Who says you can’t combine the excitement of a city break with the calming luxury of a spa retreat? London’s top hotels offer a unique blend of urban adventures and relaxing spa experiences, making them the perfect choice for a rejuvenating getaway.
Gone are the days of simple massages in tiny rooms, these modern spas are cutting edge and offer a wide array of experiences, from bio-feedback training to superfood clinics. Whether you prefer a traditional massage or a holistic treatment, there’s a spa in London that perfectly suits your needs.
Indulge in Luxury and Tranquility
The Berkeley: A Knightsbridge Gem
This grande dame of Knightsbridge, The Berkeley, offers a five-star experience with its heated outdoor rooftop pool and the Bamford Wellness Spa. Imagine yourself on the seventh floor, relaxing in the secret garden lined with daybeds and bursting with summer blooms. Bamford Haybarn, known for its holistic, organic philosophy, is the star of most treatments, while OSKIA, a boutique British brand, provides exceptional facials. The spa also offers fantastic yoga and Pilates classes, as well as special events throughout the summer, such as hula hooping or synchronized swimming.
Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa: A Georgian Retreat
This restored 18th-century Georgian building is now home to the Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa. Modern interiors, a restaurant terrace with heaters, and its location, a short walk to Richmond Park, are just some of the highlights. But the spa with its 20m indoor swimming pool is the real showstopper. Enjoy a dip in the pool, relax in the stylish relaxation room with hanging egg-shaped beds, or unwind in the leafy garden with its two Scandinavian hot tubs and vitality pool. Don’t miss the high-tech gym with classes and the Drift Away massage in one of their 13 treatment rooms. This spa is great value compared to others in the city, and the pool is child-friendly at set times.
Four Seasons Park Lane: Views That Will Take Your Breath Away
Located in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes in Mayfair, Four Seasons Park Lane is a masterpiece of bold and classy design, blending 1930s Art Deco elegance with idiosyncratic charm. No spa in London can rival the breathtaking views from this rooftop fixture, overlooking the lush greenery of Hyde Park. The sauna with its panoramic window offers particularly magnificent vistas. Spend time indulging in the pre-treatment pampering, including the vitality pool with bubbles and underwater seating and the wood-clad relaxation room with its leather, camel-coloured pods.
Modern and Trendy Spas
The Londoner: A Cool and Contemporary Escape
London’s first self-proclaimed super-boutique hotel, The Londoner has been 14 years in the making and caused a stir for all the right reasons. The buzzy bar and restaurant spaces make it one of the capital’s hottest new spots, and the elegant basement spa is a must-visit. Spend an afternoon relaxing on cabana beds around the pool and enjoy the sauna and steam room. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, including facials by Omorovicza and massages by Ila. For a truly unique experience, try the Harmony massage, incorporating Tibetan acupressure and scalp massage. You’ll also find a hair and beauty salon, a nail bar, and a Refuel superfood and juice clinic.
Corinthia London: A Grand and Opulent Spa Experience
This landmark building underwent one of the most lavish makeovers in the UK, and its spa is one of its most remarkable features. This is ESPA’s flagship, a serious affair spread over four floors, featuring a steam room, 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, nail studio, super-cool indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers, and private sleep pods. The ESPA treatments are known for their de-stressing, muscle-releasing, and uplifting qualities. Don’t miss the Pure Indulgence Body Ritual, a truly indulgent experience.
Unique and Serene Retreats
Aman at The Connaught: A Luxurious Escape Inspired by the World
This refined hotel is far from pretentious. It blends old world charm with a contemporary touch in a way that’s subtle and sophisticated. The sleek Aman branded spa follows the same philosophy, with its deep woods, glossy marble, and minimalist lines. The black-granite swimming pool is the centerpiece, surrounded by loungers, and there’s also a small aromatic steam room. In addition to standard therapies, Aman at The Connaught offers signature experiences inspired by different areas of the world. The Native American-inspired signature experience, a combination of different massages including ancient Navajo techniques, is a must-try.
The Lanesborough: A Palace in the Heart of London
It’s hard to believe that a palace like this is tucked away just off High Holborn. Despite the effortless elegance, The Lanesborough doesn’t take itself too seriously, with quirky touches like cages of fake birds and models of a bulldog and bear. The Sense spa is a soothing space, with a relaxation room, sauna and steam facilities in changing rooms, and treatment rooms. The heated beds adjust at both ends, and the deep tissue Maison Caulières massage is perfect for releasing those troublesome knots. The gym is equipped with fruit and headphones for your convenience.
The Dorchester: Experience Luxury Like Never Before
This hotel is known for its expensive room rates, but what many people don’t know is that you can experience the exclusive spa for a reasonable price. Relax in the shadowy, magazine-laden relaxation room and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The dimly lit treatment rooms offer therapies by ila, La Prairie, Tata Harper, and Lanesborough own-brand products. After your treatment, explore the scent-infused experience showers, steam room, sauna, and small swimming pool with whirlpool. You’ll also find a club lounge with smoothie bar and vegetarian restaurant, large gym with top-of-the-range equipment, and a Daniel Galvin Jr hair salon.
Finding the Perfect Spa Experience in London
London’s spa hotels offer a diverse range of experiences, from luxurious retreats to contemporary escapes. Whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating massage, a relaxing dip in the pool, or a unique holistic treatment, there’s a spa in London that perfectly suits your needs. Enjoy your escape!
