London can produce sensory overload in even the most seasoned traveller, and what better way to escape its pulsating urban energy than by tapping into an energy of a more ‘zen’ kind – at a luxury spa hotel.
(Photo: Corinthia Hotel)
Daunting in both size and intensity, locals are used to navigating both characteristics of the Big Smoke, but visitors are likely to be less familiar with the city. And with so much to explore – and at hight pace if you’re to see even half of its main attractions – you’re likely to need some rest and recuperation at the end of a long day’s sight-seeing. That’s where the attraction of an indulgent hotel spa, just steps from your guest room, comes into play. We’ve picked out 10 of the best London Spa hotels below.
Corinthia Hotel
Housed in a landmark building once occupied by the Ministry of Defence, any remnants of its staid bureaucratic past have long since been replaced at the Corinthia Hotel, situated just steps from Trafalgar Square. Today, where grey-suited gents once manned desks, sumptuous David Collins interiors abound, with palatial furniture and crystal orb chandeliers exuding contemporary luxury and style. Spread over four floors, the hotel’s flagship ESPA spa is by common consensus one of the biggest, best and most pleasingly designed anywhere in London. Black marble and mosaics dominate the spa’s vast confines, while hydrotherapy and swimming pools, an amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers and private sleep pods provide everything you need for mind and body recuperation.
The Berkeley Hotel
(Photo: The Berkeley)
Peer across the green treetops of Hyde Park at The Berkeley’s 7th-floor spa and you could easily imagine yourself to be in an English country garden. In fact, you’ll be high above an urban metropolis, but the suspension of disbelief certainly comes easily. Following a holistic, organic philosophy, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, with a secret garden lined with daybeds the perfect spot to unwind afterwards. There’s also a heated outdoor rooftop pool, plus one-to-one yoga and Pilates classes. Alongside the spa, the hotel features a state-of-the-art gym, concierge and chauffeur services, and a Ferrari atelier where guests can custom-design their own supercar.
Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa
Overlooking the well looked-after green expanse of Battersea Park in southwest London, this 4-star hotel features a Lifestyle Centre housing a sauna, a steam room and a relaxation area. Here, guests can select from a wide choice of beauty and therapy treatments. Beyond the spa, the hotel’s spacious air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and modern private bathrooms. Other notable on-site amenities include a restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop. The shops and boutiques of upscale Sloane Square are just a 15-minute walk away.
The Mandarin Oriental
(Photo: The Mandarin Oriental)
Set in a grand Edwardian building just minutes from Hyde Park in West London’s swanky Knightsbridge, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the grande dames of London’s hotel scene. And if its two Michelin-starred restaurant isn’t enough reason to visit, then the hotel’s spa, with its sleek black interior by acclaimed New York designer Adam D Tihany, should certainly be enough to seal the deal. A hydro pool, sauna, amethyst crystal steam room, relaxation room with adjustable beds and 13 treatment rooms, including a double suite complete with Rasul water temple, help to make this one of the capital’s most enticing wellness offerings.
The Rembrandt Hotel
Nestled in the well-heeled west London neighbourhood of Knightsbridge, directly opposite the V&A Museum and a 10-minute walk to Harrods department store, this 4-star hotel is well positioned for culture vultures and shoppers alike. In terms of its spa offerings, guests have reduced-rate access to Aquilla Health and Fitness, a private health club adjacent to the hotel featuring a spa, state-of-the-art gymnasium and indoor heated swimming pool. All hotel guest rooms come with a 4G-enabled smartphone to take out and about and inclusive of free calls to selected countries.
Rafayel Hotel & Spa
(Photo: Rafayel Hotel & Spa)
Billed as one of London’s most eco-friendly accommodation options, this boutique hotel features a spa complete with a sauna, a steam room, and a full suite of lavish treatments. Designer guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious private bathrooms and high-tech entertainment systems, and some rooms feature specially-designed Jet Lag recovery lighting technology. The hotel also has two on-site restaurants, and there are free shuttle transfers to local public transport links, Clapham Junction and Clapham Common, both of which offer quick routes to Central London.
Bulgari Hotel
As befitting a Bulgari designed hotel, this beautiful 5-star residence hits all the right notes with its lavish Spa and fitness offering, which oozes serenity, sophistication and state-of-the-art facilities. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s an elegant bar and fine dining restaurant, a private cinema and a stunning ballroom, while the 85 guest rooms feature a fusion of English and Italian design styles, along with 42-inch plasma TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and free WiFi. Harrods, Hyde Park, and Knightsbridge Underground Station are just a 5-minute walk away.
St. James’ Court
(Photo: St. James’ Court)
With a luxury spa and tranquil courtyard garden, this 4-star hotel is serenity personified. The Spa at 51 features a sauna, steam room and solarium, a fitness suite and a beauty centre offering an indulgent treatment menu. Spacious, elegant guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a modern bathroom with fluffy bathrobes and slippers. The hotel also boasts the Michelin-starred Quilon restaurant and the stylish, award-winning Zander Bar. Victoria Coach and Railway Stations and the Houses of Parliament are both 10 minutes away by foot.
Four Seasons Hotel
(Photo: Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane)
Boasting one of London’s most prestigious postcodes on Mayfair’s Park Lane, the Four Seasons is a harmonious mix of 1930s Art Deco elegance and modern glamour. The lobby area is an instant attention-grabber, gleaming with black-marble interiors and walnut wood panels, with oversized paintings, wall murals, crystal-fringe chandeliers and a lacquered, coral-red piano adding to the visual impact. As for the spa, quite simply, there are none in London that can rival its rooftop views overlooking the green expanse of Hyde Park. Guests can enjoy the soothing vistas while luxuriating in any one of the spa’s nine glass-walled treatment rooms, sauna, vitality pool, or wood-clad relaxation room.
Park Plaza County Hall
Featuring a health club, gym and restaurant, this modern and family-friendly 4-star hotel on London’s South Park boasts both a central location and plenty of on-site amenities. The health club has a sauna, steam room and a range of indulgent treatments. Spacious guest rooms come with plasma-screen TVs, large work desks, and microwaves. Guests can also make use of free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Rooms on high floors have views of the London Eye and the City of London. L’Italiano Restaurant serves Italian cuisine and a full English breakfast is available every morning.