Special London Spa Experiences

Posted on by

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.

NEW Matiere Premiere London Store

Posted on by

new shop

I have an emotional relationship with perfume, it is usually something I invest in when I travel and want to remember a special trip. Recently I’ve loved Xinu from Mexico City, Strange Invisible from LA’s Venice Beach and Fueguia 1833’s collaboration with Fife Arms in Scotland. It’s rare I fall in love with a scent on home turf… but when I heard Matiere Premiere’s story, and founder Aurélien Guichard’s dedication to the brand, I was completely engrossed. So when I discovered they were opening their first London store, I was one of the first through the doors.

In their own words… “Matiere Premiere creates its perfumes from an overdose of a central natural material, cultivated or chosen for its unique strength. Its raw beauty and texture are brought to the forefront, without compromise or artifice.” Aurélien has created a radical perfumery where he cultivates and picks many of his own ingredients (think roses in the flower fields of Grasse) ensuring a scent that is both powerful and alluring, it truly lingers on your skin all day.

In the sleek Scandinavian-style store the minimalist design allows the product to command all the attention. Smell the raw pure ingredients (I fell hard for Coffee Extract from Venezuela), try the perfumes and get invested in the beautiful range of skin and hair products, and the irresistible candles ~ I highly recommend ‘Rose de Mai’ for a flavour of Provence at home.

I recommend you visit to find yourself a new perfume for Spring ~ ‘Vanilla Powder’ is the most iconic in the collection – a sweet and creamy scent that you can’t help but fall in love with, while ‘Encens Suave’ is a more mellow fragrance that reminded me of incense in church. Or pop in and find a gift for someone special with the genius ‘Discovery Set’ ~ you can hand-pick a selection of MP miniatures, and then the recipient can try them out and choose their favourite to invest in.

The Matiere Premiere perfumes are available to buy online, or in store at the new Covent Garden store. More information here.

OVO, Cirque du Soleil, Royal Albert Hall

Posted on by

Cirque du soleil

Everyone remembers their first Cirque du Soleil… I was eight and lucky enough to go with my fun (and generous) grandfather who loved treating his grandchildren to amazing experiences. My siblings and I were spellbound. It is a reaction I have heard echoed in my friend’s accounts of their first Cirque productions – many of these friends now work in theatre. There is quite simply nothing like the scale and spectacle of these incredible circus shows.

OVO is the latest Cirque show to grace the epic Royal Albert Hall stage in London. Watching anything in the round is more immersive but for these circus showcases it works particularly well in this format. The show is inspired by the insect world, tiny creatures have been enlarged and exaggerated into other-worldly animalistic acrobats, larger-than-life comedians, dancers and singers.

I loved the contrast of physical, high-energy acts (bouncing and catapulting high into the air) and the quieter more contemplative performances, immaculate contortion and careful balancing tight-rope walkers. As always the balance is beautiful and the narrative gently ties the acts together in a cohesive show that everyone, of any age will enjoy.

Thirty years on from my first Cirque du Soleil and I was back in the auditorium treating my two little boys to their first, exhilarating Cirque experience, what a special, special show to witness once again, but this time with my fascinated little kids in tow.

More information on OVO here.