If ever there’s an occasion to treat yourself, this time of year is it. These are London’s best day spas to do so.
December is always a busier than usual month, but we have an antidote to all the festivities. Day spas. And these are some of London’s best. Take time to yourself this December with a massage, scrub, facial, hot bath, and a well-deserved pamper. These are London’s best day spas; tried, tested, and highly recommended by team Citizen Femme.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
AIRE Ancient Baths
Hidden underneath a historic building, just a few minutes from Covent Garden, AIRE Ancient Baths is an underground spa away from the hustle and bustle of central London. The oasis of calm feels immediately soothing, with a candle lit staircase and exposed brick archways leading you to the thermal baths – inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek bathing rituals. I started the Holistic Ritual alternating between the many pool areas – seven to be precise, from floating in salt water to detoxing in a 40° hot bath. I then embarked on a 15 minute full body scrub in an aesthetically pleasing marble room, followed by a 45 minute body massage, and a honey mask hair treatment to finish. You are greeted with a glass of champagne to end your journey in one of the relaxation areas, and you can enjoy more time in the baths post massage if you want to soak up the sanctuary. A hot spot for loved-up couples, it’s a romantic destination for those looking for some much needed R&R with their partner.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
The Lanesborough Club & Spa
Rushing through London during Christmas Shopping madness, The Lanesborough Club & Spa was a welcome pod of relaxation. The luxury health club on Hyde Park Corner is a sanctuary for wellness inside the regency-style hotel, and is a 360 destination for health and well-being. Immediately feeling a sense of zen, the staff escort me to a decadent changing area before arriving at my treatment room: a spacious, dimly lit room with a larger-than-usual massage bed that felt like a warm hug – the underneath heating a welcome touch. I had the Royal Fern Signature Facial, a new addition to the treatment menu. The premium German skincare brand with patented formulas encourages a youthful, sculpted and firmer appearance, combining stimulating facial massage techniques that lift, drain, and sculpt with Royal Fern products. The facial is also accompanied by sculpting EMS tools to ensure a lifted appearance. Initially warned it could be slightly uncomfortable, it was a strange feeling but easily manageable. After the 60 minutes were up, I was met by a new reflection: a more spritely looking me. My skin was glowing and my face felt lifted and sculpted. I can see this being a welcomed January pick-me-up.
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Lucy Halfhead, Content & Partnerships Director
ESPA Life at Corinthia
Set across four subterranean floors at the five-star Corinthia hotel, ESPA Life is London’s most magnificent urban spa, with heavenly spaces dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. Start your visit in the thermal floor, with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi surrounded by gleaming black marble, a steam room, ice fountain, and an impressive glass-walled sauna that looks like it’s come straight out of a James Bond film. Then it’s time to choose from a myriad of treatments that adhere to a ‘restorative wellness’ philosophy, blending holistic practices, scientific techniques, and tech innovation to achieve powerful and long-lasting results. I loved the Harmonising Ritual from the Modern Alchemy collection, a deeply soothing 90 minutes that includes breathwork, a foot bathing ceremony, and a full body massage with a Kansa wand – an Ayurvedic tool believed to calm the nervous system. Afterwards, head to the chill out lounge with mood lighting, a flickering fire, and individual sleep pods to help maintain your zen just that little bit longer.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
Claridge’s Hotel Spa
This much-loved hotel finally has a wellness space, and it’s inspired by Japanese Zen gardens and temples. Slip on a floral Kimono robe and feel the fast-pace of London fade away, as you enjoy a cabana-surrounded pool, steam rooms, and a sauna. The spa treatments, delivered in one of seven private rooms, provide the perfect balance between holistic rituals and results-driven technology, with the brands on offer including beauty heavyweights FaceGym and Augustinus Bader. A lovely touch is that each experience begins with a welcoming foot ceremony. Plus, world-leading experts such as acupuncturist Ross J. Barr and hairstylist Josh Wood have set up bases here too.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
This seductive spa is intimate and immersive. The Connaught is home to Europe’s only Aman Spa and well worth a visit. Descend underground as the traditionally sleek Aman style interiors immediately make you feel a million miles away from bustling Mayfair, just a few feet above you. A welcome veil of silence is respected throughout and envelopes you, alongside low lighting and back lit furniture. The phrase luxurious calm sums it up perfectly. Treatment rooms are candlelit for a touch that is both soothing and romantic for those in much need of an escape and treatments are inspired by China, Thailand, and India. I loved the Thai herbal compress and Samadara Facial Technique; both the perfect treatments to revive you ahead of the festive period – or restore you afterwards. Dipping into the black granite swimming pool is a must.
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Lucrezia Motta, Editorial Assistant
Located on the underground floor of Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square, this little haven of peace in the middle of the city provides everything you need for some winter wellness. Spending some time in the vitality pool, or taking advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness centre is an ideal way to start your spa day, before enjoying one of the many treatments available. The Spa has recently introduced a more holistic approach to wellness, and the new Reiki Rebalance treatment is a gentle but profoundly relaxing way to clear the mind of negative energies. Personalised recommendations by Spa Therapist, Nathalie Debreu, and a traditional chrysanthemum tea is the cherry (or flower) on top of this truly revitalising experience.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?