Tag Archives: spa

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.

Edward James Salon, Putney

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Putney is not an area of London I venture to often, but a day at the Edward James salon and spa was an invitation I could not turn down. Since my 6 months of travelling I have really let my hair slip, with fewer cuts and even less colour maintenance. So it was definitely time for a re-haul and drastic new look.

Edward James salon

I felt instantly at home when I walked through the door of the EJ salon. After battling through the gale force winds, the lovely team sat me downstairs with a glass of water and introduced me to Shermia, my therapist for the morning.

Edward James loves the Aveda ranges, for skin and hair, and the collection is used in the salon and spa parts of his business. Natural and nourishing, the Aveda products aim to restore balance to the five elements holistically (sight, smell, sound, taste, touch) with their pure aromas and plant-based ingredients.

Edward James salon

Shermia was wonderful. Starting with a facial, she thoroughly examined my skin, identifying the areas of concern (major dehydration) and how she could combat this in the treatment. Using the Aveda range she deeply cleansed and polished my skin, removing all dirt and impurities, before replenishing the skin with moisture and hydration.

Next came the back massage. The confidence and strength in Shermia’s hands relaxed my muscles in seconds and I felt enormous relief as she soothed the knots in my shoulders and lower back. She seemed to know my body and worked wonders on every inch of my back. It was, quite possibly, the best massage of my life, and I didn’t want it to end!

Edward James salon

Almost asleep and in a state of blissful calm I was led upstairs for my hair makeover. Edward came over and we chatted through the different possibilities for my hair cut and colour. Despite his reputation and prestige, Edward is down to earth and very likeable, we chatted about everything from celebrity hairstyles to family holidays.

We decided to cut a decent amount off the length and darken the colour to a more natural shade. Aveda is brilliant for glossy brown shades and I felt in safe hands with this colour range. Edward efficiently coloured the roots, carefully concealing any stray greys and dulled down my brassy bright blonde tips. For the cut he snipped away at the length and added in some feathered layers to add shape and body, and trimmed the front pieces to frame my face.

It is a joy to witness Edward’s instinct with hair. Both cutting and colouring come so naturally to him that you always feel in very safe hands while he is transforming your hair.

Edward James salon

Hot drinks and moreish biscuits were delivered regularly, while I sat lazily and let the staff pamper me. In between cut and colour, a lovely girl came over to give me an extra hand massage, and I was amazed to discover that every customer gets a mini head & shoulder massage before their hair cut. The idea is to give everyone a fully relaxing experience, and it seems to work, the salon has a jovial and zen feel with both staff and customers having an enjoyable time.

Edward James salon

I’m not the selfie type, but proud of my new hair I excitedly sent round selfies to my phonebook, showcasing my new look… Thank you Edward James for my fabulous new hair and a totally wonderful day in your salon.

More information and book an appointment here.

The Gallivant, Rye

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There seems to be a growing enthusiasm for British travel, and I feel like 2017 is a great year to explore the lesser known areas of England. Recently I spent a night in Rye, a charming town just 90 minutes drive from London. Our base for the weekend was The Gallivant, a perfectly quaint boutique hotel, minutes away from the stunning Camber Sands stretch of beach.

Rye

There are many things to see and do in Rye; I recommend walking down the picturesque Mermaid Street, grabbing high-quality coffee at Edith’s House and splurging on vintage kitchen accessories at Crock & Cosy. After a morning exploring the tearooms and antique shops of Rye, we headed to The Gallivant for a relaxing weekend.

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There are 20 rooms at The Gallivant and many have recently been refreshed and redecorated. We were in Room 8, which was small but perfectly arranged. There is a subtle nautical theme throughout the rooms at the Gallivant, hinting at the beachside location. The interiors feel luxurious thanks to the lovely materials used… white marble table tops and soft indulgent bedding. Quirky features like the vintage bedside telephones and mini library of books add character to the rooms.

Gallivant Hotel

I was delighted to find a large bath complete with generous bottles of Bramley products. The Bramley collection are all natural and handmade in the South West of England. After a blissfully long bath I wrapped up in the fluffy white towelling robes provided by The Gallivant for guest use.

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The Gallivant restaurant serves comforting dishes with an emphasis on fresh local produce. When we sat down for lunch I was impressed to see a food map on the table detailing where all the fruit & vegetables, meat & fish and wine has come from (most of which is within a 10 mile radius!). Everything we ate was delicious, from spiced roast parsnip soup to the dried aged Sussex Red beef sirloin. The kitchen really respect the ingredients they have, creating simple but sophisticated recipes. Don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding for dessert!

Gallivant Hotel

After a long and refreshing sleep, breakfast was enjoyed from the comfort of our own room. The cute window seats are perfect for morning snacking, we feasted on freshly made Waffles with banana and decadent Eggs Benedict, while watching the sun rise around us.

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Within the garden of the Gallivant is the newly opened Beach Hut, a peaceful oasis for guests to enjoy spa treatments. I embraced the opportunity to be pampered for an hour, and felt my body de-stress while therapist Billie massaged my back and scalp with the Natural Spa Factory products.

The Gallivant is not far from the city, but offers busy city dwellers the opportunity to truly relax away from their busy everyday lives. With great food and new spa offerings, this boutique British retreat ticks every box.

More information and book a room at The Gallivant here.