Treatment review: Perfect Legs Retreat at Bulgari Spa

Why we wanted to review it

When we received an email telling us about a treatment that promised we would have legs like a supermodel, we envisioned having pins as perfect as Gisele Bündchen. The fact that it was at one of London’s most glamorous spas made it doubly tempting.

The Perfect Legs Retreat at Bulgari Spa offers five treatments, each targeted to address a different leg issue. Cellulite, water retention and stretch marks are all on the hit list. Fancy having your legs contoured and firmed? Or tightened and reshaped?

What happened before the treatment?

A smartly-dressed doorman swung the door open and I entered the spacious black, shiny lobby of The Bulgari Spa & Residences in Knightsbridge. The fresh, citrusy Eau de Bulgari fragrance subtly perfumed the air. It was a hot and muggy day in June and the lobby felt wonderfully cool. I was given directions to the lifts that took me to down to the basement Bulgari Spa.

Describe the treatment

My therapist Coco met me in the sleek spa reception and led me down the corridor to my low-lit treatment room. Coco asked me to take off my dress and shoes and lie face down on my extra wide and comfortable treatment bed.

Coco began the treatment by dry body brushing the back of my legs and buttocks. It was abrasive but actually felt good as I could imagine how many dead skin cells she was brushing away.

She then smoothed oil along the back of my legs before using very strong pressure to work my tight calf and hamstring muscles. She then rubbed my legs vigorously with the flat of her hands generating lots of heat. Quite suddenly, she stopped and the contrasting stillness was a shock. Coco moved on with a very gentle stroking massage movements followed by rapid knuckle-pummelling along the length of my legs. She followed this with a final deep pressure massage up and down the whole length of both my legs before asking me to turn over.

Coco placed a mask over my eyes and a warm rolled towel under my neck and then repeated the same sequence on the front of my legs. Although this is not designed to be a relaxing treatment, I felt very calm and sleepy afterwards.

Coco adjusted the bed electronically to sit me up and gave me a glass of water. She told me to drink as much as possible to flush out toxins.

What products did they use?

The Skin Brush and Detoxifying Body Oil, both by ESPA.

How did you look and feel afterwards?

My legs were super smooth and looked slightly glossy from the oil. My whole lower half felt wonderfully light and I felt like I was floating out of my treatment room.

Who would like this treatment?

Anyone who has a holiday coming up and doesn’t feel ready to disrobe in public. The Perfect Legs Retreat at Bulgari Spa uses technology which they claim can deliver immediate and visible results. Spa director Shelley Hepburn told us that they often have customers coming in to have a treatment before wearing a short skirt that evening.

Price and duration

The ‘Perfect Legs Retreat’ costs £400 for one day, £700 for two days and £1,000 for three days. Prices include two treatments per day and full use of the spa facilities.

Where can you have the treatment?

Bulgari Spa, The Bulgari Hotel & Residences, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW.