Spa Review: spa LONDON

Bianca's Beauty Blog was invited to new spa, spa LONDON, ahead of its official launch tomorrow (April 3rd). Blog representative Gillian reports on her experience.

--What does the promo say?--

“spa LONDON provides the perfect escape. Combining the best of traditional, thermal therapies honed over centuries, with leading contemporary treatments, there is nowhere better to indulge yourself and restore harmony to your life. An oasis of calm, where you can leave the stresses and strains of modern life behind you. spa LONDON offers the perfect environment in which to restore both mind and body, lifting your spirits through each experience.”

--The reality--
I arrived at spa LONDON in Marshall Street W1, to a very sunny and as usual busy London town. Situated close to Regent, Oxford & Carnaby Streets it offers the perfect escape and possibly a welcome addition to a perfect girls' day out. The men who work and live in the area will also find that essential pick you up or wind down that is often needed in a busy city life too.

Upon entry, the receptionist on the ground floor telephoned to announce my arrival. This was a nice touch, as despite being early, at the bottom of the stairs (lift also available) I was welcomed by my beauty therapist, the charming Fatima. Knowing that I was there to look around the facility for the first time, I was also introduced to the manageress Lisa, and given the opportunity to look around the thermal spa area and ask questions about the facilities.

I was not disappointed: spa LONDON welcomes its clients to a clean and modern “easy on the eye” environment and a pleasing ambience, with scented candles burning and fresh green apples for the taking. I particularly liked the spacious named treatment rooms, many with showers, and the thoughtful frescos in reception (Peaceful, Energising, Calming, Tranquillity, Serene, Uplifting, and Soothing) and comfortable sofas provided to relax in while awaiting your treatment.

I then embarked upon nearly 2 hours of sheer bliss, which delivered several of the above fresco promises. All the important things were in place: a warm low lit room, enough instruction, privacy and change time to get ready for my treatment. I was also provided with the music of my choice, which could have been my own iPod if I’d liked, and a heated treatment bed; the scene was set.

Firstly I experienced the Spa London Body Massage, £59. Fatima made sure to ask me how I liked my massage - most important for a girl who likes a firm hand and who is prone to bouts of “tickleness”! (If you can’t press hard please don’t touch my neck and feet!) Thankfully what followed was one of the best 50+ minutes ever, with every moment well spent. I have experienced everything from the ex-Army deep muscle massage of a sport physiotherapist to a limp wristed massage which should have been called a body “stroke.” What a joy to experience just what was requested. I’m particularly sure, after my circuit class earlier that morning, my upper back will have really enjoyed this as much as I did. Along with the peppermint aroma of the treatment room I felt relaxed and moisturised all over - heaven. Another bonus following this treatment was that a shoulder joint that I have been experiencing some minor problems with certainly felt better the next day.

Next followed my first Elemis Skin Solutions Modern Skin Facial, £57. I think it’s probably the first facial in which I nearly fell asleep - maybe that was the lavender aroma of one of the products used? Elemis use pure extracts in its products, another being rose, and neither of which was too strong. Whatever this facial delivers it certainly relaxes you, and was extremely enjoyable. In addition your hands, head, arms and neck also get a massage - utter bliss & probably one of the best facials I’ve experienced. Afterwards advice, not sales pressure, was offered. This was welcome and I purchased an Elemis eye mask, which will also be reviewed soon on Bianca's Beauty Blog. The following day, looking in my mega magnifying mirror, the open pores on my nose were most definitely diminished. A few Elemis sachets were also given for trial (some may also be reviewed here at a later date, but only if the samples are big enough to allow this). My one regret was not taking along a hair brush, as this facial included some head massage, so one would have been useful.

Spa LONDON has also decided to offer dedicated male & female times in the Thermal Spa relaxation sauna and steam room areas. What an excellent idea for those of us who still feel that men are from Mars and women from Venus! For those of us who prefer to glow alongside each other, mixed sessions are evening from 4pm to 9pm & and all day at weekends. This ruling does not impact on the private treatment rooms

Spa LONDON W1 has its official launch on the 3rd April between 6 & 9pm. I urge you, be you visitor, worker or resident of W1, to visit; I doubt you will be disappointed. For further infomation, see here.

If you live or work further afield in London, spa LONDON also have venues in York Hall E29, Swiss Cottage NW3, and Wimbledon SW19, as well as in Epsom KT17. If these locations offer therapists with the same skills, I would like to recommend you give them a try also, and see if they offer the same city haven. ENJOY! I did, and although I don’t live in the area I would return, most probably added onto a girls' shopping day.

Prices for treatments can be found here.