London, a city where ancient history meets modern marvels, is a captivating blend of the old and new. It’s this unique juxtaposition that makes London truly special. And nestled amongst the bustling streets, just behind the trendy shops of The Strand, lies a haven of tranquility – Aire Ancient Baths.
This spa retreat, housed within an elegant 18th-century, neo-classical building, boasts a history as rich as its treatments. Once the home of the legendary J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, this building now offers a journey through time, transporting you to ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing traditions.
The heart of Aire Ancient Baths beats beneath the surface, where a restored underground world awaits. Imagine towering columns, exposed brickwork, and thermal baths, all designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient civilizations. It’s a sensory experience unlike any other, immersing you in a world of relaxation and rejuvenation.
A Spa-cation to Remember
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Aire Ancient Baths as part of a luxurious “spa-cation” package offered by the modern St Martin’s Lane Hotel, just a short walk away. This package grants guests access to a range of treatments, each meticulously designed to soothe and revitalize.
The menu of treatments includes:
- Escape Together massage: A 90-minute ancient relaxing massage for two, infused with the soothing aroma of orange blossom oil.
- Ancient Argan massage: A 75-minute massage using argan oil, followed by a pampering argan facial massage.
- The Holistic Ritual: A rejuvenating experience that starts with a full-body lime and sugar scrub on hot marble stones, followed by a 60-minute Lomi Lomi-style massage with green tea oil and a nourishing honey and propolis hair mask.
I opted for the Ancient Argan massage, and words simply cannot express how transformative the experience was. The skilled masseuse, using argan oil, worked their magic in a clockwise motion, starting from my toes and ending at my head, then back down again. The pressure was firm but gentle, and the masseuse’s masterful use of their arms, elbows, and hands left me completely relaxed. The soothing music added to the atmosphere of pure bliss.
A World of Thermal Baths
But the journey doesn’t end there. Following your treatment, you’re granted access to the thermal bath facilities, a haven of tranquility where you can truly unwind and reconnect with your inner peace.
Seven distinct baths, each offering a unique temperature, invite you to explore the power of water therapy. From the invigorating 10-degree Frigidarium to the cozy 40-degree Caldarium, there’s a bath to suit every preference. A knowledgeable staff guides you through the experience, ensuring you understand the benefits of each bath.
The baths themselves were a highlight, with the powerful Jacuzzi and the salt water-filled Floatarium standing out as particularly memorable. Floating effortlessly in the Floatarium was an experience that felt like gliding through air.
A Touch of Luxury
Leaving Aire Ancient Baths, I was struck by the meticulous attention to detail, even down to the beautifying station stocked with a wide range of hair products, including Cantu and a hair dryer diffuser, a true treat for those with curly hair.
A visit to Aire Ancient Baths is an experience that truly transcends the ordinary. It’s a sanctuary of relaxation, rejuvenation, and a journey through time. While the price tag might seem steep, starting at £115, it’s an investment in your well-being that you won’t regret. I, for one, am already planning my next visit.
