Forget those grand countryside escapes; London’s bustling streets can also be a sanctuary for relaxation. Imagine this: after a day of exploring London’s vibrant offerings, retreating to your hotel for a luxurious haven of peace. And that’s exactly what the city’s best spa hotels offer. Forget the days of cramped, traditional spa experiences; these havens are cutting-edge, boasting everything from bio-feedback training and decompression pods to superfood clinics. Whether you’re near Hyde Park, Liverpool Street, or Leicester Square, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to London’s top spa hotels.
A Spa Oasis in the City: Luxury and Relaxation
The Berkeley is a Knightsbridge icon, oozing five-star luxury. But its crown jewel? The Bamford Wellness Spa on the seventh floor. Imagine an English country garden, perched high above the city, with secret gardens lined with daybeds, perfect for unwinding after a treatment. Pamper yourself with holistic, organic Bamford Haybarn treatments or indulge in OSKIA facials for a touch of British luxury. The spa also offers yoga and Pilates classes, and during summer, you can enjoy special events like hula hooping or synchronized swimming (check the website for the latest schedule).
Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa is a restored 18th-century Georgian building, blending modern interiors with a touch of history. Enjoy the restaurant terrace, complete with heaters, and the hotel’s prime location – a quick stroll to Richmond Park. But the real highlight is the spa, featuring a 20m indoor swimming pool, big enough for a proper swim. Relax in the sauna and steam room or unwind in the stylish relaxation room, complete with hanging egg-shaped beds. Step outside into the leafy garden, where you’ll find two Scandinavian hot tubs and a vitality pool. With a high-tech gym, various fitness classes, and 13 treatment rooms, including the excellent “Drift Away” massage, this spa is a steal compared to other London hotel spas. Plus, the pool welcomes children at specific times.
Four Seasons Park Lane, in the prestigious Mayfair neighborhood, embodies bold and classy design, fusing 1930s Art Deco elegance with unique charm. No spa in London can match the breathtaking views from this rooftop haven, overlooking Hyde Park’s lush greenery. The sauna, with its panoramic window, offers particularly stunning vistas. Indulge in pre-treatment pampering in the vitality pool with its bubbly jets and underwater seating, and relax in the wood-clad relaxation room adorned with leather, camel-colored pods, and gold masks. Don’t forget to enjoy the abundant magazines and herbal teas.
The New Wave of Spas: Trendy, Innovative, and Refreshing
The Londoner, London’s first self-proclaimed super-boutique hotel, opened in late 2021 with a £500 million price tag and a lot of hype. And it lives up to the expectations. Its vibrant bars and restaurants make it a hot spot, but the elegant basement spa is where you’ll want to linger. Cabana beds surrounding the pool invite you to relax and unwind, especially paired with the sauna and steam room. The extensive treatment menu features Omorovicza facials and Ila massages. While there are traditional deep tissue massages, most treatments are more holistic. The Harmony massage, for example, combines Tibetan acupressure and scalp massage, leaving you feeling revitalized. You’ll also find a Hiro Miyosh hair and beauty salon, an AMA nail bar, and the Refuel superfood and juice ‘clinic’ – all incredibly trendy.
The Corinthia is a landmark building that underwent a lavish makeover. The sheer scale and quality of its fixtures and fittings make a dramatic statement, especially in the spa, one of its most impressive features. This is ESPA’s flagship, a sprawling sanctuary across four floors. Discover the steam room, 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, nail studio, an incredibly cool indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, an amphitheater sauna, an ice fountain, heated marble loungers, and private sleep pods. Of course, the treatments are ESPA’s best – de-stressing, muscle-releasing, and invigorating. Indulge in a variety of packages, including the “Pure Indulgence Body Ritual,” a truly indulgent experience.
The Connaught, one of London’s most refined hotels, is anything but pretentious. It seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern elegance, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Step inside and be greeted by dark polished woods, shiny marble floors and pillars, and cream-colored corniced ceilings, all juxtaposed with airy contemporary rooms. The Aman-branded spa carries the same sophisticated vibe, with rich woods, glossy marble, and minimalist lines. The centerpiece is the black-granite swimming pool, surrounded by loungers, with a small aromatic steam room nearby. Beyond traditional therapies, Aman at The Connaught offers signature experiences inspired by diverse cultures. Treat yourself to the Native American-inspired signature experience, a multi-massage fusion incorporating ancient Navajo techniques.
Hidden Gems: Unexpected Luxury in London’s Heart
The Rosewood London, a veritable palace tucked just off bustling High Holborn, exudes effortless elegance with a touch of whimsy. Don’t miss the caged faux birds and model bulldog and bear by the lifts. The dark, sultry corridors are adorned with striking details, like the rose gold mirrored ceiling. The Sense spa is a calming haven, a maze of black slate with a relaxation room, sauna, steam facilities in the changing rooms, and treatment rooms. Enjoy the heated beds that adjust at both ends, especially during the deep tissue Maison Caulières massage, perfect for loosening those knots. The hotel also boasts a gym with complimentary fruit and headphones.
The Lanesborough, known for its sky-high room rates, is a hidden gem for spa enthusiasts. For just £150 a day, you can experience its exclusive, members-only spa (or enjoy free access with a £250 treatment). Relax in the dimly lit relaxation room, complete with call buttons for refreshments. Indulge in treatments by ila, La Prairie, Tata Harper, and Lanesborough’s own-brand products. Explore the scent-infused experience showers, steam room, sauna, and small swimming pool with whirlpool. The hotel also features a club lounge with a smoothie bar and vegetarian restaurant, a large gym with top-of-the-range equipment, and a Daniel Galvin Jr hair salon.
A World of Spa Experiences Awaits
London’s spa hotels offer a diverse range of experiences, from traditional massages and luxurious treatments to holistic therapies and innovative wellness practices. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle or a rejuvenating retreat to enhance your well-being, London’s spa hotels are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
