A chic city-centre spa where luxurious ESPA treatments, elegant interiors and a boutique thermal suite offer the perfect morning or afternoon to escape from Manchester’s bustle. (Serene Spy)
First Impressions
The King Street Townhouse is tucked away in Manchester’s former Victorian financial district, now a vibrant neighbourhood of independent boutiques, restaurants and bars. The hotel’s state-of-the-art gym and spa sits next to the 40-room boutique bolthole, accessed via a sleek, wood-panelled staircase. Despite the property’s energetic city location, it’s thoroughly tucked away, making it as secluded as it is central.
What’s on offer?
We were greeted by Kaitlin at the spa reception, tucked neatly at the foot of the staircase. Beyond, the Spa Lounge has an almost space-age feel, with striking lighting overhead, smooth marble tables, tactile upholstered seating and a calming palette of neutral tones.
Our Total Indulgence Spa Day began with breakfast, which we’d pre-ordered in advance. Shown to our table, we were welcomed with a pot of tea while breakfast followed shortly after. Consultation forms were left for us to complete at our leisure, creating an unhurried start that eased us effortlessly into spa mode while satisfying our appetites.
The changing rooms are a thing of beauty with textured white tiling, a central seating area and an entire wall lined with grey digital pin-pad lockers. Inside, you’ll find grey towels, robes and flip-flops; opposite are four spacious showers stocked with ESPA amenities, and two loos. A stylish vanity area complete with curved mirrors, contemporary lighting, two hairdryers, two sets of straighteners and ESPA cleansing products for a little post-spa preening.
Once changed, we checked out the spa’s thermal suite - an intimate space including experience showers with colour-changing lights, a Himalayan salt inhalation cave renowned for its respiratory benefits, and a mosaiced ice fountain provide the opportunity to invigorate the senses, while heated loungers invite you to pause between experiences. We loved listening to the gentle crackle of the coal stove in the sauna before drifting into the pearlescent-tiled herbal steam room.
The spa also has an exclusive, well-equipped gym.
Tell us about the treatments
We tried an ESPA Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage (30 minutes, £80) followed by the ESPA Active Nutrients Glow from Within Facial (60 minutes, £125) .
My therapist, Lilia, met me in the spa lounge and led me through to one of the four treatment rooms, where neutral hues, grooved wooden wall panels and soft lighting created instant calm.
After a brief consultation, Lilia invited me to take part in ESPA’s signature scent selection. Looking to feel energised after a busy week, I was naturally drawn to the Positivity Bath & Body Oil - a vibrant blend of Jasmine, Gardenia and Rose Geranium balanced with uplifting Bergamot and Sweet Orange.
The treatment began with an inhalation bowl being placed on the floor beneath the face hole. Lilia then uncovered my back to commence the back neck and shoulder massage. Using slow, flowing movements and firmer pressure where needed, Lilia eased away the tightness across my shoulders before inviting me to turn over for the facial element.
After gently removing my eye and lip make-up, Lilia cleansed my skin before analysing it under a UV lamp revealing a combination of an oily T-zone, with open pores in places, alongside dehydration caused by recent sun exposure. From there, Lilia tailored the treatment to exactly what my skin needed.
A refreshing balancing toner, infused with peppermint, witch hazel and elderflower was wiped over my skin before a deeper cleanse with a vibrating FOREO device ensured every impurity was banished. An exfoliation prepped my skin for a facial massage using a smooth Gua Sha, helping to release tension while encouraging circulation and sculpting the contours of my face.
Two masks followed. The first, an enzyme peel, worked to gently resurface the skin while Lilia treated me to a wonderfully relaxing hand and arm massage. Once removed, a clarifying clay mineral mask was applied, accompanied by an equally blissful scalp massage that left me drifting into complete zen (aka sleep).
To finish, Lilia applied ESPA’s Optimal Skin Pro nutrient-rich mist, serum and moisturiser, along with an eye gel and Pomelo lip balm, leaving my skin feeling cocooned in hydration. As she gently raised the treatment bed, she returned with a refreshing mango and passion fruit sorbet and a glass of water - a thoughtful finishing touch that allowed me to ease back into the day at my own pace.
The result? Skin that felt comfortably hydrated, energised and noticeably brighter, with a smoother texture and a healthy glow that lasted long after the treatment had ended.
Food Facts
If you’ve booked a day spa experience, you will pre-order your meals and dine in style (and en robe) without leaving the comfort of the spa. Take a seat in the Spa Lounge, and wait for contemporary dishes to be delivered to your table prepared by the hotel’s chefs.
We began our day with breakfast. We opted for the Avocado Toast – grilled sourdough topped with yuzu avocado, chilli, radish, poached eggs and mixed seeds – while our spa partner enjoyed smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on sourdough, finished with lemon and chives. A pot of breakfast tea made the perfect accompaniment.
Later, we returned to the Spa Lounge for lunch. We chose the Sesame Noodles with chilli, spring onion and peanuts, topped with grilled bavette steak; our spa partner tucked into the Caesar salad with little gem lettuce, anchovies, parmesan, croutons and chicken. Both dishes were generously portioned and paired perfectly with a chilled glass of Champagne.
You can also order teas, coffees, fresh juices or, like us, indulge in a classic cocktail. A mid-morning mimosa? It would have been rude not to.
We loved
The treatments: The ESPA Active Nutrients Glow from Within Facial delivers results, while the expert therapists ensure the treatment feels completely tailored.
The service: Warm, friendly hospitality from every member of staff made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
The Spa Lounge: A stylish and tranquil space where you can relax in your robe, enjoy beautifully prepared food and drinks, and extend the feeling of escapism between the facilities and treatments.
What Bubble Rating Did You Award This Spa?
We awarded King Street Townhouse Gym & Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its excellent service, impressive interior design and results-driven ESPA treatments.
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