Want to treat yourself to a knot-melting massage or go all out with a lavish head to toe treatment? London is home to a variety of luxury spas that offer massages, beauty treatments and even well-equipped fitness centres and heated lap pools. If you’re looking for the very best London spas around, here are seven options that are worthy of attention in 2022.
1. Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre
It’s hard to believe that a calming sanctuary can be found in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, but London has its way of concealing even the shiniest of gems. In the basement of the luxurious Hotel Café Royal, you’ll find this enchanting London spa Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre.
The entire facility is huge, and we found ourselves able to pass an entire day here with no trouble at all. There is a sizeable gym to energise and tone up, meditation quarters to cool down, and a number of treatment rooms if you require pampering. There is also a private hammam for purifying scrubs and massages and a Vichy shower for cleansing hydrotherapy rituals. Best part: the huge lap pool, lit to perfection – it’s a setting designed for arty selfies.
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
4. The Mandarin Oriental Spa
The Mandarin Oriental worldwide is renowned for elegance and glamour, and of course, the London branch is no different. The Mandarin Oriental Spa at Hyde Park hotel is tailored to the cosmopolitan, luxury traveller. The 17-m twin-lane, heated swimming pool is the best dip you could imagine taking, and there is an intimate yoga studio for session bookings. The spa also offers a couple’s suite and an exclusive Mandarin Oriental Spa Wellness & Beauty concept, offering cosmeceutical and therapeutic treatments for both men and women.
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge
5. Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkeley
Up on the seventh floor of this exquisite hotel lies a lush London spa that’s is a haven of relaxation. The Bamford Haybarn Spa uses British-made formulas from Bamford and Oskia for all body treatments and facials, to provide pampering fit for English royalty. After that, enjoy the relaxation spots which are the best we’ve ever seen: there is a glorious pool with views of the city skyline and Hyde Park treetops, and on sunny days, you can relax on the sun loungers among lush greens in the top secret garden.
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge
6. The Spa at InterContinental London – The O2
If you find yourself attending a concert or big event in London, then chances are it will be at the legendary O2 Arena. Rather than having to get back to a central hotel, check in and rejuvenate at this swish London spa, located within the venue. The Spa is designed to heighten all of your senses as you slow down from a hectic evening. It features a 17m indoor swimming pool, a relaxation pool fitted with cannon neck massage jets, and a sauna and steam room with an invigorating ice fountain.
There are eight treatment rooms and a relaxation lounge serving herbal teas, fruit-infused mineral water and a healthy food menu. The spa has a range of bespoke signature treatments including the Meridian Time Ritual, which includes a marine mask wrap, massage and ESPA facial.
Nearest tube: North Greenwich
7. The Away Spa at W London
Big night out in the West End? The Away Spa at the W in Leicester Square, famed for its A-List treatments, is here to the rescue. The Celebrity Therapist treatment sees a team of star therapists get you red-carpet ready from top to toe, from your hair to a body tan. Need a happy boost? The Colour Therapy Massage treatment has you choose from five colours, each represented by an emotion you wish to gain from the session. Check out the FIT gym area with its sauna-and-steam room if you want to squeeze in a body confidence-boosting workout before the big night.
Nearest tube: Leicester Square
PHOTOS: AKASHA HOLISTIC WELLBEING CENTRE FACEBOOK, INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON THE O2 FACEBOOK, GRACE BELGRAVIA, THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL SPA, THE BERKELEY, W LONDON
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
