From tranquil massages to detoxifying body wraps, Healthista has found the best spas in London (and just outside) that are worth a visit this year
Through the hustle and bustle of working in any metropolitan city, London at times can be rather overwhelming. The sound of car horns never stop beeping and the social clocks never stop ticking.
Yet the city boasts hundreds of luxury spas in and around London that will transport you from the stress of the office to a serene state of mind.
We rounded up the best spas, from day breaks to overnight stays, to help you find the best places to get some much needed R&R this year.
#1 The Spa at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
Around the corner from Imperial Wharf station lies the 5-star Chelsea Harbour Hotel, which overlooks the beautiful marina and is situated along the River Thames.
With a 17-metre indoor swimming pool and saunas in every changing room, the spa gives their guests every opportunity for ultimate relaxation.
the ‘City Living’ treatment will make you feel like you have escaped the London smog
Written in the name, the ‘City Living’ treatment will make you feel like you have escaped the London smog for the day.
This treatment combines a soothing back massage followed by a facial that is customised to your skin type, all in 50-minutes.
We also opted for the afternoon tea and fizz option to optimise a full day of pampering and unwinding.
#2 Sofitel SPA at London St James
This glamorous old bank turned hotel sits in the centre of central London, just down the road from Piccadilly Circus.
Not only was the interior of the hotel stunning, but the staff were exceptionally on top of things by offering a calming herbal tea before the treatment began.
do not skip out on having the deep relaxation full body massage
As for the treatment, do not skip out on having the deep relaxation full body massage. With tranquil music in a relatively dark room, the therapist worked out all the knots and tension using warm oil from a luxury French brand – so you know its A-list quality.
Post massage, the spa allows you to take full advantage of their “relaxation room”, where you can lay out on one of their giant beds with another herbal tea and biscuit in peace.
Needless to say – relaxed is an understatement.
#3 The Athenaeum Spa Mayfair
With a quaint jacuzzi and sauna room, The Athenaeum Hotel spa offers a wide range of treatments which promote revitalisation and detoxifying elements – the Exalt Wrap treatment being one of them.
This body wrap consisted of a detoxifying gel that heats up under a sheet that is placed from shoulders down to your toes.
For someone who is mildly claustrophobic, this treatment was actually quite relaxing and is supposed to help promote the removal of toxins from your body.
able to to mix and match treatments together
This package that can be purchased on Buy A Gift includes an afternoon tea and scone, post-treatment of your choice.
The best thing about this spa was being able to to mix and match treatments together to get the best of both worlds, meaning a facial and body treatment in one.
#4 Beauty and Melody Spa at the Montcalm Royal London House
In the heart of the banker and tech city lies the Beauty and Melody Spa at the Montcalm Hotel.
This spa boasts a contemporary feel, with the interior of the spa rooms and facilities giving a luxurious feel with a welcoming glass of champagne.
the perfect treatment to cure any sore muscles
After a long week of rigorous fitness classes, the hour long deep tissue massage was the perfect treatment to cure any sore muscles.
Some spas like this one require you to request the preferred gender for your therapist before you come for a treatment, so be sure to do this as it was something we were not aware of before arriving.
#5 The Ardencote Hotel and Spa
This luxury 4-star hotel in Warwickshire is just a two hour drive outside of north London. This is more than a day-break spa, as staying for one night here was not enough to enjoy everything it had to offer.
The rustic building settled on a golf course in the countryside has been there for decades, yet has a very classy feel to it. With both an indoor and outdoor pool, guests are able to utilise the spa pools no matter what time of the year it is.
They had a full range gym equipped with every machine you would need for a workout, and also offer guests fitness classes, a tennis court, squash rooms, and a golf course. Point in case – endless activities to take advantage of.
The beautiful acre of land has places to sit and read a book near the pond or stroll along a leisurely path in the sunshine.
a full body massage which left me feeling completely at ease to the point of catching some z’s
After a quick workout, I popped over to the spa facilities to enjoy a full body massage which left me feeling completely at ease to the point of catching some z’s. That’s how you know it’s a good treatment.
Lunch consisted of a crispy chicken kimchi that was light enough to hold me over until dinner time, where we enjoyed a course of a creamy Hake filet and roasted veg over a bottle of red. There’s also a bar where you can grab a drink and head to the outdoor spa (which I did of course).
It’s safe to say that one night here is not enough.
#6 The Glass House Retreat
If you’re looking for a full detox – and I mean so far as to lock your phone in a safe – then hit up the Glass House Retreat in Upminster.
This contemporary built hotel spa might be hard to get to if you don’t have a car, but it is worth the trek regardless because of the amenities the hotel has to offer – such as pilates classes, outdoor meditation rooms, and a naturally tempered plunge pool.
the deliciously constructed vegan menu will leave you stuffed
Be aware that this is a full detox resort down to the food, but the deliciously constructed vegan menu will leave you stuffed and wanting to come back for seconds.
What impressed me the most about this hotel is the treatments they offer, including a skin scan that analyses the deep layers up to 2mm, so that the therapist may tailor a specific treatment to your facial plus recommend products to implement into your skin routines.
Guests can book the Glass House Retreat as a one day or overnight stay, to unwind with your besties or significant other.
#7 Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa
If we were to rate this beautiful 4-star spa hotel based solely on the staff and the food – it would easily be an 11/10.
After having a nightmare of getting out of London on a Friday afternoon (IYKYK), the staff were incredibly accommodating about making sure our treatments were still ready to go.
I opted for the scalp massage because of time, but Donnington offers a wide variety of treatments, ranging from candle-oil full body massages to warm stone de-stress facials.
beautiful 18-hole golf course that can be accompanied by a post-tee time hot tub and sauna
The interior of the building offers an old English feel, which sets the tone for throwing on a classy outfit for a pre-dinner aperitif. But the main course is the real highlight, as the food was cooked to perfection and contributed to the overall perfect experience of this spa retreat.
If you or your partner are golf lovers, the hotel is situated against a beautiful 18-hole golf course that can be accompanied by a post-tee time hot tub and sauna.
Whether you’re looking for a quick overnight getaway or weekend retreat that is easily accessible from London, then Donnington Valley is the best choice.
#8 The Picadilly London West End Hotel Spa
In the heart of the theatre centre, you will find this glamourous hotel right across from China Town.
Whether you’re a local or staying from out of town, the Picadilly London West End Hotel has the perfect selection of spa treatments that will revitalise your sore muscles from sight seeing in central London.
relaxing start to our Saturday afternoon over a glass of bucks fizz
From facials to spa rituals, we opted for the Swedish massage which worked deep in the tissues without being too abrasive like other deep tissue massages.
Following our treatment we hit up the jacuzzi and sauna for a relaxing start to our Saturday afternoon over a glass of bucks fizz.
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