When you think of London, you might imagine a bustling metropolis, but the city offers much more than just a whirlwind of activity. Hidden within the heart of London are some of the most luxurious spa hotels in the world, each offering a haven of tranquility and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These hotels provide a sanctuary for weary travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, with top-notch spa treatments and gorgeous swimming pools.
A Summer Escape
London is a vibrant city that comes alive in the summer months. With outdoor markets, rooftop bars, and even beach clubs along the River Thames, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But if you crave a break from the excitement, a spa hotel is the ideal solution. It offers the perfect blend of a central location and a serene atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the end of a long day of sightseeing or start your day with a refreshing swim in a luxurious pool.
The Berkeley: A Knightsbridge Gem
The Berkeley is a true gem in Knightsbridge. Its seventh-floor rooftop pool and garden offer spectacular views of Hyde Park. Imagine yourself sipping a glass of bubbly with friends as you take in the panoramic scenery. The spa treatments are exceptional, featuring Bamford products for most services and Oskia for facials. The signature 90-minute massage will leave you feeling revitalized and refreshed. After your spa experience, indulge in a delicious cocktail at the lively Blue Bar or enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience at Marcus. The hotel also serves the iconic Pret-a-Portea afternoon tea.
The O2’s Neighbor: The InterContinental
Located near the O2 arena, the InterContinental is a popular choice for concert-goers, but its spa is a destination in its own right. This 18-floor hotel boasts a 17-meter pool, relaxation pool, sauna, steam room, and gym, along with eight treatment rooms. The spa’s design pays homage to the maritime trading history of the location, with elegant rugs, silks, and mosaic tiles creating a tranquil oasis. The Meridian Time Ritual, a 105-minute treatment combining body brushing, wrapping, massage, and facial, is a true highlight. The hotel’s rooms are well-appointed and offer stunning views, and the Peninsula Restaurant serves delicious modern European cuisine with excellent wine pairings. For a glamorous evening, head to the top-floor Eighteen Sky Bar for cocktails.
The Dorchester: Timeless Elegance
This privately owned hotel, housed in a magnificent Grade II-listed building dating back to 1926, exudes timeless elegance with its Art Deco interiors. The Dorchester’s spa is a sanctuary of zen-like tranquility. It may be small, but its luxurious design and attention to detail create a haven for weary travelers seeking respite. The traditional hammam treatment, a house specialty, involves cleansing, exfoliating, and a deep sea mud wrap, followed by a soothing deep tissue massage. The spa also features a sauna, steam room, and plunge pool.
W London: Bold and Glamorous
Escape the bustle of Leicester Square at the Away spa on the sixth floor of the W London. Redesigned in 2017, this spa, though not large, features a sauna, steam room, and embodies the hotel’s bold and glamorous spirit. The VIP treatment menu is overseen by a team of celebrity therapists, including Su-Man, known for her non-invasive facial treatments, and James Harknett, a renowned spray tan expert. The hotel itself is known for its quirky sophistication, with 192 guest rooms, including nine suites, two “WOW” suites, and one “Extreme WOW” suite. While the bar and restaurant were a bit quiet during our visit, the W London offers a cool and contemporary experience.
The Langham: A Grand Dame
Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first “grand hotel,” the Langham remains a London icon. Its award-winning bar and exquisite cuisine, especially at Roux at the Landau, are a must-try. The spa, nestled beneath the hotel in a former bank, embraces Traditional Chinese medicine, incorporating the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water into its signature treatments. The refurbished spa features a sunken 16-meter swimming pool, steam rooms, saunas, and a well-equipped gym. The Langham’s location is convenient, just a seven-minute walk from Oxford Circus tube station, perfect for shopping.
The Shangri-La Hotel: Southbank Serenity
This classy Southbank hotel, a short distance from the Tate Modern, is a haven of tranquility. Its spa features stunning Tom Dixon-designed interiors, including a subterranean spa lounge with a floor-to-ceiling copper teardrop installation, a nod to Roman water vessels. The spa offers six roomy treatment suites and an impressive menu of treatments featuring exclusive collaborations with experts and brands. If you arrive early, book a “SPA on Arrival” package, such as Jet Lag Remedy, Big Meeting Prep, or Morning Motivation, all available from 8 am. The hotel also has a 56-seat Curzon screening room for movie lovers.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: Indulgent Luxury
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a haven of indulgence. Its two-story spa is the centerpiece of the hotel, with a magnificent 25-meter swimming pool surrounded by Vicenza stone and Italian glass. The spa offers 11 treatment rooms, including a private spa suite with a twin steam shower, relaxation area, and hydro massage tub. With a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, rain showers, and exceptional relaxation and fitness areas, this spa is a true oasis of pampering. We recommend the Celestial Black Diamond Facial for a luxurious experience. The hotel’s Sette restaurant serves exceptional Italian cuisine, and the rooms are chic, modern, and spacious.
The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel: Victorian Grandeur
This Victorian-inspired railway hotel, with its dramatic Neo-Gothic façade, is a grand spectacle. Located above St Pancras station concourse, it reopened in 2011 after a meticulous restoration that preserved its majestic features, including gold-leaf ceilings, hand-stencilled wall designs, and the legendary spiral grand staircase. The peacock-themed spa, housed in the original underground kitchens, is a triumph of design. The 11-meter pool features dramatic brick arches and tiling, and the hydro loungers, sauna, and steam room provide a tranquil retreat. The spa journey series, inspired by Indonesia, Africa, and an English Garden, are a must-try. The hotel also has a fitness center.
The Landmark London: Asian Opulence
The Landmark London, having recently undergone an extensive renovation, offers a new level of luxury. Its Hyde Park-themed suites and penthouses, designed by Joyce Wang, are a magnet for the rich and famous. The spa, redesigned with chic Asian sumptuousness, features amethyst crystal steam rooms, 13 marble-surround treatment rooms, and an Oriental suite with two massage beds and a Rasul water temple. The spa also has a 17-meter pool. The focus on holistic treatments, including Traditional Chinese medicine with highly trained specialists, is a highlight. The signature Oriental Qi treatment, a 110-minute session focusing on key pressure points, is an experience not to be missed.
The Grove: Country Retreat in the City
For a country retreat feel without leaving London, the Grove is the perfect choice. This former home of the Earl of Clarendon features the breathtaking Sequoia spa, with a 22-meter black mosaic-tiled pool, vitality pool, Jacuzzi, heat experience rooms, steam room, sauna, outdoor terrace, gym, and fitness studio. The Mindful Touch Massage from Natura Bissé, incorporating virtual reality and gentle contemplative talking, is a unique and meditative experience. After your spa treatment, enjoy a round of golf, a stroll through the 300-acre grounds, or relax in the hotel’s expansive lounges. The revamped Glasshouse restaurant offers delicious buffet-style dining.
London’s spa hotels offer a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious pampering experience or a tranquil retreat, these hotels are sure to meet your needs. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to London, consider adding a spa hotel to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable experience.
