The Away Spa is just one of the many reasons to visit the W Hotel, one of the coolest places to stay in London. Located at the top of the building, through numerous glass doors, you feel totally secluded and relaxed within these safe walls, oblivious to the chaos of Leicester Square down below.
When I attended an opening at this hotel I was lucky enough to experience a mini massage from the expert therapists, so I couldn’t wait to return and have the whole spa experience. The environment at Away Spa is instantly calming, white décor, dimmed light and soft purring music, it is enough to send you to sleep before the treatment even begins. Just like the rest of the hotel, style and fashion influences are obvious, the layout and materials all feel very luxurious and elegant.
I had a 55 minute AWAY Facial, the signature face treatment with Ela, a fresh faced therapist who was friendly and chatty. Before the treatment began we had a brief discussion to talk about my diet, lifestyle and beauty routine, and how all these affect my skin now and in the future. I was a little scared by her warnings… how the consequences of my lifestyle (albeit very healthy) could change the look and health of my skin in ten years time.
Soon it was time to recline on the warm plush bed, elevated far off the floor you immediately feel like you’re floating. It is a very relaxing and gentle facial with no intrusive or harsh techniques and no extraction. Ela used the natural REN Clean Bio Active Skincare line on my skin, the normal range was suitable as apparently my skin doesn’t vary too much in different areas. I drifted in and out of sleep as my skin was kindly pampered over the next hour. Ela cleansed my skin removing all dirt and makeup and soothing my skin with a hot flannel and massage. The REN products smelt and felt delicious, used in this bespoke facial to achieve the best results. In some facials the stages can feel aggressive, especially exfoliation and masks, but at the AWAY Spa they carefully use the best quality products to hydrate and refresh your skin without aggravating it. Along with the simple steps of the facial, Ela constantly massaged my face and neck to completely relax my upper body, it was heaven.
I’m pleased to report that I experienced no post-facial spot eruptions, a common after-effect from face treatments. The effects were quite the opposite, ultra smooth and soft skin that lasted up to a week after the treatment. Despite being very tired, my skin managed to look radiant thanks to the magic touch of my therapist.
After a blissful hour in the AWAY Spa, I wished I was retiring to one of the beautiful hotel rooms for a little nap.
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