Let me start my confessing, I had this massage over a month ago, but it was so magnificent, that I can’t forget it. In fact, I’m not sure I ever will.
Location
In the typical tradition of a rainy London day, I arrived in the lobby of The Metropolitan Hotel, a drenched rat. The distinct fragrance seeped through my skin, immediately calming me, away from the madness of London, as I stood, for a moment silently, dripping on the marble floor. Como’s retreats are where the jet-setting elite and stressed executives go to decompress. If they can calm them, they should be able to calm me.
Wellness
Head up to the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, which is exactly what it is. Designed to reflect the renowned Caribbean sister hotel, Parrot Cay, COMO have created a peaceful sanctuary in the centre of London. A wellness concept that is running through all COMO Properties worldwide, it is all about a healthy way of living, learning and eating well – the pursuit of balance. As a result, they have produced their Cookbook – The Pleasures of Eating Well (Nourishing Favourites from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen), with a COMO Shambhala menu , and juice menu available throughout the hotel to complement the cuisine.
Shambhala literally translated is ‘sacred place of bliss’ and after an hour in the spa, you will know those words to be true. Bliss all the way.
The Treatments
This is not the kind of place where you lounge about all day as there are no wet facilities, but as you will discover, the treatment will do the job, or even better, of 6 hours lazing in a spa in a speedy 90 minutes.
There are 4 treatment rooms, 2 dual treatment rooms with private steam areas, a revamped gym and yoga studios. The treatment menu is Asian-inspired including Shiatsu, Indian Head Massage, Thai Massage. This influence is also apparent in the minimalism used in the interiors.
I was recommended to have my signature massaage with Illie, the remedial and sports massage expert. If you are not comfortable with a male therapist, go for someone else, but I would highly recommend you try Illie, it’s a decision you will not regret.
On arrival, I was given a room with a steam to change into a robe and relax while I waited for my treatment. Having warmed up in the steam, I was able to begin my process of simply… relaxing.
My Therapist
Illie settled me into the room, initially, quite candidly, telling me to not worry at all that he is a male therapist. I knew I was in good hands. Talking about hands, I think Illie has magical hands. After selecting a fragrance, he massaged me into a complete relaxed, almost meditative state, that I would have wanted to write so much more, it is simply all a blur. For 90 minutes, he worked and scrubbed away any tension in my back, shoulders, arms, legs and neck. The treatment itself is a Remedial Massage, using a technique that relieves any strain or injury, treating headaches, and general stress relief. It is nurturing and relieving, leaving you feeling perfectly light yet energised.
In Conclusion….
A Citizen Femme Stamp of Approval? Most definitely. Post massage, I practically floated, invigorated and airy, and took a seat in the reception area to enjoy ginger tea and a small bowl of nuts. Ready to tackle London life again.
Any Questions or Tips to add?