Imagine this: you’re drenched from a downpour, stepping into a grand hotel, feeling a little out of place amidst the opulent decor. That was me, arriving at the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane. But as soon as we stepped onto the 10th floor, the ambiance shifted.
A Sanctuary in the City
We were greeted with warm smiles and whisked away on a tour of the Four Seasons Spa. Eric Parry, the designer and architect, had masterfully crafted a haven of luxury and sophistication. From the moment we stepped inside, the stunning view of Hyde Park and the London skyline took our breath away.
The spa itself was a haven of calm and tranquility. We exchanged our soggy clothes for plush robes and flip flops provided in our lockers. The changing room led into a serene blue and white room, complete with floor-to-ceiling patio doors that opened onto a small balcony. It was the perfect place to relax and soak in the stunning views. We imagined enjoying lunch or breakfast on the balcony on a sunny day, but alas, a wet February afternoon called for cozy comfort.
A Menu of Indulgence
We opted for Bento boxes from the spa’s extensive menu of healthy meals. Each box was a delightful combination of fresh sashimi, noodles, and raw vegetable salad. I enjoyed a refreshing glass of pomegranate juice, while my friend indulged in a low-calorie blueberry milkshake. A pot of coffee and some delectable homemade cookies completed our meal, which we savored while catching up on the news and flipping through glossy magazines.
A Journey of Wellness
After lunch, we ventured into the steam room and sauna, cooling off with a refreshing ‘rain shower’ in between. The shower featured a control panel that allowed us to adjust water pressure, temperature, and even select from a range of water flow patterns and colored lights. However, the panel’s design posed a bit of a challenge for me, even with perfect vision. I can imagine it would be difficult for those with sight impairments.
To my surprise, the spa didn’t have a traditional swimming pool, but the vitality pool was large enough to comfortably accommodate a rugby team, let alone just the two of us. We enjoyed splashing around in the ample space. However, the seating in the pool was a bit tricky to find under the swirling water, which could potentially be a hazard for those with sight problems.
The ‘Hyde Park Awakening’
We were both booked in for the ‘Hyde Park Awakening’ – a decadent package that included an aromatic foot soak, followed by an exfoliating body treatment and a stress-busting back, neck, shoulder, and scalp massage. All of the luxurious products were from the Organic Pharmacy range. The majority of the therapy rooms at the spa offered privacy, with only one room that accommodated two people. We each had our own private haven, offering breathtaking views of London. As the sun was setting, I couldn’t resist opening the curtains to enjoy the dazzling scenery.
My therapist, Carol, was both professional and friendly. She started the treatment with a soothing foot washing ritual. I then settled onto the heated massage table, ready for the exfoliating body scrub. The Bamboo and Calendula body scrub was heavenly! After showering off the scrub, Carol asked if there were any areas that needed extra attention. I mentioned that my calves were tight from jogging, so she incorporated a leg massage into the session. Although I requested a firm massage, it was still incredibly relaxing, a far cry from the painful sports massages I’m used to. She also included a foot massage, and I noticed some tenderness in a particular spot. Carol explained that this was likely related to my digestive system. The session ended with a heavenly neck and head massage, a welcome departure from the ‘good old scratch’ I received recently in India.
Tranquility and Departure
The 80 minutes flew by, and I left feeling light-headed and utterly relaxed. I was shown into a ‘Pod’, complete with a mechanical bed that allowed me to adjust the angle of my head and shoulders at the push of a button. I enjoyed a cup of herbal tea and assorted nuts while savoring the blissful serenity.
Sadly, it was time to bid farewell to the spa and head back to Victoria train station. The five and a half hours spent at the Four Seasons Spa had flown by. We were completely rejuvenated and ready to face the world with renewed energy and a sense of tranquility.
A Luxurious Escape for Everyone
The spa facilities are available free of charge to all hotel guests, and non-residents can enjoy the full spa experience when booking an 80-minute treatment. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, including manicures, pedicures, Reiki, body wraps, massages, and facials. There are also various packages to choose from, including the ‘Hyde Park Awakening’ treatment, which costs £175.
To learn more about the Four Seasons Spa, visit their website at: www.fourseasons.com/london/spa/
Or call: 020 7499 0888
For a truly luxurious and relaxing escape in London, the Four Seasons Spa is the perfect destination. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and indulgence.
