Imagine a spa perched high above the bustling city, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality at the Four Seasons hotel on London’s Park Lane. The hotel’s new spa, designed by acclaimed architect Eric Parry, is a masterpiece of contemporary design, offering a sanctuary of serenity and luxury.
A Rooftop Transformation
Unlike conventional spas tucked away in basements, the Four Seasons spa boldly occupies the top floor, perched in a specially designed glazed extension. This unique location, envisioned by Parry as a “spa in the clouds,” offers panoramic views and a sense of airy freedom. The hotel, previously considered incomplete due to its flat roof, has been transformed into a visually striking structure.
Parry’s challenge was to create a lightweight structure that could support the weight of two swimming pools, spa equipment, and necessary machinery. The solution? A domed zinc roof that seamlessly blends with the existing building, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.
A Symphony of Light and Reflection
The overhanging brim of the roof, with its dark gloss finish, serves a dual purpose. It shields the spa from direct sunlight while offering unobstructed views of the surrounding cityscape. The roof’s reflective surface creates a mesmerizing effect, mirroring the street life below like a shimmering pool.
This play of light and reflection continues inside the spa, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the cityscape. The fritting on these windows, applied in varying degrees, creates a sense of filtered light and visual intrigue.
A Sanctuary of Serenity and Luxury
Stepping inside, visitors are enveloped in a calming and luxurious atmosphere. The organic boulder-like white reception desk and layered anthropomorphic sculpture in Egyptian limestone set a rarefied tone. The desk, crafted from Corian, contrasts beautifully with the dark smoked oak floors, which run throughout the spa, except in the wet areas where they are replaced with granite.
Parry’s meticulous attention to detail extends to the seamless Corian walls in the wet areas and the beautiful lacquer finishes elsewhere. The crackled effect of some lacquer surfaces adds a touch of subtle texture and visual interest.
A Theatrical Experience of Relaxation
The treatment rooms and post-treatment areas are draped in soft, shimmering fabrics, ranging in color from off-white to silver to dark grey. These sinusoidal drapes, the result of extensive prototyping, create a sense of lightness and texture. They are used in a theatrical manner in the treatment rooms, allowing guests to enjoy the view at the start of their treatment and then creating a sense of cocooning as they are drawn closed.
This deliberate sequencing of the spa experience is a key element in Parry’s design philosophy. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the subtle reliefs in the treatment room ceilings to the window views from the sauna and pool.
A Unifying Experience
The spa offers a unique blend of indoor and outdoor experiences. The natural light streaming in from the skylight bathes the pool in warmth, while the sauna’s window offers stunning views of Hyde Park. You’re never completely cut off from the outside world, even as you immerse yourself in the intensity of the interior experience.
This harmonious blend of interior and exterior is the essence of the Four Seasons London’s rooftop spa. It’s a sanctuary of serenity and luxury, offering a truly unforgettable experience that embraces both the tranquility of nature and the excitement of city life.
