In need of a stress-relieving massage, Alex Hazell stumbled upon a warm, intimate spa tucked away in London's Mayfair
The scene
Tucked away in the basement of this five-star Radisson Edwardian hotel is the ultimate oasis of calm. The May Fair Spa is small, there are only five treatment rooms plus a spray tan and pedicure room, but perfectly formed. Water features trickle down the dark Burlington slate walls, recessed lighting gives off a gentle glow rather than a harsh glare and, best of all, it feels like I have the whole place to myself.
I'm given a quick guided tour before I'm shown to the changing room, where I don some spa slippers, change into my bikini and wrap myself in the lovely big, soft dressing gown which was waiting in my locker. I then head down to the sauna to for a quick blitz of heat before Poppy, my therapist, comes in to collect me for my treatment.
The treatment
I'd opted for the spa's signature Swedish Massage (£90), which was to die for! It is quite a physical massage in that you are really pummeled and you may feel a little tender the next day, but if you tend to hold tension in your body it's worth every second. Having said that, Poppy assured me that Swedish massage can be tailored for everyone and it can be made much gentler.
While I lay on my front, Poppy began with my feet, moving on to massage my calves and thighs one at a time with long, sweeping movements, pausing every now and again to work more intensely on any areas that felt particularly tight.
Poppy had asked before the massage if I had any problem areas I wanted her to concentrate on and I mentioned that my shoulders felt very knotted and uncomfortable. My back and shoulders then came in for lots of attention, before I rolled over on to my back so Poppy could work on my arms and neck.
Although the massage was firm, it was also very relaxing. I could feel my aching muscles easing off and I was on the verge of sleep for the last 15 minutes of the treatment.
The bed was very comfortable and, as one of the coldest people in the world, I was overjoyed to find it was also heated (note to self to add one of these to my Christmas list). At the end of my 75 minutes I could have happily slept there all night. However, I heard Poppy say she'd wait for me in the relaxation room with a lemon sorbet.
The relaxation room also had heated beds and the sorbet was delicious - definitely a good incentive to lure clients from the treatment rooms. The whole experience was very luxurious and relaxing, just how a spa should be. I'm definitely going back!
The damage
Day spa packages start at £165 and facial treatments start at £90 for one hour. It's certainly not cheap, but prices are fairly similar to other top spas in central London and if my treatment was anything to go by, it's definitely worth it.
May Fair Spa
Radisson Edwardian May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street
London W1J 8LT
020 7915 2826