Spa Verta is housed in the subterranean levels of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Battersea. The hotel is on the south side of the Thames, just across the river from Chelsea Harbour. The outside isn't hugely impressive but the interior is 1930s Art Deco decadence, complete with sumptuous velvet armchairs and sofas, shiny marble floors, vintage artworks, and a spiral staircase winding up from reception to the mezzanine floor. 

The small spa is downstairs from reception. Even though it's in the basement of the hotel, the spa feels beautifully light and airy. 

The reception area at Spa Verta is decorated in bright whites and mossy greens, giving it a contemporary but natural feel. The staff who greeted us were welcoming and friendly.

The changing rooms are roomy and spotlessly clean. There are full- and half-size wooden lockers; ours had a waffle robe and flip-flops waiting for us inside. The two showers and one loo were also very clean. There's a large mirror with hairdryers, lovely ESPA products, and lots of extra towels to help yourself to.

The 10-metre hydrotherapy pool is the star of the spa with underwater lighting and blue mosaic tiling. It's too small to swim lengths, but it's fabulous if you just want to float in the warm water. The ceiling above the pool is granite, so looking up makes you feel as if you're in a peaceful cave. Four water-jets can massage away any aches and pains in your shoulders and neck.

Make your way around the very hot, wooden sauna, the cooler sanarium and the steam room with twinkly ceiling lights. Each room is big enough for at least six people. There are experience showers and foot-baths, too.

The relaxation area is as sumptuous as the hotel. The wide loungers face a wall with flickering candles and golden wallpaper to each side. The gentle music, gloriously scented diffusers and warm lighting make the room feel very decadent. Help yourself to waters, herbal teas, and dried fruits and nuts.

Spa Verta is small but perfectly managed. They keep the numbers of spa-day guests low so you won't find yourself queueing for lounger space.

We had the ESPA Optimal Skin Care Facial (55 minutes, £80). 

My therapist, Jade, met me in spa reception and took me through to our treatment room. We discussed my skincare concerns; for me, it's my ageing skin. Jade recommended the Optimal Skin Care Facial as it promises to rebalance, hydrate and revitalise. 

Jade cleansed then used a lamp to look over my skin, checking out the areas of dehydration. She then cleansed my skin again and applied a gentle citrus-y exfoliant. She finished the cleansing process by using a Clarisonic brush; the bristles give a very deep cleanse.

Jade toned, then massaged my skin using pressure points and long lymphatic drainage techniques over my face, neck and shoulders. She applied a hydrating mask, then, while the mask worked its way into my skin, massaged my scalp. Finally, she removed the mask and applied a finishing serum and moisturisers.

After the treatment, my skin looked like it had had a real wake-up call; my complexion was definitely brighter and, dare I say it, my wrinkles had softened a little. I also felt relaxed and calm. The facial certainly helped me let go of my everyday stresses.

Spa Verta offers ESPA face and body treatments including ones specially designed for men and mums-to-be. The spa menu also includes a signature Lava Shell massage and an award-winning range of manicures and pedicures by Leighton Denny.

Most spa packages include a two-course lunch or afternoon tea. Food is served in the terrace bar on the mezzanine level; it's a chic and contemporary space overlooking the Thames and the heliport, perfect on a summer's day. You will need to dress before heading up to the restaurant.

The menu is mostly gastro-pub -- such as beer-battered fish and chips, burgers or classic club sandwiches -- with a few lighter options. We had a delicious halloumi and pear starter followed by a home-made fishcake on wilted spinach with hollandaise sauce.

We loved

Our treatment: I felt my therapist really listened to my worries and tailored the treatment to me.

All of the spa facilities and changing rooms were spotlessly clean, well maintained and beautifully designed.

We didn't love

Relaxation space is quite limited; there are just three tepidarium beds and four loungers in the relaxation room. Spa Verta isn't really a spa where you can spend the whole day relaxing, but it's a great place to spend a morning or afternoon.

Because of its limited nature, Spa Verta would be great for couples, small groups of friends or mother and daughter pamper sessions.

Londoners looking for a temporary reprieve: The treatments are very good and the thermal facilities are a perfect place to wind down for an hour before a treatment.

We gave Spa Verta a Good Spa Guide rating of Four Bubbles. The customer service, attentive and professional therapists, and great treatment menu combine to make a very personal spa experience. Spa Verta is a hidden gem in central London.