13 of the best spas in London

ood news for spa junkies, in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions this week, the city’s pampering sanctuaries have officially reopened – and, frankly, we couldn’t be anymore in need of some TLC.

But with London so teeming with options – how do you decipher the good from the great? Below, we’ve done the hard work for you, and rounded up the capital’s best spas.

Whether you’re looking for a deep tissue massage to iron out WFH-induced aches and pains, want to revive tired lockdown skin with a rejuvenating facial or are just after some much needed “me time,” the perfect destination awaits.

The spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park underwent a multi-million pound refurb before reopening in 2018, and is now arguably London’s most luxurious. Fancy features include an amethyst crystal steam room, 17-metre twin lane swimming pool, vitality pool and samarium, alongside 13 treatment rooms and the Oriental Suite, complete with an impressive Rasul water temple – a tiled steam room used for heat and mud therapies – that’s perfect for indulgent couples therapies. Be sure to arrive 45 minutes ahead of your appointment to enjoy full use of the facilities.

Cost: £410 pp for the Water Wellness luxurious Oriental bathing and massage experience (2 hours 30 minutes).

Taj opened its first Jiva spa in Europe last year in the heart of London’s Westminster – so it still feels brand-spanking new. The spa takes inspiration from ancient Indian wellness philosophies, offering a menu of body rituals and facials which blend traditional healing techniques and use luxurious Temple Spa products. Unwind in between treatments in the atmospheric vitality pool or break a sweat in the fitness suite.

Cost: £180 for the Vishrama deep muscular experience (120 minutes).

One of the largest in London, a visit to the Bulgari spa in Knightsbridge is a rather glamorous affair. Spread across two storeys, it boasts fitness rooms, steam rooms, saunas, ice showers (for the bravest of souls) and a serene 25-metre swimming pool surrounded by wooden cabanas. There are 11 treatment rooms, a private spa suite and decadent relaxation room with a dramatic vertical fireplace to nestle down next to after treatments.

Cost: £160 for Dramatic Healing Massage (60 mins).

Following all Soho House group traditions, The Ned’s spa offers a range of deeply relaxing Cowshed treatments, mani-pedis and the chance to get your back and sides done at Ned’s Barber. Built around a 20-metre pool, surrounded by marble columns, and featuring a traditional Moroccan hammam, the space is a welcome – and rather grand – retreat in the centre of The City. While non-members are welcome for treatments, spa facilities are currently restricted to Ned Club members and hotel guests only.

Cost: £160 for Deep Tissue Massage (60 minutes).

The Lanesborough Hotel’s swanky spa in Knightsbridge offers fantastic facilities (and some of the most ‘grammable changing rooms we’ve seen), but it’s open to members only (aside from hotel guests). Membership costs from £3,500/year or £300/month, plus a joining fee from £1,000. Inside, there’s a vast gym with every machine you can think of; a cold mist, mint-infused “shower,” to cool you down post-workout; thermal suites and hydrotherapy pools to unwind in; as well as a dedicated parlour offering top notch manis.

Cost: £205 for the Deep Tissue Potali (90 minutes).

A couple of floors below the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly Circus sits Hotel Café Royal’s opulent spa. Making your way down the stairs, you’ll enter what feels like a spacious marble vault – this is total escape territory. In addition to a menu of body treatments and facials, the spa offers holistic therapies such as reflexology and reiki, and boasts a serene dimly-lit pool and jacuzzi which are available for use on a bookable basis.

Cost: £170 for the WE De-Stress massage treatment (60 minutes).

Tucked away in the backstreets of Mayfair, the House of Elemis, a beautiful day spa offering top-notch facials and body treatments, reopens on April 14. The brand has launched a new No Touch Facial that combines tech and safe-touch tools like cooling wands, spatulas and a face mitt, with BIOTEC products to bring your skin back to life. Choose from the Hydra-firm or Resurfacer.

Cost: £125 for the No Touch Facial (60 minutes).

Spread over four floors in the heart of London, ESPA Life has a futuristic feel, with wave-style corridors and sleep pods which replace traditional daybeds in the relaxation room. Treat yourself to the Resilience Ritual which includes a hot stone massage, manual lymphatic drainage, an algae body wrap and scalp massage – just what the doctor ordered.

Cost: £320 for the Resilience Ritual (120 minutes).

Over in Notting Hill, Cloud Twelve is a wellness and lifestyle club set across three floors. There’s a salon, spa and holistic wellness clinic, plus a healthy brasserie and creche. Treatments include drawl-worthy massages, facials, pre and post-natal rituals and treatments specifically designed for men. Book into the couples’ suite to chill out on the Dolomites quartz beds or (from May 17) enjoy the sauna, steam and Himalayan salt rooms.

Cost: £180 for the Cloud Twelve Signature Deep Relief CBD massage (60 minutes).

Perched high up on the 10th floor, the fabulous Four Seasons Spa on Park Lane boasts stunning views of Hyde Park below, which can be enjoyed from one of the nine luxury treatment rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll have to wait for this one, as the spa reopens on May 17 along with the rest of the hotel, but it’ll be well worth it. If lockdown’s been messing with your sleep, opt for the Signature Deep Sleep Massage which combines a full-body massage and foot acupressure to help you slide into deep slumber. Arrive in time to make use of the vitality pool ahead of your treatment.

Cost: £175 for the Four Seasons Signature Deep Sleep Massage (60 minutes).

With Art Deco-inspired interiors, The Dorchester’s spa oozes 1930’s glamour with a modern edge. From manicures to full-body scrubs their treatment list is extensive and all are highly tailored to clients’ needs. Facilities include a mani-pedi suite, relaxation room, and male and female aromatic steam rooms and experience showers. The spa will also reopen on May 17.

Cost: £130 for the Aromatherapy Associates Deep Cleanse Facial (60 minutes).

Sat on London’s South Bank, Agua oozes Hollywood glamour and offers a menu of highly personalised holistic treatments. There are six private treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, a nail and grooming lounge, as well as separate male and female steam rooms with rain showers. Book in for the Advanced Bodywork treatment, which combines deep tissue and sports massage with myofascial and Thai stretching to banish WFH-induced aches and pains fast.

Cost: from £110 for the Advanced Bodywork Massage (60 minutes).

Sense Spa’s cosy, candlelit space featuring bamboo walls and soothing water sounds, offers a real retreat from the city. In need of a detox? Book in for the Epsom salt-rich full-body treatment which includes a magnesium sulphate salt scrub to exfoliate and help draw out toxins, followed by a deep massage with detox oils containing juniper, grapefruit and geranium. Pure bliss.

Cost: £170 for the Detoxifying Body Ritual (90 minutes)