The Lanesborough Club & Spa

First Impressions

The Lanesborough is a white, neo-classical style mansion in the heart of one of London’s most exclusive areas: between Knightsbridge and Mayfair on the edge of Hyde Park. If you’re not travelling by chauffer (we weren’t), take exit four out of Hyde Park Corner tube station to put yourself right in front of this historic building.

The chic Club and Spa is located below the easterly wing of the hotel, with its own private entrance off Grosvenor Place. Head down a short flight of stairs and knock on the imposing black door. Alternatively, you can access the spa via the hotel - follow the signs from reception along the maze-like corridor and take the lift down to spa heaven.

What's on offer?

The spacious spa lobby is an expanse of white marble, with flickering fires, gilt-framed mirrors and plush blue armchairs creating an exclusive feel. We were welcomed by a receptionist behind a large front desk, led to a plush navy-blue armchair, offered a drink and handed a consultation form to complete.

Changing rooms are spacious and Art Deco-inspired. You’ll find a dark wood and silver vanity area in the centre, seating six, with large oval mirrors entwined with dangling tulip lights and strings of glass leaves. This area is stocked with all the products you could need (and more): dry hair shampoo, anti-perspirant and GHDs come as standard - simply turn up with your swimsuit and you’re good to go. Summon a concierge at the touch of a button should you require anything further.

Banks of light grey lockers are interspersed with mini chaise seats framed in golden drapes for changing. Each locker contains a fully white robe and towel, disposable pants and a pair of black rubber spa slippers. There are three WCs – thoughtfully stocked with mouthwash for a pre-treatment freshen up - and four large shower rooms complete with their own private changing areas. Everything was spick and span on our visit.

The thermal facilities at The Lanesborough Club & Spa are single sex and part of the changing rooms. The black glass-fronted wooden sauna, seating six, is heated to a toasty 80-90 degrees. You’ll find six mother-of-pearl mosaic-tiled thrones in the steam room which was one of the steamiest we’ve encountered (allow your eyes to adjust for a moment before finding a seat).

You can cool down under the experience shower afterwards, choosing between warm rain, cool rain and cool mist. This was delightfully refreshing with an uplifting eucalyptus scent.

A black door from here leads to the unisex hydrotherapy pool, an atmospherically-lit, infinity-edged pool that runs the length of the room and is slightly raised; water cascades over the edge. Head up a few steps and descend into the warm water. There are body jets along one side and seating with plenty of bubble jets opposite. Relax on one of six loungers afterwards, each equipped with a pillow, a towel and a bell to call a pool-side butler.

Spa goers can also relax in the spa lounge which has red and dark wood panel walls and an elegant fireplace. Comfortable recliner armchairs surrounded by cream curtains are dotted around the room. Each has its own side table with a lamp, and a buzzer for summoning the concierge – a delightfully recurring a theme, it appears. Or find an armchair near the fire and flick through a magazine. Help yourself to snacks, a large selection of herbal teas and bottles of water, or order food from the menu.

The Lanesborough Club & Spa also has a gym, a Pilates studio, a boutique for spa purchases, a mani/pedi room with the oversized leather seats (and a row of mini pink robes for younger guests) and a hair salon. If you’re lucky enough to be a member, you’ll also have access to your own VIP suite with Rasul.

Tell us about the treatments

We tried the SW1 24 Carat Gold Hydrafacial (90 minutes, £475).

Maya, my therapist, met me in the spa lounge and led me along a scented corridor to a spacious treatment room with dark wood floors, cream walls and a bold black ceiling.

Inviting me to sit on a chair, Maya explained the stages of the treatment – of which there were many – and left the room so that I could disrobe, pull my fringe back with a band and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face up.

The treatment began with three deep breaths of a lavender-scented oil, some push pressure points on my shoulders and a cold mitt on my feet.

Maya then used a milk cleanser from Meso Aesthetics to clean my skin before giving it a good inspection. Using an ultrasound gel and a two-pronged, hand-held Electro Magnetic Stimulating device (EMS), Maya contracted the muscles in my face, upping the current until it felt prickly but comfortable (the higher the current, the more impressive the results).

Next came a massage of epic proportions with more lifting, tapping, sculpting and toning than I’ve ever experienced – her hands surely deserved a holiday after such a workout.

Maya then wheeled a Hydrafacial machine beside me and used the pen-like device to suck out dirt and push in moisture in five different stages – lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, glycolic peel, extraction and hydrating solution with antioxidants - each requiring a different programme on the computer.

Not done yet, Maya picked up two more items – resembling the mice you use for a computer - set an LED light to red for anti-ageing and moved them around my face, allowing them to hover above specific areas as required.

Wondering if I had any face left to treat, Maya picked up a gold mask (real gold I’m told) and placed it over my face, adjusting the pre-cut eye, nose and mouth holes to fit. While this worked, Maya massaged my thighs.

Mask removed, Maya ended this epic facial with some serum and moisturiser. She then lowered the bed, handed me some water and left the room so that I could sneak a peek. Twenty-five you say? I’ll take that.

In the Spa Lounge afterwards, Maya poured me a Lanesborough tea with a dash of honey and left me to relax on a reclining chair.

The Lanesborough Club & Spa offers a range of Tata Harper and Ila facials and Ground Wellbeing massages, as well as holistic wraps and scrubs, and Advanced Aesthetic Treatments. For post-spa preening book in for a mani/pedi, an eyelash tint or a blow dry in the hair salon.

Food Facts

Lunch is served en robe either in the Spa Lounge or the rather glamorous Spa Restaurant – all deep blue walls and rows of gold-framed botanicals. The menu here is deliciously healthy with a variety of salads and hot dishes on offer

We began with an eye-wateringly tart Tumeric and ginger shot which rendered us unable to speak temporarily, followed by a zingy Asian salad with lemongrass chicken. Our spa partner’s grilled Halibut with steamed vegetables looked as colourful and as it was healthy. Not drinking right now, we opted for a glass of Noughty non-alcoholic fizz which was far from terrible.

If you’re staying overnight, book a table at the The Lanesborough Grill with its domed glass ceiling, Greek-style pillars and powder blue stucco detailing. Ginormous circular chandeliers, huge Bird of Paradise plants and walk-in wine rooms give the room a decadent feel.

On the menu: British classics with a twist. Still semi sated from lunch, we went straight for the main act and tucked into Salt Marsh lamb with roasted aubergine, stuffed lamb belly, spiced lamb and a coriander dressing. Our spa partner’s saddle of Hampshire venison with pumpkin, grilled cabbage, salsify and bergamot gave our meal a run for its money – but only just.

We ended the evening with mocktails in the hotel bar where a pianist and female singer kept us entertained.

We loved / we didn't love

We loved

The location: Harvey Nics, Hyde Park Corner and Harrod’s are all within spitting distance (although this is Mayfair so none of that please) - what more could you ask for of London?

From the plethora of hair products to the pretty lights above the vanity area, and the large showers to the separate steam room and sauna, the changing rooms have clearly been designed by women for women.

Our room in the royal suite complete with butler and Hyde Park views. Even our fluffy slippers had little crowns on them.

We didn’t love

The absence of a swimsuit spinner left us no option but to grab a plastic bag for our sodden costume.

Who do you think would like it?

Tourists: with St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace all within easy reach, sightseeing is made easy.

Fans of targeted facials: want results without going under the knife? The Lanesborough Club & Spa offers seven Advanced Aesthetic Facials, including a No-Needle Facelift.

Londoners can buy a membership and pop in for a lunchtime hair do, a workout, a dip or a treatment.

What bubble rating did you award this spa?

Time and time again we award The Lanesborough Club & Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of Five Bubble Luxury. This year for its outstanding customer service, facial to top all facials, well thought-out facilities and finger-licking food.

Stylish Spy visited in February 2024 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.