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Swedish Massage at the May Fair Spa

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.

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