Greetings, dear Luxus readers! From the heart of London, England, Big Ben and I send our warmest salutations. It’s fantastic to be back in this vibrant city, and I’m thrilled to share my recent spa experience at The Connaught Hotel with you. As an American who has lived, studied, and worked in England, I can confidently say that London is a city I adore. It holds a unique charm, offering a blend of historical depth and intellectual stimulation unmatched by any other city. London is a place where critical thinking thrives alongside artistic expression, a city brimming with both substance and soul.
Londoners are renowned for their kindness and generosity, particularly towards visitors. Their friendly demeanor is unmistakable; they’ll often address you as “Love” or “Darling,” and you might even receive an unexpected kiss on the cheek during a farewell. This charming custom is common in Europe. If you’re new to world travel, London is the perfect starting point; and if you’re a seasoned traveler like me, it’s a city that beckons you to return time and time again.
Exploring The Connaught Hotel’s Aman Spa
During my recent trip, I was eager to explore The Connaught Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel in London’s exclusive Mayfair district. Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, Chris Martin of Coldplay, publicly praised The Connaught after residing there during renovations on their Holland Park home. Paltrow lauded the hotel’s style and service on her personal website, and The Connaught consistently receives a five-star rating. My mission was to discover if the hotel’s Aman Spa lived up to the hype.
Upon entering the hotel, I was captivated by the artful blend of old-world leather and wood with art deco black marble and mirrors. The elegant ambiance felt both cozy and surprisingly sleek. As I traversed the white stone corridors, passing a purple velvet armchair and an outdoor Zen garden before descending to the basement in the elevator, the hotel’s modernity became increasingly evident.
A Basement Oasis with a Personal Touch
Yes, the basement. I confess I wasn’t entirely thrilled about the spa’s location, as I have a history of encountering underwhelming basement spas. They often suffer from low ceilings, a lack of natural light, and an overall cave-like feel. Even as I was warmly welcomed at the spa’s entrance, I couldn’t shake the initial disappointment of its smaller-than-expected size. This is definitely a more “intimate” spa space, housing just four treatment rooms and a couple’s room.
Despite my reservations, I arrived early for my treatments and was immediately escorted to my treatment room by my therapist. She was incredibly polite and professional, ensuring I felt comfortable and at home in my suite. The Southeast Asian-inspired suite featured natural materials and included a side vanity room with a sink and private shower.
Simple Elegance and Exceptional Treatments
Apart from two decorative carved sliding doors, the suite was simple, clean, and functional. Neither the spa décor nor my treatments featured unnecessary embellishments. “Simplicity” is undoubtedly one of the spa’s defining features. This approach, however, relies heavily on the quality of the treatments themselves. Fortunately, the Aman Spa did not disappoint.
After a rain-soaked stroll through the streets, a warm and soothing foot bath accompanied by hot ginger tea was precisely what I needed to achieve a state of tranquility. Like the massage that followed, no scented oils or perfumes were used, but the effect was still incredibly calming.
Holistic Bliss and Healing Relaxation
My Holistic Massage was a harmonious combination of Thai massage techniques and slow, steady muscle work. My therapist possessed over thirteen years of specialized training, and I found the treatment to be both knowledgeable, relaxing, and balanced. I appreciated that the massage never caused pain, providing a solid and effective treatment without unnecessary intensity.
For my second treatment, I chose the Holistic Aman Signature Facial. This hour-long indulgence was slow and dreamlike, perfect for a tired traveler or a stressed individual seeking an hour of blissful escape. My therapist used the perfect amount of gentleness, and the treatment was never abrasive. While not a clinical facial with magnifying glasses and extractions, it was absolutely lovely, employing 100% organic exfoliates, serums, and creams. A honey mask was applied at one point, and I experienced a spa first as my therapist tapped their sticky fingers all over my face, gently lifting my skin with each touch. It felt like a hundred tiny kisses all over my face. A comatose-inducing face massage followed, culminating in a pressure point scalp massage that produced a truly healing state of relaxation. I highly recommend this calming experience.
A Mixed Impression: Ambiance and Accessibility
Unfortunately, at the end of my treatments, I learned that there wasn’t enough time for me to shower in my spa suite. Instead, I was escorted in my robe through the lobby, past the pool, and into the women’s locker room. The question arose: what’s the point of having a spa suite if you can’t enjoy it afterward?
The spa pool, I must mention, boasts the most captivating ambiance in the spa with its darkened waters and impressive illuminated waterfall. It would look right at home in Bruce Wayne’s Batcave. The pool is complimentary when you purchase at least two hours’ worth of treatments.
Overall Reflections and Recommendations
My overall impression of the Aman Spa at The Connaught was a mix of positive and negative experiences. Is it a great place to go for professional therapists and effective treatments? Absolutely. But is it the place you’ll go if you want to relax for hours in a spacious setting with captivating ambiance and distinctive touches? Perhaps not. The spa lacks a certain “unique” factor, evident in the predictable music, lack of apparent scents, and absence of refreshments.
Like Gwyneth and Chris, I highly recommend a stay at The Connaught. And while I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy the Aman Facial, you might prefer spending most of your time above ground, soaking up the hotel’s beautiful atmosphere and indulging in the delicious French cuisine served at its two restaurants. Aman Spa: 3.5 Stars.
