Tag Archives: relax

Special London Spa Experiences

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August for me has been an opportunity to enjoy London without the constant events, meetings and restaurant openings. I’ve finally got a moment to compile this round up of special spa experiences around the city (something I’m regularly asked about). My favourite places to relax and truly unwind, all within London’s landmark hotels.

Super Luxe Facilities – Four Seasons Tower Bridge

four seasons spa

There is something so grown up and sophisticated about the Four Seasons in Tower Bridge – the impressive high ceilings and grand proportions make it such a calming place to spend time. Downstairs the spa is just the same – elevated and guest experience led with sauna, steam, gym, pool and hydrotherapy options so you can fully relax and unwind.

Personalised massage – my treatment was exactly what you want from a massage – relaxing but invigorating- ironing out the areas of tension while giving my mind an hour of stillness.

Special Feature – Hydrotherapy pool – after my treatment, a short stint in the steam room and a quick 30 lengths I enjoyed the hydrotherapy pools – which is a rare feature in London spas. Then it was back to the well equipped changing rooms for a luxuriously long shower and blow dry, that I never have time for at home.

Spa with a view – Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

shangri-La spa

There are so many reasons to visit the Shangri-La Hotel in London Bridge (beautiful bedrooms, great food and drink options and Borough Market on your doorstop), but there is also a small spa for treatments should you be staying or visiting.

Elemis Treatment – the Elemis massages are located 40 floors up, in big bedrooms that have been transformed into double treatment rooms. I highly recommend the hot stone massage which combines heated rocks (pushing into pressure points) with more traditional massage using fragrant Elemis aromatherapy oils. Jessie worked hard to relieve tension from my head to my toes, it was so relaxing I’m pretty sure I fell asleep at one point. Rising from the treatment bed it was so lovely to be in such a light room with panoramic views of London rather than most spas which are found in the basement!

Special Feature – Skypool – another impressive viewing opportunity… I loved swimming with my head in the clouds. The Skypool is found on the 52nd floor of Shangri-La, for use of hotel / spa guests only.

Spacious subterranean haven – Biome by Corinthia Hotel

corinthia spa

Biome has it all, an expansive award-winning spa within the iconic Corinthia Hotel, it is very much a luxury destination in its own right. The facilities and treatments on offer are unique and varied and there are 17 circular rooms to enjoy them in.

Augustinus Bader The Elixir Facial 90 minutes – I’ve always heard such good things about Augustinus Bader skincare, so I was excited to see the facial treatments listed on the Biome menu. The 90 minute Elixir facial is a full MOT for your face, from micro-needling to collagen masks, deep cleansing and moisturising massage. Most importantly it includes a generous application of the Augutinus Bader advanced technology Elixir serum – which visibly improves fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity, tone and texture, for a more lifted, smooth, youthful-looking complexion. This is the ultimate facial to get before a big occasion, you’ll leave fresher faced than ever.

Special Feature – Sleep pods – if you have enough time after your treatment I highly recommend a trip to the Sleep pod room – a cosy cocoon for deep relaxation.

Review includes some gifted experiences.

One Spa, Edinburgh

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OneSpa_HydropoolOne Spa - Hydropool_Aerial (1)

One Spa in Edinburgh is quite exceptional. Part of the Sheraton Hotel and yet operating as a separate entity, it provides a place for ultimate relaxation in the centre of the busy city.

It took us a while to find the entrance of One Spa, hidden away in the maze of the hotel. This spa and health centre has a range of facilities and treatments to rest and rejuvenate the body, an indulgent retreat for anyone in need of some ‘me time’. Even early on a Sunday morning, the venue was full with hotel guests and local regulars. Sadly the therapists were all booked up weeks in advance, so we were left to our own devices to experience ‘Escape at One’.

Escape at One gives guests the opportunity to spend up to three hours creating their own spa ritual. Changed out of my wintry clothes and wrapped up in a cosy towelling robe, I was ready to go! I used the time to enjoy the impressive thermal suite which I found balanced my body, cleansing the skin and clearing my mind. There are a range of exotic rooms – hot, cool, steamy and humid. The circuit is designed to sooth and refresh, a calm and tranquil place to unwind.

After the thermal journey, I energised my muscles with lengths in the pool and then immersed myself in the hydro-pool. This high tech pool is half indoor and half outdoor with various jets to invigorate the body’s essential core. It is rare to find a spa with hydro-pool facilities, so I took the opportunity to relish this specialist experience.

If you do manage to book a treatment there are plenty of special, unique offerings to choose from, many of which use the lovely and luxurious ESPA products. Those feeling peckish can replenish and hydrate in the café where they sell deli-style sandwiches and freshly squeezed juices.

When it was time to face the bitter outdoors again, I found my mood uplifted and my body recharged from head to toe.

More information and book a treatment here.

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, Istanbul

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If you go for one hammam in Istanbul, make sure it is at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami. This historic Turkish bath was restored to its former glory eighteen months ago. Dating back to the 1580s, this building has a long and intriguing story to tell. Designed originally by Mimar Sinan, it fell into ruin and it wasn’t until 2005 that Ergin Iren saved this special place as a seven year restoration project. The palatial establishment reopened in 2012 and is now pristine and immaculate in its every detail, the design is simple and minimalist and every aspect is luxurious. It was a great pleasure for me to be able to go inside and experience a tradition that is so important in Turkey’s culture.

It is located in the trendy Karakoy district which with many hip cafes and boutiques is a great area to explore. Before the renovation the bath was only open for men to use. They would come after work or prayer in the mosque to cleanse and socialise. Women are no longer deprived of this treat – since reopening there are allocated hours for men and women to visit separately, they receive the same treatment with staff of the same sex.

I immediately felt a sense of serenity when I entered the cool and calm domed building. The pale refined interior has tables and sofas arranged around a central trickling fountain, all to help you to relax and recuperate. First you are brought a glass of homemade plum juice, a sweet, comforting drink made by the owner’s mother I was told. Then you are given a key and instructed to go upstairs where small changing rooms are arranged with everything you need, and lockers for your possessions. Inside the hammam you are dowsed with warm water and left to lie on the central circular warm stone platform, women were sprawled across it in all positions when I visited, I opted for lying on my back and letting the warm humid air fill my lungs and regulate my breathing. After 20 minutes the staff will scrub you clean and lather you with moisturising soap, washing your face and hair with specialist lotions and potions.

After the session you are wrapped in soft clean towels and guided back to the main entrance. Feeling dehydrated, I gulped down a delicious homemade lemonade wonderfully flavoured with lemon zest. I could have slept there for an hour, I felt so completely relaxed and at ease. Leaving this temple-like building to return to the summer heat outside, I realised how soft and supple my skin was. I felt fresher and cleaner than ever before, and my mind felt much clearer. Revitalising and refreshing, I only wish this kind of spa treatment was more readily available in the UK.

More information here: kilicalipasahamami.com