Whether you live in London or are just visiting, day spas are a great way to work out the kinks, beautify your body and relax your mind.
Choose the type of experience you're looking for, or browse them all for the latest treatments and trends. Reported by Catherine Archer, Ronita Dutta, Jennifer Howze, Joy Iverson and Tara King.
Blisslondon
60 Sloane Avenue, London SW3 3DD
Neighbourhood: Kensington
Tube: South Kensington
Tel: 020 7584 3888
www.blissworld.com
The scene
Bliss was born in New York City and its vibe is pure Manhattan. On the ground floor, crisply dressed customers sit at four mani-pedi stations, getting their rough edges sanded while leafing through magazines or sipping smoothies. Around them the store buzzes with shoppers. Downstairs, therapists perform services like the Quadruple Thighpass (an anticellulite treatment), Enwrapture (an essential oil wrap) and Muddsage (a mud rub and salt scrub). The spa is compact - best suited to treatment junkies than socialise-and-spa groups.
Star treatments
The spa is renowned for its oxygen facials, reputed to leave skin glowing. I had the basic version (£90). As Ella Fitzgerald sang in the background, my therapist squeezed the spots on my chin and massaged in cream after cream (I lost count after dozing off). When I awoke, my skin looked less irritated and has stayed that way for days. Another tempting treatment is the Hangover Herbie - a complexion-booster and foot massage, served up with a smoothie. The stock of products ranges from Bliss cosmetics and skin-care potions to French brand Remède (the Translucent UK Coat for Faces, with SPF 30, is fabulous).
The cost
Some say this spa is too pricey, but we know folks who value a regular appointment over their favourite Manolos. The 70-minute facials start at £90, combination treatments start at £100 and most body treatments range from £70 to £120.
Agua at Sanderson
50 Berners Street, London W1T 2NG
Neighbourhood: West End
Tube station: Oxford Street
Tel: 0207 300 1414
www.sandersonlondon.com
The scene
Billowing white material drapes from ceiling to floor throughout Agua, on the second floor of the Sanderson hotel. As a result, the atmosphere at this Ian Schrager-designed spa is a combination of ethereal serenity and school sanitorium. The sounds of a burbling water feature and whispered murmurs carry through the space. While I waited in the central relaxation area, I kept imagining a well-starched nurse popping her head round the curtain to check on me. In fact, later during my visit, someone did. An American man fumbled into my private post-treatment booth, which contained a chaise longue and a mini-tv with headphones. Luckily I was well-covered and feeling so relaxed I wouldn't have minded a gaggle of tourists having a nose. It felt like just another element in the unreal atmosphere of this studiedly serene spa.
Star treatments
Massages are the most popular treatments here, especially with the international traveller scene. I had the Rose Renew Complete Face and Body (£130). After two hours of heavenly treatment, I wafted out floating on air and smelling of roses, with skin that glowed for days afterwards.
The cost
Massages and facials start at around £70, manicures at £30 and day packages at £145. The spa is pricey, but for an insight into one of the hippest hotels in London, it's worth it. Agua is exclusive but not snobby, and you are made to feel very welcome by the lovely staff.
Spa NK
*SPAce.NK,
127-131 Westbourne Grove, London W24UP
Neighbourhood: Notting Hill
Tube station: Bayswater or Westbourne Park
020 7727 8002
www.spa-nk.com, enquiries@spa-nk.com
The scene
Spa NK is designed as a peaceful yet energising day retreat aimed at promoting inner quiet and enhanced personal well-being. Low lighting and neutral colours conspire to create a serene mood, yet the friendly staff save the experience from overwrought solemnity. In the spacious treatment rooms you can choose the music and incense oils you want during your treatment. I spotted a group of girlfriends while changing and liked the idea of coming with pals for some group relaxation.
Star treatments
I had the LaStone therapy (£75), in which the therapist used a combination of hot and cold basalt stones to massage the body. Some of the stones were extremely hot, which made the cold ones a bit of a shock. Together they created a totally invigorating experience.
The cost
Facials start at around £50 and can go up to almost £100. The more expensive facials last for an hour and a half, on top of your consultation and relaxation period. The body treatments and massages are around the same price so if you're going for relaxation and treatment per inch, they're practically a bargain.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Neighbourhood: Knightsbridge
Tube station: Knightsbridge
020 7838 9888
http://www.mandarinoriental.com
The scene
The Mandarin Oriental Spa, housed in the hotel of the same name, brings together attention to detail with a spa mood as tranquil as the countenance of a Buddhist monk. Upon entering the spa's reception area, I was offered spa sandals on a tray alongside a fresh orchid, before being ushered into the changing room. Around the corner are the Sanarium (a rainforest-hot steam room), the Vitality Pool (with ah-inspiring alternating hydrotherapy body jets) and a multi-jet shower.
After trying out the pool and steam room, I could have spent more time in the Zen Relaxation Area drinking juice and zoning out to the colour therapy lights. But my therapist whisked me off for a Rebalancing Aromatherapy Facial (£80). While the facial didn't include extraction, it did include a head massage that made my tongue loll and my eyes roll back in my head. A short rest, a luxurious shower and a big glass of water later and I was ready to book a room upstairs overlooking Hyde Park for the rest of the afternoon.
Star treatments
The spa offers a full menu of treatments, including beauty services like waxing and eyelash-tinting. Guests are encouraged to book time rather than specific treatments. The idea is that the therapist will tailor a 'ritual' to meet your needs. There is a two-hour time slot minimum. Most of the offerings have an Eastern bent, focusing on chakras and with names like Ayurvedic Holistic Body Treatment, Oriental Head Massage, and Detoxifying Sea of Senses. Every treatment starts and finishes with the chime of Tibetan cymbals - a little corny, yes, but oddly relaxing as well. The spa uses E'SPA products.
The cost
An hour slot costs £80, with a two-hour minimum. You can, however, book specific treatments. Body, face and hand treatments range from £40 to £265; beauty services start at £20.
Elemis Day Spa
2-3 Lancashire Court, London W1S 1EX
Neighbourhood: Mayfair
Tube stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus
020 8909 5060
http://www.elemis.com, elemisdayspa@elemis.com
The scene: Tucked into a trendy little cobblestoned courtyard alongside the Versace boutique and trendy bar and restaurant Hush, this day spa prides itself on providing a sensory experience for customers and exotic 'rituals' from places like Morocco, Thailand, India and Polynesia. The effect is an unusual East-meets-West vibe. The waiting room has a Western chic-ness with contemporary furniture and a stock of gorgeous coffee table books. Meanwhile, therapists wear black, Eastern-tailored uniforms and pad around in bare feet. Speciality treatment rooms include the Moroccan Moorish Suite with the heated Rasul room and the Balinese Suite with its slipper bath (pictured above).
Star treatments
The exotic rituals prove the most tempting: the Balinese Boreh Hot Spice Therapy uses clove, ginger, pepper and nutmeg to ease aches; the Japanese Silk Booster Facial combats the signs of aging with silk protein; and the Hawaiian Wave Four Hands Massage...well, do I really need to explain the appeal of that one? I had the Nurturing Massage for Mother-to-Be (£90 for 1 hour 15 mins). The therapist helped me lower myself into a low, sculpted beanbag and gently stroked my arms, legs and back while I lay first on one side then the other. My back thanked her for days afterwards.
The cost
The prices are as upscale as the location, so bring your credit card. Treatments start at £70.
The Sanctuary
12 Floral Street, London WC2E 9DH
Neighborhood: Covent Garden
Tube stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square
0870 770 3350
www.thesanctuary.co.uk
The scene
The Sanctuary is the grande dame of London spas: classic and storied, if looking a little Miss Havisham around the edges, despite a recent renovation. Still, I felt like I'd stumbled into a glorious combination of sorority and harem. Women wander around in robes and swimsuits; snooze and read in the Koi Carp lounge (beside a large pool of the Japanese fish); and blithely go from treatment rooms to sauna, swimming pools, restaurant and back again. I had a relaxing half-day that included a swim, lunch in the revamped restaurant, a heavenly foot treatment, a nap, another paddle round the pool and finally some tea and cake in the new upstairs lounge. The best way to enjoy the spa is to go with a friend or three, book a half-day or day pass and slot in your favourite treatments. Don't forget to bring flip-flops; the spa doesn't supply any.
Star treatments
The swing above the Atrium Pool practically has mythological status. While it's too close to the water for energetic to-ing and fro-ing, women of all ages have a go on it. My Marma Foot Treatment (£28) lasted only half an hour but was the most relaxing and luxurious I've had in recent memory. And a friend loved her Hot Sugar Body Polish (£49).
The cost
An evening pass for the spa facilities is £40; a full-day pass starts at £60. Multi-day passes are available. Treatments start from £25.
Champneys Piccadilly
21A Piccadilly, London W1V 0BH
Neighbourhood: West End
Tube station: Piccadilly Circus
Tel: 020 7255 8000, 08703 300 300
http://www.champneys.com
The scene
Behind a discreet wooden door on London's hectic Piccadilly thoroughfare, Champney's entrance hall welcomes visitors in grandiose style - all deep reds and creams, adorned with fake Grecian sculptures. The spa itself is located in the basement and in the dimly-lit, narrow corridors, it's easy to lose your bearings at first. Once inside, you find a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, mixed spa pool, and ladies' sauna and steam room, complete with cold plunge pool and loungers. The piece de resistance is the ornate Grecian swimming pool. During the weekend, clients are a mixture of hotel guests and nouveau riche out for a day of pampering. During the week, the club caters more to corporate guests.
Services
People come here for an array of treatments; product lines include Carita, Clarins, Decléor and Elemis. I had the Decléor prescription facial (55 minutes for £49) and a 25-minute manicure (£22), both of which were superb. One of the best things about the well-designed changing rooms is the limitless supply of robes and towels - very handy when you're popping in and out of the pool or sauna. If you're feeling peckish, the attached restaurant serves reasonably priced hot and cold snacks all day.
The cost
Use of Champney's Piccadilly facilities is free for guests of the Meridian Hotel. Otherwise, prices vary for access and treatments. You'll also need a pound coin for the locker room, which is refundable.
Ironmonger Row Baths
Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QF
Neighbourhood: East Central
Tube stations: Old Street, Angel, Barbican
020 7253 4011
www.aquaterra.org
The scene
The baths, housed in a grand 1930s building, take you back to an old-worlde atmosphere of community and fraternity. Mothers come to escape their families for a few hours, and senior citizen socialise in the laundry rooms. Low lighting and dark wood create a quiet and relaxed mood in the changing and rest areas, and the baths themselves are a tranquil and refreshing experience. Although there are plenty of regulars, newcomers are welcomed, and eager staff will assist you in the Turkish Baths downstairs if you're not sure of what to do. You can take the baths with or without a bathing suit, but do bring a towel. The facilities, which are clean and safe throughout, are run by a charity dedicated to improving leisure in the area, and as a result represent great value.
Star treatments
The crown jewel of the facility is its modern 30.5-metre pool. Start off here for some exercise, then go on to the steam room (you can request to have the temperature adjusted) for about 10 minutes. From there, you have a choice of three hot rooms to bring your body temperature down before taking a splash in the icy plunge pool. There are marble slabs available for massage and body scrubbing, which you can book before your visit or upon your arrival from one of the independent, licensed therapists who operate in the Baths. Finish off on a bed and have a snooze if you wish, and repeat the process as often as you like. A normal visit lasts two to three hours.
The cost
Prices are up to £10 for a session, depending on the time of day and include a swim when the pool is available. An additional refundable deposit may be required for towels plus a coin or two for the lockers. Massage and body scrubs are extra but affordable, costing from £5 to £50.
Alternative
Hydrohealing, London
Hydrohealing
This Notting Hill-based spa, developed by two pharmacists, eschews beauty services for treatments organized around a water theme - water cellulite massage, colonic irrigation, flotation therapy and more. Find out how iVillage rated it.
Find more great spas around the country plus reviews and tips on our Spa Central page
216a Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill
London W11 1NR
020 7727 2570
info@hydrohealing.com
www.hydrohealing.com