Stylish Spy tries a Time for Tranquillity package

TAKE ME WITH YOU…

The five-star Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is the newest property in the brand’s portfolio of high-end hotels, a stone’s throw from Bond Street Station on Hanover Square.

After a building project spanning two-and-a-half years – that saw the previous property raised to the ground - the hotel finally opened its doors in June. And the result is truly impressive. With just 50 bedrooms and 70-odd apartments, it’s the smallest of Mandarin Oriental's London crop but packs a real punch with its restaurants, bars and subterranean spa.

SHALL WE SPA?

Push B on the lift to glide down to the basement, a cool, dark relief from the capital’s summer swell.

The wall of green marble behind a smiling lady made our eyes pop; feast your eyes, too, on the nest-like art installation to the right that – we were told – was hand-woven on site by its creator. And the marble? Green Ming all the way from China. So far, so very Mandarin Oriental.

The spa lounge has a bank of cream sofas to sit on while completing consultation forms on iPads and sipping herbal tea. A spa host offered us sliders to slip on; our shoes were then whisked away for safe keeping.

The changing rooms are stunning with more of that green marble paired with light woods and slim mirrors. A line of four-digit-code operated lockers contain cream fluffy robes and towels; opposite is the light-backed vanity area with hairdryers and amenities in white wooden boxes, as well as bottles of deodorant and spritz to use at will.

To the left of the lockers is your towel drop and swimsuit dryer; to the right two huge showers behind glass doors with rain heads and Natura Bissé shampoo, conditioner and bodywash. The solo loo was immaculate on our visit.

The 25-metre pool is a ‘gram-worthy thing of beauty with walls and floors in black making it sleek and moody. Candle-style lighting casts sparkly lights on the water. Much thought went into the floor design with the mosaic tiles chosen to create an optical illusion that the water is on a gradient (it’s not). The idea? To make swimmers feel like they are moving through the day as they swim. Gold flecks in the floor twinkled in the ceiling as we swam 10 refreshing lengths.

Four pairs of wooden loungers with super thick cream cushions and chocolate brown blankets provide post-swim relaxation. To the right: the hydro-pool which has been cleverly designed (quelle surprise) in sections for privacy with waist-height separators. The first one is a bubble chair, the second a swan neck and the third a trio of gentle jets for your back.

The steam room is bathed in black (walls, floor, bench seating for six) and was the perfect temperature on our visit. We expected a light to pop on as we entered the dark sauna seating six but weren’t disappointed when it didn’t, loving the darkness. Cool off under one of two experience showers afterwards.

The spa also has a spacious fitness suite with all the latest equipment and a studio for private sessions.

TREATMENT TALK

We enjoyed a Bespoke Treatment as part of a Time for Tranquillity Package (two hours, £420).

Michaela, my therapist, led me to one of two treatment rooms with its own lounge area where we sat and talked about my goals (to hydrate my face and soften a muscle spasm in my back). She then left the room so that I could get comfortable on the pre-heated bed, lying face down.

The treatment began with a chime of a bell and some deep breathes. For the back massage, Michaela chose a nourishing oil from Seed to Skin Tuscany containing zingy lime and adopted a light touch to help drain fluids out of the injury. She then placed a hot towel on the spot to prevent post-massage soreness.

The facial began with a cleanse using Seed to Skin Tuscany Divine Cleanse containing detoxifying green clay. She wiped this off with hot mitts and then spritzed Golden Dew onto the air so that it rained onto my face like a toner.

Sensing dehydration, Michaela used a light hydrating mask in preparation for a rich Manuka Nutri-Mask containing 60% active Manuka Honey. As she painted this on with two small brushes, it tingled satisfyingly.

Wiping this off with a hot cloth, she finished her magic show with a trio of products to give my face a dewy glow: Biom’Sphere Serum to hold in moisture, Midnight Miracle Face Oil to nourish and an Eye Rescue Duo.

HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?

This Spa Spy often finds it awkward when a therapist hands her a mirror after a facial for fear of having to fake it, but my skin looked radiant and felt softer than a baby’s bum. Seed to Skin Tuscany products are produced on the brand’s own land in Italy with everything made-to-order.

SPOT OF LUNCH?

Guests on spa packages will need to change out of their robes to lunch at Akira Back, a Japanese restaurant with a sweeping curved staircase crafted in that Green Ming marble, another grand pale wood creation – this one jutting out of the wall – and stunning artwork behind an impressive collection of spirits.

Bento boxes are included in spa packages with a choice of cold soft drinks – wine is extra. We ordered a saintly green juice and a glass of sparkling water.

In a flash, two pretty lacquered boxes and a pair of chopsticks were placed on the table in front of us, the boxes opened ceremoniously to reveal eight sections, each containing a different delight. We loved the black cod with green Pardon pepper, the Tempura shrimp and the crispy vegan rolls.

GOT ALL DAY?

Enjoy the glitz and glamour of this golden postcode.

SHORT ON TIME?

Book a spa package to enjoy a swim, the heat facilities, a treatment and lunch - you won’t be disappointed.