A cocoon of relaxation in the heart of the city, Corinthia Hotel London is known as a place for ultimate opulence, and on a spa day it takes you on a journey to a pristine, subterranean paradise a world away from the buzzing city above, as Product Manager Sarah Hill explains…

First impressions

Corinthia Hotel London definitely has the wow factor, from the moment you arrive at the hotel and even before you set foot in the spa. Amazing location, spectacular reputation and a hospitality pedigree that means you can be safe in the knowledge you’re in for a real treat! The spa itself is underground - all dark and seductive. I think it must be what going to heaven feels like to be honest; it’s another world.

The location

Location wise, Corinthia Hotel London is in an amazing position on the embankment in central London, steps from Trafalgar Square, Westminster, the River Thames and Covent Garden, Corinthia Hotel London combines grandeur and heritage with exquisite, intelligent design.

The spa

The spa is all the things you would imagine from a global family business of seasoned hoteliers - it’s opulent, luxurious and it’s all white, with seamless design that mean seemingly doors pop out of the walls with a gentle push and there’s a sense of calm you wouldn’t have thought possible in London. It’s renowned for being one of the best spas in London and it’s easy to see why.

It always seems strange to talk about the changing rooms when talking about a spa, but much like those at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, for those who have been, these are not just somewhere to leave your wet swimming costume. This is a place to lounge around in their own right, with sleep pods, duvets and pillows in place to chill out, and like everywhere else in the spa, it all flows from one space to the next beautifully.

Really showcasing their luxury standards, they have also really thought about all the details, so in addition to the spa facilities themselves, the changing rooms include combs, toothbrushes, deodorant; all the things to help you prepare to face the outside world again after you have finished.

For those who wish to exercise, there is a gym, and much like everywhere else, they have really thought about the details, so there are bottles of water or coconut water available, as well as protein bites should you need an energy boost. The height of contemporary fitness, facilities include Powerplates, personal training pods and ESPA Life personal trainers to help you target specific goals and giving an insight into the connectivity of wellness at the spa.

In the spa area itself, it is really warm and ambient thanks to little glass covered flames peppered throughout, and the centre of the experience is the thermal floor, set out in an awesome amphitheatre, the likes of which I have not seen before, complete with a sauna, steam room, feature showers, ice fountain, a pool, vitality pool and lots of water massage jets that really feel like you have had a good treatment.

There is also a Daniel Galvin hair salon, a glamorous nail studio where they serve freshly squeezed juices, tisanes, Champagne or beer at the same time, and a spa lounge offering health orientated breakfasts, lunches and teas as well as drinks and a glass of bubbles.

The cherry on top of course are the spa treatments from ESPA Life…

The treatments

It is not just opulence that underpins the spa however, the ethos here is from ESPA Life, bringing a holistic approach to everything they offer in the spa, from fitness to wellness and to aesthetics as well.

As a result, the team delivering treatments is made up of globally acclaimed naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists and herbalists, osteopaths, personal trainers and spa professionals, and despite its intimate feel, the spa has a spectacular 17 treatment rooms and a wealth of knowledge to deliver to its guests.

While I was there I had the Inner Calm Massage - a 60 minute treatment retailing at £150.Designed to quieten the mind, release tension and nourish the skin it is a beautiful experience that’s personalised through aromatherapy oils, massage techniques and breath work, and at the end of it I felt as though I was floating and headed off to the sleep pods for a power nap to prolong the feeling.

For those visiting with a partner it is also worth noting looking into the Private Spa Suite complete with a private rasul experience, for extra privacy.

Verdict

As far as visiting Corinthia Hotel London for a spa day goes, it’s a bit of a no brainer - it is luxurious and expensive and for very good reason. It is a romantic destination and with the private suite I would definitely recommend it to couples, however I think it really shines as somewhere to go with a friend or for mums and daughters to really spend quality time together.

Top tips

• For a special occasion, book the private suite for time with a friend or partner.
• Take advantage of the location and combine the spa experience with a day of shopping and or a trip to the theatre.
• Upgrade your visit to an overnight break for the ultimate treat.

VISIT ESPA LIFE AT CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON