Here’s the lowdown on August’s Spa Of The Month, The Lanesborough Club & Spa.
The Lanesborough is the grande dame of the London hotel scene and the hotel’s fabulous Club & Spa – which opened in 2017 – exudes glamour in spades.
The Lowdown
Upon arrival at the grade-II listed hotel, the jovial, top hat-clad doormen will beckon you inside. From here, a staff member will kindly lead you through a maze of portrait-lined rooms to reach the spa. The zig-zag route makes your final destination (the spa) feel worlds away from the frenetic city that sits just beyond its walls.
The Vibe
The 18,000 square-foot complex is suitably impressive. It’s incredibly glossy and everything is carefully considered: a warm welcome at the marble reception desk – which is flanked by panelled wood and Art-Deco mirrors – sets the tone for the rest of your visit.
The vast and glistening changing rooms are reason enough to plan a spa trip here. Fitted with the most flattering of mirrors and boasting chic booths loaded with beauty products to preen and primp, such delights pale in comparison to the luxury that is having your very own Spa Butler (yes, Spa Butler) who will escort you, in your fluffy robe, to your treatment.
Whilst the crowning jewel here is the extensive treatment menu, the spa’s other facilities will encourage you to linger a little longer post-treatment. The changing rooms are home to separate saunas and steam rooms for men and women, and the space also houses a shared hydro pool, flanked by six towel-clad loungers. Serviced by the aforementioned Spa Butlers, a refreshing drink is just the press of a button away.
Post-treatment be sure to check out the sumptuous Spa Lounge. It’s all dim-lighting, plump reclining leather armchairs, and plush soft carpets underfoot. The signature Lanesborough tea – a sweet blend of turmeric, ginger and peppercorn – is suitably restorative too.
The Beauty Kit
A roster of beauty treatments, from the best in the business (think ILA, La Prairie, Tata Harper, and co), are carried out in metallic decadent treatment rooms at The Lanesborough. You truly can be pampered from top-to-toe here: there is a rather regal mani-pedi suite, a Daniel Galvin Jr hair salon, plus eyebrow shaping and waxing facilities available too.
The Signature
The menu of results-driven treatments is extensive: from scrubs and body wraps, to facials and massages. Already an avid fan of ‘Queen of Green Beauty’ Tata Harper’s natural and organic beauty products, I was excited to trial the Illuminating Reset Peel Facial. My skin was ritualistically double-cleansed and exfoliated before two AHA- and BHA-rich chemical peels were applied to my face (with just the gentlest tingle indicating they were getting to work on my dulled city skin). Next, a hydrating hyaluronic acid mask was applied during a melodic scalp massage. Deliciously aromatic, everything applied smelled fruity and sweet. 60 minutes later my skin felt bouncy, soft, and instantly brighter. I practically floated back to the Spa Lounge.
The Extras
Refuel at the Club & Spa Restaurant, which focuses on nutrient-rich, virtuous dishes. Gilded surrounds aside, it’s all quite informal – freely nibble on an Asian salad with tiger prawns in your bathrobe if you fancy. For a more lavish mealtime, try the Michelin-starred Céleste: the powder-blue decor has serious Regency flair, and the menu is just as decadent. It’s the perfect choice for a languid champagne brunch/lunch. For early risers: their truffle scrambled eggs are quite heavenly.
CF Top Tip
The best time to visit is during the afternoon. At this time of day things tend to be more zen – you may even luck out and get the hydro pool all to yourself.
Any Questions or Tips to add?