Here Are My 3 TOP Luxury Spas in and around London
Choosing the right spa can be difficult (first world problems, I hear you cry). And there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a serene and luxurious pamper and preen, only to arrive and find a tired old gym, congested steam room and a lowly treatment room which looks like an afterthought – basically a gym masquerading as a spa.
But the good news is that state-of-the-art luxe spas are now abundant in the UK – you just have to know where to find them. Here are my Top 3 to ensure a perfect pampering experience.
The Ned Club Spa, Bank, London
Home to Ned’s Parlour, Ned’s Barbershop, a labyrinth of impeccably decorated treatment rooms and one of the most beautiful indoor pool areas London has to offer, the Ned’s spa offering is impressive – and then some. Walk from lift to reception and – instead of the usual white marble and glass-fronted cabinets loaded with all manner of beauty products you’re unlikely ever to buy – you’re met with a drawing room style environment and fridges full of refreshments to perk you up after your treatment or a virtuous session at the gym.
The Ned is a renowned City of London hotspot, spa or no spa. Most associate the City location with its exclusive rooftop and pool, vast ground floor and restaurant offerings, plus a band often playing at the centre of the ground floor. But if you’re in the know, you’ll also be aware of the haven that exists below ground level.
Head to the changing rooms and prepare to nest. The square footage rivals that of a Chelsea flat, meaning guests have plenty of space to walk around and change without having to bump shoulders. The showers play home to Soho House’s in-house brand Cowshed, whose shower gels, body lotions, shampoos and conditioners are brimming with feel-good essential oils.
Facilities-wise, you’ve got the aforementioned 20-metre pool surrounded by loungers that were made for a nap, a wooden sauna, a marble steam room and eight treatment rooms.
Cloud Twelve, Notting Hill, London
Hidden on a cobbled street away from the bustling streets of Notting Hill, this is the ultimate oasis for escapism in London. Known for its wellness-focused lifestyle club, the new luxury spa on the second floor of this modern building is open to all. Their brasserie – which is 100% vegan – features a creative menu of locally sourced, seasonal produce with an emphasis on sustainability, quality and service.
Just a day pass is all you need. Walking through the romantically-lit hallway, you enter the luxurious changing rooms.
It’s the relaxation area you feel most at peace featuring a steam room, sauna and Himalayan salt room – where salt particles are released into the atmosphere to cleanse the lungs, absorbing irritants allergens and toxins from the respiratory system.
Great for massages and facials.
Champneys Henlow Spa & Hotel, Bedfordshire
Is there anywhere more luxurious than the original Champneys to relax and unwind? Set in the Bedfordshire countryside, Henlow Grange is a treat for all five senses. A visit here is a chance to really connect with nature and forget about the real world for a few days. With plenty of activities to enjoy, such as a walk or bike ride in the stunning grounds, along with fitness classes, a tennis court and more, you can work up a sweat before melting into the pool, snoozing on a lounge bed or reading a book in the conservatory.
The spa is well-equipped, with a 25m swimming pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, and plenty of beds, pods and seats for all to enjoy. Food at Champneys is included in your stay, which means that delicious, nutritionist-approved meals are just a stone’s throw away in the on-site restaurant. Or, if you’re just popping by, there are light bites, smoothies and sandwiches available to purchase at the spa cafe.
There’s a whole host of treatments to choose from – everything from microneedling to the Million Dollar Facial – but I particularly enjoyed the Radiance Renewal Facial, which left my skin feeling re-energised, rehydrated and truly pampered.
