LONDON LIFE • January 2019
With Christmas festivites in full swing, we're thinking ahead to the hard-earned recuperation that'll ease you back into the daily grind. For some prime ‘you time’, indulge in one of The Club's favourite London spas, equipped with outstanding facilities and a swathe of curative treatments
A sanctuary of polished marble and gleaming mosaic, this exquisite spa reflects London’s ancient Roman history using statuesque columns and the colour palette of ancient materials, paired with uncommonly spacious facilities. Among these is a 14-metre heated pool and impressive hydrotherapy pools featuring high-pressure jet showers and exuberant bubble machines. For some post-treatment indulgence, book into the hotel’s Asian-inspired restaurant, Mei Ume for a meal to remember.
Dream treatment: The spa has its own Hammam suite, dome shaped and clad in soothing grey marble and mother of pearl. Here, guests are scrubbed and lathered in detoxifying marocMaroc body balms and orange flower water.
The spa at The Lanesborough is an underground labyrinth of dark and light wood panelling concealing a collection of sumptuous treatment and relaxation rooms. The devil is in the detail, from the dried fruit and tea in the cocoon-shaped lounge, to the oval lights suspended above day beds next to the energising hydropool. Spa butlers are on hand for any requests, from more tea to extra towels, and the changing facilities and hot rooms don’t disappoint.
Dream treatment: The Travellers’ Tale package, with its energising scrub and mineral wrap, facial pressure-point massage and an hour-long personalised massage, is just the tonic for weary limbs after a long flight, or a day of sightseeing.
Space-age utopia meets modern art show – the agua Spa at Mondrian London’s plush pearl and bronze tones begin to beguile from the moment you step in. Once robed up, curving floors and bright-white walls create a passageway to the treatment rooms, steam rooms and a showstopper of a Spa Lounge – centred around Mondrian designer Tom Dixon’s copper teardrop sculpture (pictured). Relax here post-treatment before heading to the rooftop Rumpus Room for a Milk Pays the Bills non-alcholic cocktail, fixed with fresh pineapple and enriched almond milk.
Dream treatment: Book in for the hot oil envelopment. It’s a deep massage combined with the heavy warmth of hot towels, lavender oils and an all-over body scrub that’ll leave you feeling brand new.
From the onyx-black pool to the gently illuminated bonsais, The Connaught – home to the now two-Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – has lent much investment to its beautifully crafted spa. The Aman Spa at The Connaught is a purist’s playground – no Jacuzzi, no sauna – just a pool, treatment rooms and a (crystal) steam room. This, however, combined with an extensive selection of holistic and beauty treatments, is more than enough for a luxurious afternoon of epic proportions.
Dream treatment: A signature session, Grounding Journey makes efforts to do just that – grounding and settling you into a place of total connection and contentment with a massage ritual, body polish and facial, all in one three-hour soothe-fest.
An oasis of bamboo walls and water features, the Rosewood’s urban spa covers a vast 3,300sqm including sleep pods, a restaurant and thermal floor area, with a lengthy treatment menu that spans jet-lag massages and manicures to maternity treatments and facials. Relaxation rooms have individual coves with cushions and blankets where you can fall into a restorative slumber post-treatment, while the dark lights and crackling fire calms the senses.
Dream treatment: The Detox massage is sublime, using firm pressure to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic circulation, a must for those who suffer from back pain.
This article has been tagged Destination, Wellbeing
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