Welcome to the Bazaar Spa review, where we uncover the beauty sanctuaries that are truly worth your precious downtime. Whether you crave a rejuvenating facial, a tension-melting massage, or simply a relaxing afternoon by the pool, we’ve got you covered. This week, we’re venturing into the luxurious world of Claridge’s, a legendary
London
institution now considered one of the UK’s finest
spa
hotels.
A Sanctuary Below the City
Nestled three floors beneath Claridge’s iconic black and white lobby, the
spa
unfolds over an expansive 7,000 square feet. With seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, a hair salon, a fitness center, changing rooms, and a swimming pool, it’s a haven of tranquility hidden beneath the bustling streets of
Mayfair
. The moment you step inside, the warm and inviting ambiance makes you forget you’re even underground. Famed interior architect Andre Fu masterfully crafted the space, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of Japan. From the gentle trickle of a water feature to the captivating cherry blossom art – a Damien Hirst, no less – and the calming wooden walls, the Japanese influence is evident throughout. A delightful aroma wafts through the air, not the usual essential oil blend, but a comforting and warming scent reminiscent of toasted rice. This is the result of their hand-crafted poultices – hot bags of grains used in treatments – infused with a custom fragrance of cinnamon, cedarwood, and clary sage.
Unveiling the Treatments
The
spa
menu is a curated selection of treatments, ranging from healing rituals to cutting-edge facials, offering a unique blend of holistic and technological approaches. A highlight is the Omorovicza Signature Treatment, a luxurious journey in the softly lit Pink Room. The centerpiece of this haven is a heated rose onyx treatment bed, surrounded by gentle shades of dusty pink and terracotta, a shower, and an en-suite sauna.
A Sensory Odyssey
For the next two hours, prepare to be enveloped in a sensory experience, from invigorating scrubs to soothing massages. The treatment begins with a 15-minute detoxifying sauna session, allowing you to shed the stresses of the day. A Hammam-style treatment follows, featuring gentle dry brushing, a thorough scrub, and a cleansing shower. Next comes a luxurious massage, using a soothing body oil, followed by another rinse and the application of a nourishing body mask. While the mask works its magic, you’ll enjoy a relaxing head massage, a hair wash, and a deep cleansing facial featuring a sculpting massage to ease tension and diminish puffiness.
Rejuvenation and Renewal
Once the mask is removed, you’ll return to the sauna to enhance circulation. The final stage of the treatment is a relaxing massage, utilizing balletic movements to stimulate lymphatic drainage and alleviate muscle aches. Despite the action-packed schedule, the skilled massage therapist will ensure you feel pampered and cared for. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself drifting off to sleep in the tranquil environment.
You’ll emerge feeling revitalized, with skin that’s impossibly soft to the touch. One Bazaar editor even reported that her teammates noticed how “strangely smooth” her limbs felt after the treatment. If you’re seeking a complete body reset, this treatment is an absolute must.
Beyond the Signature Treatment
Claridge’s
spa
offers a wide array of treatments beyond the Omorovicza Signature. Renowned brands like Augustinus Bader and Face Gym are available for more targeted facials, with Face Gym providing longer and more luxurious “workouts” than at its other locations. For a touch-up or a glamorous style, the Josh Wood salon is at your disposal. And that’s not all! Claridge’s has also secured residencies with top talent like nail artist Harriet Westmoreland and acupuncturist Ross J. Barr, with more renowned names to come.
A Haven of Tranquility
No five-star
spa
would be complete without a stunning swimming pool, and Claridge’s delivers. This haven in the heart of
London
is a sanctuary of pale stone columns and gentle curves. You could easily spend the entire day relaxing in one of the private poolside cabanas, draped in linen and bathed in soft light. Of course, you might want to squeeze in a treatment or two…
The Art of Subtle Luxury
As you’d expect from a prestigious establishment like Claridge’s, every detail is meticulously crafted to provide a five-star experience. These subtle touches, while often unnoticed, elevate the entire
spa
experience. “Everything has been ‘Claridge’s-ised’,” says spa director Hattie David-Wilkinson as she presents a bespoke-blended herbal tea. Many of these touches incorporate a Japanese influence, a place regarded by Claridge’s and many others as the epicenter of wellness.
For example, instead of a standard metal tag to indicate an occupied treatment room, a hand-woven tapestry adorns the door handle. And instead of awkwardly announcing your readiness for your therapist, a charming bell sits on your bedside table, allowing you to gently chime for their arrival. It’s a testament to the refined elegance of Claridge’s, where even the smallest details are thoughtfully curated to create a truly exceptional experience.
