For a day spa massage, facial, full body treatment or a relaxing day all about you, read our guide to the best spas in London, including the luxury spas at The Corinthia, The Berkeley and The Connaught. For male grooming salons, please click here.
ESPA Life At The Corinthia
The ESPA at the Corinthia Hotel was voted best Hotel Spa by Condé Nast Traveller in 2012. As soon as you enter this space it is easy to see why, with its dark, opulent interior of black Italian marble and atmospheric mood lighting.
Along with a full list of spa treatments, there is a selection of lifestyle treatments that focus on detox, sleep, weight loss, pregnancy and general vitality.
The ESPA Life features a unique amphitheatre sauna, vitality pool, ice fountain and black mosaic steam room.
I also love the sleep pod area of the changing room where you can relax pre or post treatment at one of the best luxury spas in London.
Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkeley
The Bamford Haybarn Spa brings a taste of the countryside to the 7th and 8th floors of The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with a choice of holistic treatments and massages.
The Bamford Body Signature Treatment consists of shiatsu, meridian and Swedish massage, reflexology and yogic breathing, using Bamford Body Collection products made from organic ingredients.
Discover The Berkeley’s rooftop open-air pool on the 8th floor with sun loungers to bask in the warm weather and admire views of the London skyline. New for 2014, the Bamford Haybarn spa is one of the best new spas in London.
Follow your treatment with lunch at Marcus at The Berkeley or try the famous pret-a-portea afternoon tea.
The Spa at The Four Seasons Park Lane
Sleek, indulgent and luxurious, The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane provides a haven of relaxation for guests.
Located on the tenth floor of the hotel, the spa is a rooftop retreat with breath-taking, 360-degree views over London’s cityscape.
It offers a range of spa rituals and packages, as well as massage, facial and manicure treatments. Each of the nine treatment rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows, and each room is accompanied by its own individual relaxation pod.
I tried the Black Diamond facial, a deep cleaning facial especially designed by HOMMAGE for the male complexion.
Black diamond dust is combined with a rich facial cream to deeply cleanse the face, clear pores and smooth the skin, followed by a face-toning massage.
Make sure to leave time for the sauna where you have fantastic views of London to entertain you.
The Mandarin Oriental
In the depths of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, a world away from the busy streets of Knightsbridge, The Mandarin Oriental Spa comes equipped with extensive heat and water facilities and expert therapists all packaged in a luxurious haven of well-being.
With separate areas for men and women, each space has a vitality pool, sauna and amethyst crystal steam room.
With eight treatment rooms spread over two floors of Asian inspired design and tranquillity, try the signature Oriental Essence massage, which is designed for tired travellers and stressed-out city folk – you will emerge a few hours later feeling totally rejuvenated.
COMO Shambhala At The Metropolitan London
The spa at The Metropolitan Hotel in London is called the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, and it really does feel like an escape. With a simple white design and light wood furniture, it immediately feels peaceful and relaxing.
The set up here is fairly simple in that there is no common lounging area or pool, but that’s part of its charm, making you feel completely at one with just yourself. There are six treatment rooms, two of which are doubles, and two of which have private steam facilities.
Shambhala translates as ‘sacred place of bliss’ and the spa really is true to its words. Try the signature COMO Shambhala massage, the specialised Dr Perricone or Environ facial treatments or the new Celgenics Couture Facial.
Sense Spa At Rosewood London
One of my favourites spas in London before the hotel transformed into the Rosewood London, I’m pleased to say that the facilities have become even better.
Many of the original features remain, including the central relaxation area, the men’s and women’s changing areas with separate steam room and sauna, with the calming sound of water throughout the spa.
The Sense Spa has a range of signature treatments, including the ‘Sense of Self’ featuring a one hour full body massage, one hour facial and hand and foot treatment.
The Spa At The Dorchester
The Spa at The Dorchester exudes art deco glamour with a contemporary edge that ensures both a decadent and luxurious feel throughout.
Alongside this stunning interior is a lengthy list of specialised treatments, including a manicure-pedicure suite and a sleek relaxation room. Make sure to save some time to visit the Spatisserie for some Champagne and cake.
The Club on Park Lane
London Marriott Hotel Park Lane has completed the renovation of their spa, The Club, which features the only hotel pool on Park Lane.
The new interiors include a brand new treatment room, a refurbished steam room, pool, fitness space, reception area and changing rooms. Luxurious materials in neutral colours are featured throughout such as silver wave marble, natural stone and walnut timber.
On offer is a selection of bespoke massages and a range of treatments by AromaWorks. All treatments are tailored to treat the clients’ needs in a tranquil setting – I left feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Agua Spa At Sanderson
The 10,000 square-foot Agua Spa‘s all white décor provides a calming atmosphere for the meditation beds, 14 treatment rooms and chill-out zones.
A labyrinth of ceiling length white curtains form the walls, corridors and pods, within which the procedures are performed. This all culminates in a spa that will ensure a dreamy and almost cloud-like ambiance.
Aman Spa At the Connaught
The Connaught’s Spa is the first Aman Spa outside of an Aman Hotel, bringing an Asian aesthetic and style to Mayfair. With only five treatment rooms, the Aman Spa’s strength is its intimacy and serenity.
All treatments start with a few minutes’ tranquillity over a herbal infusion to help you unwind – treatments are then tailored towards mental and physically well-being with inspiration taken from Chinese, the Americas, Indian and Thai traditions.
The Lanesborough Club and Spa
The Lanesborough Club and Spa‘s décor is luxurious with its glossy wood panels, heavy use of marble and silk wallpaper.
The spa’s facilities include a large gym with personal training by Bodyism, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and a range of thermal treatment rooms.
What remained with me after my visit is that there was such a sense of space and serenity. And what a beautiful space it is.
I tried the deep tissue potali massage, which uses hot stones during the massage to help reduce inflammation and soreness. Designed to improve blood and lymph circulation, but more than anything, deeply relaxing and rejuvenating.
As far as London hotel spas go, The Lanesborough Club and Spa is certainly one of the most luxurious where you could easily lose a whole day to pure pleasure.
Ushvani Spa
Hidden in a residential area in Chelsea is a beautiful spa with a dedicated yoga space attached. Behind the heavy doors of the grade 2 listed Edwarian townhouse is the Ushvani Spa, abundant with elegant touches and radiating tranquillity.
Throughout the spa the hibiscus flower features alongside original carvings and sculptures, which have all been commissioned from craftsmen in Malaysia. Facilities include showers laden with nutmeg and ginger scented hot air and a lovely hydrotherapy pool.
DG Podiatrist, Mayfair
If your feet need some attention, look no further than DG Podiatrist on South Molton Street in Mayfair. Expert podiatrist Dina Gohil offers traditional podiatry with a luxurious twist.
In addition to sorting out the usual problems and full chiropody treatments, she also offer a 60 minute ‘walk the walk’ biochemical treatment to assess your gait, posture and foot function. Contact us to receive 25% off your first treatment.
If you enjoyed this feature on the best luxury spas in London, read our guide to the best male grooming salons, the best luxury hotels in London or perhaps you’re interested in our guide to London hotels with swimming pools?
Note: We were invited to try some of these spas; others we paid for ourselves. Regardless, this is a guide of the venues we would suggest for the best spas in London, based on honest feedback. You can view our editorial policy here.
Thai Square Spa in Covent Garden is another great spa in London. The beautiful design of this spa gives its visitors a full sensory experience. It is a truly indulgent place. If you are looking for traditional Thai treatments in London, then Thai Square Spa is for you.
Thanks for the tip – I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks,
Emyr