You wouldn’t expect to find a spa in Pimlico, an austere part of London I only know through regular visits to Tate Britain. The Dolphin Spa is a new reason to visit this Victoria Line stop… it is one of the most gorgeous beauty havens I have ever experienced. Based entirely around Moroccan beauty rituals and treatments, the Dolphin Spa has inimitable character and style, careful detailing and luxurious features.
It is located in Dolphin Square, within a landmark apartment building, set around three and a half acres of private gardens. I arrived on a Tuesday afternoon for a bespoke facial. Finding myself completely mesmerised by the beautifully calming rooms, I ended up staying all afternoon to relax, drink soothing citrus tea and nibble on pistachio nuts and dates while lying on a warm stone sun lounger. Even the changing rooms are divine with rolled towels, wrapped cubes of organic soap and all kinds of lotions and potions to use at your leisure.
After changing, I was invited into a lovely room to wait for my therapist. Here your hands are doused in warm cleansing water – just one of the extra little rituals that make the Dolphin Spa so special and unique. Through wooden doors and down a red velvet carpet, I was led to one of the many treatment rooms; again the beautiful décor was immediately noticeable, a tiny glass of steaming Moroccan mint tea awaited me on the bed, and a bowl of warm frothy petal-covered water was on the floor ready for my tired feet.
The bespoke facial was tailored entirely to my needs, Sinead patiently listened to all my specifications before suggesting a list of suitable treatments. We decided on using the Dr Murad prescriptive products which Sinead recommended for most skin types, and thought would really benefit my skin. I had the Glycolic peel – a very effective fruit acid treatment that removes layers of dead skin, along with refreshing cleanser, hydrating toner, extractions, an ultra soothing mask with an extra eye-firming mask, sheer lustre moisturiser and renewing eye cream. Sinead applied the cream with care and attention, massaging my hair and face so that I fell into a deep state of relaxation, almost asleep but not quite! The Glycolic peel was the most revolutionary part of the treatment, it made my skin glow like I have never seen before, a brilliant option before going on holiday to remove dull, dead skin. For me it was the perfect pre-party treatment. While the masks dried, Sinead massaged my feet, an extra treat to help me feel relaxed from head to toe.
The Dolphin Spa captures the essence of Morocco and provides an environment to totally calm mind and body. A trip to the Dolphin Spa will leave you feeling relaxed, balanced, healthy, cleansed and happy, the perfect place to take time out from a busy London life.
Visit the Dolphin Spa website here to book now.