After a busy morning shopping in London, Supreme Spy popped into the Lanesborough Club and Spa on Hyde Park Corner to restore her equilibrium. Behind a secret doorway, she discovered a subterranean wonderland…
Tucked away at the back of the hotel, down a discreet staircase, is the entrance to the Lanesborough Club and Spa. I rang a bell and waited to be let in, wondering if I had the right place. The door was swiftly unlocked … but no one was there.
As soon as I stepped inside I knew I must be in the right place. It was interior design heaven: I was surrounded by marble, antique brushed gold finishes, beautiful fabrics and relaxed, low and atmospheric lighting.
I checked in at the reception desk and was swept into the changing rooms, which are the most incredible space imaginable. There are beautifully appointed Art Deco style dressing tables with all the amenities and products you could need. Above the round mirrors are dangling tulip lights and strings of glass leaves. Individual changing spaces between small banks of large lockers have frescos and gold fabric draped curtains. Everywhere I looked were stunning bouquets of fresh flowers. The attention to detail is special and I could have spent half an hour just admiring the thought and creative genius of the room.
I enjoyed the privacy of the sauna and steam room in the changing rooms -- just like everything at the Lanesborough, the thermal rooms are spacious and exclusive: we didn’t see any other guests. At the rear of the changing rooms is the hydrotherapy pool, with a line of loungers along the edge, each with its own service bell.
The service is unique here. You don’t see many staff members around, but as soon as that button is pressed, they are there to help you. It’s a wonderful ‘hands off’ approach that really allows you to relax and be yourself.
Before my treatment I explored the spa, and found the relaxation lounge. Separated by beautiful fabrics to give each spa-goer privacy, you can choose between arm chairs or comfy sofas. I was just about to help myself to a tea when a spa butler appeared… do they have hidden cameras or are they just so intuitive, they know exactly what I need? I took a seat in an armchair and tea with dried fruit and nuts were brought to me.
My treatment was the signature Deep Tissue Potali (60 minutes, from £140) with hot stones and poultices, delivered in one of the most comfortable treatment rooms I have ever been in. It was ideal for me; deep flowing pressure, beautifully scented aromatherapy oils, warm treatment bed and the softest linen to lie on. What more could you want? My therapist was incredibly intuitive; I drifted off to sleep several times and came out feeling like I had been away for hours. I returned to the relaxation room afterwards for another tea, and to soak up the remaining minutes before I had to step back into reality.
I wish I had had time to get my feet pampered too. The manicure and pedicure room was jaw dropping. Cream leather thrones and chairs, reflective walls with an antique gold affect: it reminded me of a 1920’s jewellery box.
I had the most wonderful relaxing afternoon after rushing around the city in the morning and emerged feeling as though I had visited a magical realm.
You can choose to focus your time on wellness and fitness at The Lanesborough too. The gym is an incredible size for London and has Bodyism specialists offering Yoga, Reformer Pilates, Bodysim Boxing, HIIT TRX and Bodyism Warrior.
Choose your purpose at The Lanesborough and be assured to receive one-to-one attention in the most decadent and beautiful surroundings.
19th October 2017
