Discover London’s best day spas: tried, tested, and recommended by team Citizen Femme.
When the hustle of London life catches up with you, there’s nothing more restorative than slipping into serenity at one of the city’s best day spas. From opulent hotel sanctuaries to hidden thermal baths and tranquil wellness havens, London offers a wealth of luxury spa experiences designed to soothe mind, body, and soul.
Whether you’re craving a deep massage to soothe sore muscles, a rejuvenating facial for an instant glow-up, or simply some peace away from the hustle and bustle, our handpicked edit uncovers London’s top day spas – tried, tested and approved by the team at Citizen Femme – for pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
Here are eight of London’s best day spas…
AIRE Ancient Baths
View this post on Instagram
Hidden underneath a historic building, just a few minutes from Covent Garden, AIRE Ancient Baths is an underground spa right in the centre of London, but it couldn’t be further removed from the fast pace outside its walls. The oasis of calm feels immediately soothing, with a candle lit staircase and exposed brick archways leading you to a unique set of thermal pools – inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek bathing rituals. Start 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. Then, enjoy 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 quickly become the most romantic of destinations for those looking for some much needed R&R with their partner.
The Lanesborough Club & Spa
View this post on Instagram
If you’ve been rushing through London sightseeing, shopping or to and from work, The Lanesborough Club & Spa is a welcome pod of relaxation that feels instantly indulent. The luxury health club on Hyde Park Corner effortlessly merges old and new, offering a 360-degree destination for health and wellbeing inside a stunning regency-style hotel (which is well worth a visit for the Library Bar alone). Immediately providing a stress-relieving sense of zen, the staff escort you to a decadent changing area before arriving at your treatment room: a spacious, dimly lit room with a larger-than-usual massage bed that feels like a warm hug – the underneath heating a welcome touch. There’s plenty to choose from on the treatment menu, including Ground Wellbeing massages, aesthetic tweaks and a particular highlight – the Royal Fern Signature Facial. Products from the premium German skincare brand are combined with stimulating facial massage techniques that drain and sculpt, as well as EMS tools to ensure a lifted appearance. Even the most tired-looking skin will quickly emerge with an instant glow.
Thai Square Spa
View this post on Instagram
Thai Square Spa used to be a historic Turkish bath, now transformed into a luxurious wellness space and the closest you’ll get to Thailand without flying long-haul. This unassuming spot near Trafalgar Square boasts an atmospheric haven for relaxation, tinged with Eastern influences that feel authentic rather than hackneyed. Don’t be put off by the small changing area upstairs; follow the steps downwards and you’ll find a dimly lit, jasmine-scented cavernous space that feels as if you could be taking an evening stroll in Koh Samui rather than 10 minutes walk from Leicester Square. The treatment rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, infused with Eastern decorative motifs. The massage begins with a footbath filled with rose petals, before guests are asked to lie down on the bed. Thai massages are performed without oil and clothed (you’ll be given loose cotton pyjamas to wear), and involve deep stretches to release tension. Make no mistake; this is not the type of gentle massage where you might dose off, but you will reap the benefits and come away feeling lighter. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to a lounge area where you can unwind a little further with a cup of herbal tea. For an extra cost, The Sen Space, comprising a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, offers another way to ease your stresses away.
Guerlain Spa at Raffles OWO
View this post on Instagram
Once home to legions of spies during the Second World War, Raffles London at the OWO is a beautiful Grade II listed space that now plays host to one of London’s largest spas. It’s particularly spectacular to walk down the winding staircase and be met with the lounger-surrounded 20 metre pool. After all, finding a good swimming pool in a London spa has been tricky for years. But, that’s not all. Aiming to give your mind and body a full rejuvenation MOT, the Guerlain spa has tailored floors for treatments and a high tech Pillar Wellness fitness studio. Each of the nine treatment suites is impressively large, with cosy, padded treatment beds and a traditional brass bath tub for the spa’s signature bathing rituals. Luxury French brand Guerlain – the spa partner – has designed three new signature treatments, which you won’t be able to experience anywhere else in the world. That’s likely to help seal the deal for non-hotel guests, who will need to book in for at least a 90-minute treatment to gain access to the exclusive facilities.
Aman Spa at The Connaught
View this post on Instagram
The Connaught in London is home to the only Aman spa built outside the company’s world-renowned resorts, and once you step inside it you’ll understand immediately why Aman is renowned for its intimate and immersive wellness experiences. You start your experience by descending 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. To further envelop you in a sense of luxurious calm, a welcome veil of silence is respected throughout, alongside low lighting and back lit furniture. Dipping into the black granite swimming pool is a must, as is a treatment in one of the candlelit rooms, which are both soothing and romantic if a couple’s spa day is on the cards. With therapies inspired by ancient Asian healing practices, the ultimate experience is the 3 hour Grounding Journey which begins with a body polish and wrap, followed by a massage and face ritual; together the perfect treatments to revive and restore you.
ESPA Life at Corinthia
View this post on Instagram
Set across four subterranean floors at the five-star Corinthia hotel, ESPA Life is one of London’s most magnificent urban spas, 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. The ESPA Restful Massage comes highly recommended; a deeply soothing 90 minutes that includes breathwork, a full body aromatherapy massage with hot stones and the indulgent addition of a scalp massage. 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.
Claridge’s Hotel Spa
View this post on Instagram
Hotels in London don’t come much more classic than Claridge’s and since the addition of a spa in 2022 it has become the perfect wellness retreat too – especially after indulging in the iconic afternoon tea. The spa whisks you away from central London – transporting you to a world inspired by Japanese Zen gardens and temples as soon as you slip on your very covetable floral Kimono robe. As you feel the fast-pace of the capital fade away, you can enjoy a cabana-surrounded pool, steam rooms, and a sauna, with spa treatments delivered in one of seven private rooms. With the perfect balance between holistic rituals and results-driven technology, the brands on offer including beauty heavyweights FaceGym and Augustinus Bader. A lovely touch is that each experience begins with a welcoming foot ceremony and there are world-leading experts in other beauty and wellbeing specialities, such as acupuncturist Ross J. Barr and hairstylist Josh Wood, on site too.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge
View this post on Instagram
Located on the underground floor of Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, this little haven of peace in the middle of the city provides everything you need for some wellness time, especially if booking in with friends. It’s also a top pick for active types – whether you spend some time in the vitality pool, or take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness centre at the start of your spa day. As with many of the best spas in the capital, the space has introduced a more holistic approach to wellness, and the traditional Hammam ritual, which includes a detoxifying scrub, facial cleanse and hair treatment is 90 minutes of heaven. Personalised recommendations by the spa therapists also ensure that those less confident about what their bodies (and minds) need are suitably taken care of. A traditional chrysanthemum tea is the cherry (or more accurately flower) on top of this truly revitalising experience.
Frequently asked questions about London’s best day spas
1. What’s included in a London spa day package?
This really depends on the spa you choose, but you can more or less expect half or full day access to any of the spa’s thermal facilities, such as the pool, steam rooms and saunas, alongside hire of a robe, slippers and potentially some small refreshments. Some packages feature at least one treatment, such as a massage or facial, which you can extend in length if you wish, but do check this, as many London luxury spas only offer treatments for an additional cost on top, or won’t allow access to the spa space at all without a treatment booking. If you want to make your experience extra special. look for spa day packages which also include lunch or champagne, which is especially common for those marketed at couples for some added romance. Just always checking the details before booking any London spa day to confirm which inclusions apply between locations.
2. How much does a London spa day cost?
Entry-level spa days in London often begin around £180–£200, typically including a single treatment and use of core facilities. Mid-range experiences, usually featuring longer or multiple treatments, sit closer to £250–£300 and may include extras like lunch or champagne. At the luxury end, bespoke journeys that extend over several hours can exceed £500, delivering a tailored and indulgent escape in the city. Keep in mind that most spa days, even when advertised ‘for two’ are costed on a per person basis.
3. What should I bring or wear to a London spa?
Most London spas provide robes, towels and slippers for you, so you’ll only need a swimsuit and any personal essentials like hair ties or your favoured toiletries for after your swim, sauna and/or treatments. That said, the changing rooms of luxury London spas are increasingly become little wellness sanctuaries of their own, with showers and vanity tables filled with premium hair and skincare products for you to try (or if you forget yours), plus tools like Dyson hairdryers too. Some, smaller spas might still expect you to bring your own things though, so do check the website beforehand. Comfort is key, so opt for swimwear you can relax in, and leave jewellery at home so it doesn’t degrade due to the water or heat of a spa environment.
4. Do I need to book a London spa day in advance?
Yes – especially if you’re eyeing one of London’s most coveted spas or planning a weekend visit. Appointments for signature treatments and peak-time slots often book up weeks ahead, and there is particularly limited availability at weekends. For maximum choice, reserve your treatments and spa access at least two weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings are possible, but you’ll probably have to compromise more on timings and specific experiences.
5. Can I use the spa facilities if I only book a treatment?
This varies by spa. Some London day spas allow guests access to thermal suites and pools with any treatment booking, while others reserve full use exclusively for day packages or just for hotel guests. Boutique spaces may focus solely on treatments, with no extra facilities. To avoid disappointment, check ahead – if you’re seeking indulgent downtime beyond your treatment, it’s worth investing in a full spa day package when in London.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Lead Image Credit: Raffles London
Any Questions or Tips to add?