Can my 10-year-old have a spa treatment?

The short answer is yes; the long answer, yes… but only at a select number of spas. Even child-friendly spas - with dedicated swim times and babysitting services allowing parents to spa sans offspring – rarely offer treatments for under 12’s (16 in the majority of cases).

Much searching took place before we stumbled across Brown’s in London, a Rocco Forte hotel that not only has a spa but a dedicated Little Ones menu for over 4’s. With said 10-year-old in tow, we hot-footed it to the capital to try it out.

Take me with you…

Located in Mayfair, Brown’s was London’s very first hotel and is as swanky as you like, making it a fantastic idea for a birthday treat or special occasion. The white Georgian façade is so imposing, we checked ourselves before allowing the doorman – fully dressed in top and tails - to let us in.

Built in 1837, Brown’s has hosted many famous guests in its time, including Queen Victoria. Its elegant, timeless design blends original cornice ceilings, wood floors and ornate chandeliers with hand-painted walls (we loved the teal and fern bird scene in the lavish reception area).   

Shall we spa?

Turn left just before reception and whiz down in the lift to the basement for the spa. It may not have a pool or thermal facilities (leave the cossies at home) but it does have a large gym by London standards; three unusually spacious treatment rooms – each with en-suite shower room - and a reception area with wood floors, green furnishings and an oversized picture of the Grand Canyon on the wall, which we admired whilst filling in consultation forms and choosing shades of nail polish.



Treatment talk

The treatment menu is vast with a range of Irene Forte facials, massages (think hot stones, Aromatherapy Associates, Ayurvedic), cancer touch therapies, beauty services, treatments for mothers-to-be and personalised fitness sessions.

On the Little Ones menu: Funky Fingers (mani), Twinkle Toes (pedi), Made for Life facial, Made for Life massage or a Mummy and Me Time ritual - two treatments followed by afternoon tea.
 
Opting for the latter (three hours, £325), I teamed a pedicure with a facial; Lily-Jane a massage with a manicure. Settling us on side-by-side beds in the couples’ treatment room, Olga, my therapist, began my pedicure with a foot wash before snipping away at my neglected nails with clippers. After a file and buff, Olga painted on my colour of choice (a deep Emerald green), adding two coats for good measure.



Nails done, Olga cleansed, inspected and exfoliated my face before applying a mask; while this soaked in, she massaged my scalp without using oils (afternoon tea, afternoon tea…).  Olga then removed the mask with a hot towel before adding moisturiser and lip balm.

Latisha began Lily-Jane’s treatment with a massage using a nourishing Made for Life oil. With long, gentle strokes, she massaged her back, legs and arms before asking her to turn over for the manicure. Wishing to see her manicure in action, I lifted a cotton pad off one eye and saw Latisha paint Lily-Jane’s pearly shades of choice - baby blue and lilac - onto her tiny nails without a speck out of place.

How did it measure up?

Performing four different treatments on two people in one room can’t be easy, but Olga and Laticia are experts in child and parent spa-ing. Olga’s after care advice for my skin was incredibly useful, down to suggesting I inspect my cleanser at home to ensure it isn’t stripping the essential oils out of my face. And if nails could talk…

Glorious grub

Afternoon tea is served afterwards in the impressive Drawing Room with its oversized, colourful armchairs; open fireplace and – on our visit – lovely lady twinkling the ivories. You can’t do this en robe but, with all the dressed up patrons taking seats for tea, you probably wouldn't want to.



My afternoon tea consisted of three courses: sandwiches served with a glass of Moet, scones with cream and jam served a pot of tea (with 25 flavours to choose from, this might take a while) and a pretty selection of cakes and pastries, including a mini Baked Alaska - a bold choice during a heatwave.

The children’s Tum-menu has as many courses: finger sandwiches with a Tropic shake, doughnuts with a pot of pineapple tea and a plate of chocolate goodies too pretty to eat but nevertheless yielding sounds of appreciation from my right.

Overnight guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Charlie’s - with its evolving seasonal menu and daily carvery roasts - or a cocktail at the Donovan bar.

Got all day?

Make the most of the location and see the sights, with Green Park and The Ritz on your doorstep; London's iconic landmarks are a short walk or tube hop away.

Short on time?

Skip the Mummy and Me time package and go for a 30-minute mani, pedi, massage or facial instead. At £35 a pop, they are fantastic value.