These five spots are among the most luxurious in the city.
You may not think of London as a spa destination, but the city boasts some of the nicest, more luxurious spas in the U.K. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, it’s always a good idea to book yourself in for a massage and some time lounging in a stream room. Here are five of London’s best hotel spas to consider on your next voyage overseas.
Corinthia Hotel London
The Corinthia Hotel London is one of the city’s most enviable properties. Located near in central London along the Thames, the hotel embodies luxury travel, particularly in its spa offerings. ESPA Life at the Corinthia spans four floors, which include its signature Thermal Floor. There you’ll enjoy an indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, a truly impressive amphitheater sauna, ice fountain and marble heated loungers, perfect for escaping the throngs of tourists a few blocks away in Trafalgar Square. Book a massage in one of the 17 treatment rooms (the relaxing “ESPA Mindful Massage” runs £200) and then indulge in a healthy snack at the Spa Lounge. You can even snooze in a sleep pod, located inside the men’s and women’s changing rooms. While at the hotel be sure to also go for afternoon tea in the Crystal Moon Lounge.
The Lanesborough London
Located centrally along Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough London is a 5-star property with Regency-era décor and a premiere on service. All guests have their own in-room butler, an amenity that extends to The Lanesborough Club & Spa. As you arrive, a signature spa butler will get you a robe and slippers and navigate you to the waiting room for your treatment. Numerous luxury spa treatments are on offer, including deep tissue massages – perfect to unwind after a long flight. There’s also a co-ed hydro pool and separate male and female saunas and steam rooms. And if you need anything, your spa butler will be there to assist you. Once you’re fully relaxed, head to Spa’s restaurant, where Michelin-starred Chefs Eric Frechon and Florian Favario have created a menu of high-protein fare, as well as juice and smoothies.
Mondrian London
The Mondrian London, nestled along the edge of the Thames on the bustling Southbank, has a lot to offer besides its river view suites and popular cocktail bar Dandelyan. An oversize copper fountain greets you as you arrive in the hotel’s agua Bathhouse & Spa, which offers six private treatment rooms. The spa embraces a “playground” sensibility, encouraging guests to spend several hours taking in its retro-‘70s glam style. A range of products is available, including vegan Bio Sculpture Gel nail polish, which means you can get a manicure without feeling guilty. A 60-minute gel manicure will run you £65 – worth it so your hands will look amazing holding a glass of wine later.
Hotel Café Royal
You’ll forget you’re in the center of Piccadilly Circus when you step into Hotel Café Royal, a sophisticated hotel that feels like a retreat in the center of London. Its Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, located on the lower levels of the hotel, encourages mindful wellness and relaxation. Lounge by the swimming pool or sweat it out in the sauna before indulging in one of the many treatments offered. If you’re looking for a wholly unique experience, book a session in the private Watsu pool. During your hour-long treatment, Steve Karle, an Aquatic Bodywork Specialist, will encourage your body to release with massage, movement and sound vibration as you float in the pool. It will bring you an unparalleled sense of calm that is seemingly unlikely in one of the world’s busiest cities.
Bulgari Hotel London
In the heart of Knightsbridge, a few blocks from Harrods, the Bulgari Hotel London aims to give guests a haven of peace. The Bulgari Spa, one of the largest in central London, features a grandiose colonnaded swimming pool, 11 private treatment rooms and a fitness center. The approach is holistic, focusing on wellness inside and out, and you can book everything from acupuncture to a 24K Gold Rejuvenating Facial (£450 for 70 minutes). If you want to really indulge, book the Onyx Spa Suite, a private bespoke spa experience for two that starts at £700 for 120 minutes.