Visiting The House of Elemis in London

Every spa destination has its own character and its own credentials, but no matter how many Elemis treatments I have had, a visit to The House of Elemis in Mayfair offered an experience like no other.

Rather like returning to the spa mothership, The House of Elemis is a purist experience.

It is not about facilities - pools, saunas and steam rooms, and if I am honest I don’t think I would say it’s for visiting with friends, although their penthouse does offer some scope for group relaxation. I think this is an experience you preserve entirely for yourself.

Arriving at Lancashire Court, an inconspicuous side street just off Bond Street you could be forgiven for initially thinking you had the wrong place. Then, all of a sudden this glass fronted shop, brimming with Elemis skincare delights opens up in front of you. It’s like Diagon Alley for spa addicts.

Wander in, and you are greeted by the smiling, unblemished faces of the Elemis team, who check you in and offer you herbal teas served in fine china while you fill in your consultation forms and await your appointment. Everyone is charming and welcoming and makes you feel at home in this pearly pristine hidden gem.

Set in a mews/townhouse style building, to reach the treatment rooms your therapist will lead you up a winding staircase until you’re greeted with the airy, contemporary space that is your treatment room. Well thought out, there is a cupboard complete with a robe, slippers and drawers to put your valuables in. Less usual for a spa treatment room - on one side there is a screen that looks like a particularly elegant computer, and this is where their famed facials, for which I was here, begin.

The computer is the basis of their SkinLab photos…

The computer is the basis of their SkinLab photos, which combines state-of-the-art technology in facial mapping analysis and a lifestyle consultation to help the therapist tailor the facial to you, as well as offering follow up skincare solutions. It is an informative tool that works in powerful combination with their targeted galvanic technology used in their Couture Technology facials.

I have to admit, preferring my spa experiences to be relaxing rather than informative, I had been a bit anxious about hearing the results of my SkinLab - envisaging a telling off for sun damage or too much coffee. However, my therapist was charming and presented all her findings in a positive manner, making it a helpful addition to the treatment.

Onto the facial itself - it is like taking a regular facial and turbo charging it. Available in 30 minute, one hour, or one hour 30 minute slots, it hydrates, energises and firms the skin, and leaves it feeling cleaner and more glowing than I have ever felt in my life. It is renowned for showing instant results, which is what makes it so popular for anyone with a big event coming up. It is an amazing experience, and one that entirely justifies its £125 (per hour) price tag.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE FACIAL

Of course for long term results, the recommendation is to have these facials semi regularly, and to follow up with a skincare routine recommended by Elemis. So, post treatment, your therapist will recommend five products based on your SkinLab results. For me, it was the following skincare routine from their Pro-Collagen range - and what a joyful experience they are to use! A week post-facial, and my skin still feels as though it’s been given the hydration it’s been gasping for, for decades. Meanwhile, the products also pass that all important litmus test - they are lovely to use.

Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, £41

A powerful, deep cleansing balm that dissolves make-up, daily grime and pollutants. Luxury cleansing cloth included. For all skin types.

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How to apply Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm from ELEMIS on Vimeo.

Cleansing Micellar Water, £25

A clarifying micellar water that effectively removes make-up and the daily build-up of skin pollutants to reveal a clear, radiant complexion.

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ELEMIS Smart Cleanse Micellar Water-HD from ELEMIS on Vimeo.

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, £82

A powerful combination of ingredients, including Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba, shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 14 days*.

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Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, £95

This oxygenating night cream helps with your skin’s natural regeneration process. Wake up with a firmer-looking, radiant complexion whilst helping delay the signs of premature ageing.

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