Agua Bathhouse and Spa, Mondrian Hotel

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Monday evenings are usually reserved for dance classes or relaxing at home. But a few weeks ago I spent a Monday evening at the Mondrian hotel spa and was utterly enamoured with this underground haven.

The new Mondrian hotel seems to tick every box: excellent location overlooking the river, contemporary and characterful bedrooms, luxury amenities and a destination bar with award-winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana. Initially the spa seems to be a bit of an afterthought, hidden on a quiet lower floor, but after experiencing the retreat I felt it was reason alone to visit this hotel.

Agua Bathhouse and Spa feels exclusive and boutique, with striking design, creative product choices and a carefully curated list of signature treatments. Every detail is fine tuned to make the spa experience faultless and memorable. After admiring the amusing ‘I Love My Muff’ products on offer in the reception I was shown through to the smart changing room area, fully stocked with my favourite Malin & Goetz products. A bowl of thick mud was waiting for me outside the luxurious steam room, and I gladly coated my body in the moisturising mask whilst breathing in the cleansing warm air.

Feeling thoroughly cleansed I went through for my Custom Mondrian massage. The room was simply designed and dimly lit, creating an uncluttered zen atmosphere. I was sandwiched between the softest sheets on the bed and asked about my preference of scent. This treatment uses the Soveral oils, which are blended individually for each customer to create the perfect aromatic oil for your needs. A mix of Lavender, Frankincense and Peppermint was used for me to give a relaxing and soothing effect. It was 50 minutes of bliss, and my brilliant therapist used a range of techniques to target difficult areas of tension in my body. As I left, i was handed a lovely little bottle of the oil to take away and use at home.

After the massage guests are taken through to the relaxation room, a spacious area with reclining beds, magazines and plenty of herbal teas. The staff here go above and beyond the norm to ensure the relaxation experience continues after your treatment. I was given a fluffy duvet, a lovely oriental pot of camomile tea and a hot water bottle… I could have fallen asleep for the night.

Whether you are visiting Agua Bathhouse and Spa for some much needed alone time, or with friends, there are a range of unique and effective options carefully designed to suit every occasion. Next time I visit I am keen to try the sunrise yoga, and for girly groups the mud parties sound unmissable.

More information and book a spa treatment here.

Dandelyan Bar, Mondrian Hotel

Some of London’s most highly regarded cocktail bars are found in the city’s luxury hotels, so I should not be surprised to hear that creative mixologist mastermind, Ryan Chetiyawardana (known as Mr Lyan) would be opening his second bar within a hotel. Known for pushing the boundaries of bartending, Ryan has previously worked behind the counter of some of the most pioneering cocktail joints; he opened his first bar (White Lyan) in Hoxton earlier this year, creating concoctions using no ice or fresh ingredients.

Dandelyan, set in the lavish new Mondrian Hotel on the river has smart hotel staff serving and pouring and sophisticated guests sitting on the luxury bar stools – the atmosphere is completely the opposite of the East London laid-back vibe I experienced in Hoxton. Eager to try Mr Lyan’s newest venture, a group of us swished in on a Monday evening ready to sample a selection of the top drinks, needless to say we had high expectations.

Here, ice and citrus essentials are allowed, but Mr Lyan still ensures the concept and recipes are adventurous and original. The beautifully designed floral cocktail menu splits the drinks into flavour groups: cereal, vegetal, mineral and floral. On the back page a diagram illustrates the main tastes of each drink and whether it is more suitable for daytime or nighttime drinking. We chose six to sip and share, along with a range of tasty bar snacks.

My favourites included the ‘Puffed Grains & Chocolate’ a long Scotch-based drink with a nutty sweet taste and the signature ‘Dandelyan Sour’ which is very easy to drink served in a pretty coupette glass: a botanical taste with a mix of gin, citrus flavours and aromatic garden bitters. For something very light and refreshing the popular ‘Southbank’ is a good bet, an elegant rum-based drink with a nice balance of grapefruit and honey. I also loved the ‘Monroe’, a strong vodka cocktail with lemon, wheat and passionfruit.

Despite the complex and intricate design of these cocktails, there is a drink to suit everyone, whether you are a cocktail fan or not. Mr Lyan is a mixologist magician and this new bar is sure to make Mondrian Hotel a drinking destination.

More information on Dandelyan Bar here.