The pandemic has meant that several places have had to close temporarily, but many have now reopened for business with certain safety measures in place. Here are five of the best spas in London.
From invigorating plunge pools to full-body massages, London is home to some of the most luxurious spas in the world, and a session at one of these wellness sanctuaries does wonders for the city’s stressed-out civilians.
The pandemic has meant that several places have had to close temporarily, but many have now reopened for business with certain safety measures in place. Here are five of the best spots in town for a full day of pampering, plus any need-to-know Covid-19 rules and regulations.
AIRE Ancient Baths London
Behold, indulgence in its purest form. AIRE has spas all over the world in cosmopolitan hubs such as New York, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Chicago – but their spa in London, only minutes away from the shopping hub of Covent Garden, has everything you need to blissfully soak away your troubles.
The rustic brickwork at AIRE gives it a secluded, subterranean atmosphere that does even more to help you detach from your busy life on the outside world. It’s dark. It’s cosy. It’s everything you want a spa to be.
Some of the experiences AIRE offers include the Argan Massage; a 150-minute sensory experience that uses argan oil for a 75-minute full-body moisturising and regenerative massage, followed by a session in the ancient thermal baths. A unique Wine Bath Experience is also available at AIRE, during which the client is completely submerged in the antioxidant properties of Spanish Tempranillo grapes.
AIRE even has its own online magazine containing articles about the most relaxing songs to listen to while you’re unwinding in the baths… what more could you want. There are also strict cleaning protocols in place and a reduced capacity to ensure social distancing throughout the facility.
Where: 2-3 Robert Street, WC2N 6BH
To book: beaire.com
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental London
This refuge of tranquillity can be found in the heart of Knightsbridge and is considered one of the best spas in the city. 13 lavish treatment rooms are accompanied by the famous Oriental Suite – two massage chairs underneath a Rasul water temple, which emits heat, steam, and mud for the very highest levels of pampering.
The Spa also has an Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, a sanarium, vitality pool, and a Therapy Relaxation Room. Their fully-equipped fitness centre can accommodate the guests who want to work up a sweat before they relax in the pool.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental London has said that in compliance with the UK government guidance, they have implemented stringent new protocols to further safeguard the comfort, health and safety of their guests and employees.
Where: 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
To book: mandarinoriental.com
Bulgari Spa, Bulgari
You can’t have a famous Italian chain of luxury hotels without fitting a luxurious marble-covered spa in the basement. The Bulgari Spa in Knightsbridge oozes class; aesthetically satisfying furniture, shimmering turquoise water, and fragrant eucalyptus oils give patrons a sense of total harmony.
For treatments, there is the 111 SPA/CLINIC, a unique spa concept offering face and body treatments in a multi-sensory environment. Bulgari Spa employs cosmetic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides, who goes above and beyond with non-surgical lift facials, cryotherapy facials, and LED light therapy. Renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can also provide acupuncture, 24K gold rejuvenating facials, and his signature DP revitalising body treatment.
Those after something a little less intense can enjoy the Oja body treatment by Mauli Rituals – a blissful full body massage that is guaranteed to alleviate any persistent knots and anxieties you may have. Just choosing which treatment you want is enough to warrant a sit-down in the steam room.
Where: 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW
To book: bulgarihotels.com
ESPA Life at Corinthia
This revolutionary spa is spread over four floors of the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place and brings some of the world’s top acupuncturists, herbalists, osteopaths, and personal trainers together to offer a comprehensive range of treatments for guests. The pool doesn’t leave much space for lengths, but the glistening waves reflected on the ceiling give this place a truly idyllic ambience.
ESPA Life’s Elixir Clinic blends science and wellness with their intravenous nutrient therapy; all your essential nutrients injected directly into your bloodstream to ensure 100% absorption. While getting pricked with needles may not be on everyone’s ideal spa day agenda, the VIP Elixir VitaDrip® Infusion therapy is scientifically proven and has over 15 essential nutrients aimed at detox, hydration, anti-ageing, and immunity. They are also administered under the authorisation of a prescribing physician after a medical assessment and have been thoroughly researched by various medical specialist.
Hollywood A-lister stylist Daniel Galvin OBE also has a hair studio at ESPA Life and offers styling, colour, bespoke, and bridal services to guests.
Where: Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
To book: espalifeatcorinthia.com
The Dorchester Spa
This lavish spa can be found in one of London’s most iconic hotels. A haven of light, fresh flowers and seamless service, The Dorchester’s facilities include a fitness hub filled with Technogym equipment, nine treatment rooms, experience showers, a relaxation room, steam room, hair salon, and café.
Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments that include rejuvenating Carol Joy London facials, Aromatherapy Associates Swedish massages, and personal training sessions with in-house trainer Simon Inman. The Dorchester can also provide beauty and grooming sessions such as manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
Therapists will wear face masks, visors and gloves when performing your treatment. You’ll also be asked to complete an electronic health form before arriving.
Where: The Dorchester, Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
To book: dorchestercollection.com
