulgent heaven. The Thermal Suite is a beautiful oasis, with a steam room, swimming pool, ice fountain and heat loungers; almost impossible to tear yourself away before choosing from a menu of relaxation treatments and maybe even getting a new hairstyle in the Daniel Galvin Hair Salon. You name it, ESPA’s got it.
A Valentine’s Treat?
Does your partner need a day of pampering? Valentine’s Day is perfect to surprise your special other with a relaxing getaway, leaving them feeling on top of the world. Remember that the Georgian House is ready to complete the experience and ‘wow’ your loved one a little bit more. A romantic champagne afternoon tea, chocolate dipped strawberries maybe? Add these to your booking and sweep them off their feet, find out more below!