The Spabreaks.com team have been busy visiting spas across the country so far this summer. Checking in on a longstanding favourite, they went to the stylish K West for a group spa day in London. Here’s what you need to know from Product Executive Fiona…
First impressions
It’s really modern, light and stylish with clean lines and open space. However, it’s also really welcoming. The spa still looks brand new, despite having been around for quite a while, and they have also just reopened the spa after refurbishment making it look even more contemporary.
When we arrived they showed us to the library, which is a curtained off space that’s perfect for groups. It’s available for groups at no extra cost, and is perfect for having drinks or afternoon tea together (essential on a London spa day). It felt really exclusive and private.
The spa at K West
The spa is downstairs and underground, and we were given a tour and told about the treatments we were having. It’s got a warm and welcoming vibe as well as being exceptionally stylish, and while it’s not huge it doesn’t feel small. They are very careful not to overcrowd the spa to retain the sense of exclusivity - they really control the numbers so it never feels busy.
We spent some time in the snow room (it has real snow!), sauna, steam room, hydro pool and sanarium as well as enjoying the two foot baths. There’s also a nail bar with two manicure and two pedicure stations, and two treatment rooms. We had our treatments in a dual suite which had a treatment bed and a dry flotation tank in it. So we spent half the time on each and switched halfway through, which was a different experience and great for friends or couples on a London spa day.
The treatment
I had a massage and my therapist was great. The techniques were really thorough and I felt properly relaxed and stretched out by the end of it. They really care about the journey you go on. Therapists let you smell the oil they’re going to use before starting the treatment so you can choose the right one for you. One member of the group chose chamomile as she gets reactions sometimes from other oils, so it was really tailored to the individual. I said I had a sore upper back so my therapist concentrated on that for me. Another girl had lower back problems and they adapted it for her. So while it was technically the same treatment, it was customised for each person.
The afternoon tea
Their Retro afternoon tea is really unique. It’s served on records and has some really unique touches. We all had a prawn cocktail spiked with Jack Daniels to start. There’s a dessert course and scones, and we were given lots of time to enjoy it.
We had their own K West white tea with it called Tea Rex. It is a blend of strong black tea, mellow green tea leaves, natural cherry flavouring, peony flowers and fragrant rose petals with a dash of peppercorns. The brew has a bold, smoky flavour with a soothing floral undertone and a spicy aftertaste.
Then we all had a Porn Star Martini, which was incredible. It was £25 but it served four of us! They have three like that and over 60 other cocktails on the menu.
Top tips for a London spa day at K West Hotel and Spa
- Go late morning, spend lots of time in the facilities and have afternoon tea as part of your day. You can easily spend a couple of hours in the spa without trying.
- Go on a weekday as it’s almost like you have it to yourself.
- If you’re going as a group then ask for the library for your afternoon tea or drinks.
- Definitely try one (or more!) of their cocktails.