London's Best Day Spas

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.

Posh Spas

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.