Spa guide
rise finds the best spas for every occasion
Above: Grayshott
Eastern indulgence
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
66 Knightsbridge, SW1X; www.mandarinoriental.com
Setting: Located in the heart of opulent Knightsbridge and under the imposing Mandarin Oriental hotel, this is a harmonious underground warren.
Ambience: Monastic luxury with dark marble, low lighting, tranquil music, whispered voices and serene staff.
Facilities: Sauna, Amethyst crystal steam room, vitality hydrotherapy pool, relaxation room, massage rooms, gym and lifestyle boutique.
Specialist treatment: Early morning energiser. This includes a 45 minute aromatherapy massage with choice of oils, use of facilities and well-being breakfast.
Time: Monday-Friday 7:00-9:30 including 45 minute massage
Cost: £85
Nice touch: Swapping shoes for slippers on entry while you sup a therapeutic herbal tea and a goodie bag of healthy breakfast ingredient when you leave.
Overall rating: A surprisingly large luxury spa which provides a beautifully calming sanctuary where you can sooth away the stresses of life in the shopping lane.
Beauty treat
Anita Lawrence Spa
36, New King’s Road SW6; 020 7731 5353
Setting: Hidden away beneath bustling Fulham.
Ambience: Serene, soothing and stylish.
Facilities: Make-up and nails area, massage chair with foot Jacuzzi, spacious beauty room with wet room and shower. A second treatment room is on the way!
Specialist treatment: Carita’s ‘Pro-Lift’ facial which firms the skin and repairs the effects of time, giving the complexion a youthful radiance. The four stage treatment includes specific massage techniques and uses Carita’s anti-ageing products.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: £100 (Booster sessions cost £70 per time)
Nice touch: You can select coloured mood lighting and music to create an experience just for you. Staff are very friendly and make clients feel completely at ease.
Overall rating: First-class pampering with attention to the finest detail.
Spa break
Grayshott
Headley Road, Grayshott, Surrey GU26 6JJ; 01428 602 000; www.grayshottspa.com
Setting: Forty seven acres of gardens, woods and lawns set in 700 acres of National Trust land, this spa hotel oozes country house charm. The interior is furnished in sumptuous style with an eclectic mix of oak panelling and vividly coloured armchairs.
Ambience: Grayshott is a holistic spa. The treatments are just one part of a well-being approach which includes healthy food, exercise programmes, sports and consultations.
Facilities: Male and female spas, with heat treatment areas, relaxation rooms, hydrotherapy suite, Hamam bed, sauna and steam room. Elsewhere the hotel includes par 3 golf course, exercise classes, croquet lawn, and indoor and outdoor tennis courts and pools.
Specialist treatment: Each client is given a consultation on arrival which highlights areas they want to work on and how this can be achieved. There is also a follow up recommendations after a treatment.
Time: Treatments vary from 25-90 minutes
Cost: £45-95 for individual treatments.
Nice touch: At buffet meals, plates are specially coloured into three sections which denote the correct amount of proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables giving diner could the opportunity to monitor their nutritional intake to give a balanced diet.
Overall rating: Just an hour from central London, Grayshott feel like it’s miles from anywhere. The manicured gardens are a tranquil haven, the hotel is five star luxury, and the spa itself is professional and comprehensive. Whether it’s for a day or a week, Grayshott provides a total break.
Local luxury
Independent mindbodysoul
87 Balham High Road, SW12; 020 8772 0208; www.independentmbs.co.uk
Ambience: Tranquil and cocoon-like. Dimly lit by candles, with plush sofas and swathes of floaty fabric.
Facilities: Relaxation area, massage and treatment rooms, on-site nutritionalist and ‘facial rejuvenation’ expert. Hair salon upstairs.
Specialist treatment: Elemental nature facial for self-renewal. Designed for total relaxation and skin rejuvenation, an Aveda concept treatment (the salon uses Aveda products and treatments only) that includes foot scrub and massage, facial massage and masks, lymphatic drainage and Ayurvedic massage techniques.
Time: 1hour 45 minutes
Cost: £85-£95
Nice touch: Slippers and a gown to lounge around in for as long as you like pre and post treatment.
Overall rating: Blissful relaxation and a fabulous range of treatments in truly indulgent surroundings.
Urban oasis
The Club & Spa at County Hall
County Hall, SE1; 020 7928 4900; www.theclubandspaatcountyhall.com
Setting: The spa and fitness club occupy the top floors of the landmark London County Council building overlooking the Thames.
Ambience: The five-star feel isn’t isolated to the attached Marriott Hotel; expect calming natural tones, blonde wood, light marble and an air of quiet serenity.
Facilities: Saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, pool, Pilates studio, therapy rooms and a 6,000sqft fitness club.
Specialist treatment: The signature package includes use of the fitness club and pool, a Carita hot stone massage, Carita facial, a manicure or pedicure, lunch and a champagne afternoon tea.
Time: All day
Cost: £249
Nice touch: Access to London’s largest hotel pool is included; it’s 25 luxurious metres and flooded with natural light.
Overall rating: The position high above the Thames is instantly relaxing, and its proximity to Waterloo station makes this a terrifically convenient retreat.