Is this London's best kept spa secret?

Ritual and heritage

AIRE Ancient Baths London is a spa experience unlike any other. In one of the most illustrious locations in London, it's just minutes away from Covent Garden, in a property that was once home to author J.M. Barrie, who wrote Peter Pan. That heritage sets the scene for a world of water based therapy spanning seven baths in a cavernous thermal suite, inspired by a fusion of Roman, Greek, and Ottoman wellbeing.

The key thing about the AIRE brand, which has nine spas around the world (with another opening in September), is that every location is carefully chosen. They seek out historic spaces with charm, character, and a story of their own. In London, the property's literary heritage imbues it with whimsy, creating a sense that once you enter its doors time is suspended and you're in another world.

AIRE's PR & Marketing Manager, Julian Benitez, says: "We base everything around rituals, enjoying all the details that make us feel like ourselves. That starts from the moment someone walks in the door - they're greeted by name by reception, guided through the bathing journey, and we engage the senses from the start as the air is scented with our signature orange garden fragrance, created to calm the mind."

Here, the details matter. For example, that sense of timelessness is enhanced by the total lack of clocks - instead, a Tibetan singing bowl is struck on the hour. The result (combined with a no phone policy) is a space that instantly invites you to switch off and escape from the outside world, allowing for introspection, and quality time to yourself, or with a friend or partner.

Water-based wellbeing

The main element at this spa is water, and every visit involves a journey through the baths. This isn't somewhere to just have a quick massage - it is about creating space. The seven pools help mind and body to relax in preparation for a treatment, with a series of contrasting temperatures. Move from the tepidarium (36ºC), to the caldarium (40°C) and frigidarium (14ºC and 10ºC). There's a vaporium (or steam room), which is scented with eucalyptus; a balneum, thousand jet baths, and a flotarium where you can quite literally float away.

Speaking candidly, Julian talks about how he first came to AIRE as a guest, falling in love with the offering and ultimately seeking to work with them. He says:

"My personal journey is connected with AIRE - I live and breathe it. I was looking for something that helped me disconnect from the outside world when I first came here, and almost discovered it by accident. It was transformative. What I found was a beautiful space, concept and journey; it wasn't just about a pampering treatment and it doesn't feel transactional - it's dedicated to wellness, like a temple of relaxation. It completely brings you into this moment."

Ancient wellbeing meets modern indulgence

While the bathing experiences set the tone for your spa day, packages are carefully considered, with attention to detail curating each visit to make it unique. Here, wellbeing and indulgence are not mutually exclusive.

Treatments, for example, are rich in meaning and enjoyment, with no shortage of whimsy either. Julian notes that his favourite treatment is called 'Love Connection', which can be shared with a partner or about self care. It incorporates different elements of wellbeing, including aromatherapy and massage, using a soothing or energising oil and basalt stones.

The Love Connection treatment is followed by chocolate truffles and either a glass of Cava or juice - these are the details that are the cherry on top of every visit. The drinks, the little added treats - these are all chosen to tie in with your treatment, and the experience you've chosen. As a Spanish brand, founded in Seville, there's also a link with their heritage wherever possible - for example, the decision to serve Cava.

Another unique experience, which heralds their sense of playfulness as well as indulgence, is their Signature Wine Experience. It features a unique red wine soak, where you are submerged in a bath to enjoy the antioxidant properties of Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes while having a cranial massage and a honey hair mask. The treatment is followed by a glass of Spanish Ribera Del Duero wine and cheese.

Julian says: "It's deeply indulgent, and that's an important part of the rich experience of life and ritual."

As a gift for yourself or someone else, a spa break is always a good idea, but at AIRE they take the offering to new heights - inviting you to enjoy their very own candlelit, wellbeing Narnia that feels a million miles away from the outside world.