Spotlight on: AIRE Ancient Baths London

Wellness in central London isn't the easiest thing to find. Amidst the roar of traffic and the general buzz, it's a whirl of excitement but not necessarily relaxation. And yet, head to one of the busiest locations in the heart of it all and a subterranean haven awaits. At AIRE Ancient Baths London, modern relaxation meets ancient wellness knowledge. Here's what you need to know.

The architecture is integral to the experience

The architecture of AIRE Ancient Baths London has a particular magic all of its own, not least because these are the buildings that were once home to J.M. Barrie who wrote Peter Pan. Inside, the sultry lighting makes it an instantly relaxing and sensual space in a cavernous complex of arches and exposed brick that's at once grounding and enchanting.

It's a spa journey

AIRE Ancient Baths London has been designed as a spa journey, inviting you to enjoy and explore a range of thermal experiences to relax mind, body and soul. There are seven separate baths in total, each working their magic to detox, open the pores and relax the muscles. In Roman style there's a tepidarium (36ºc), caldarium (40°c) and frigidarium (14ºC and 10ºC). Then there's a vaporium (steam room), which is scented with eucalyptus; a balneum, thousand jet baths, and a flotarium where you can quite literally float away.

Spa treatments are about holistic wellness

The thermal tour is the perfect prep before a spa treatment, and at AIRE Ancient Baths London the focus is on luxurious, holistic wellbeing. Drawing on ancient inspiration, they offer experiences to renew, indulge, relax and restore using essential oils and time tested techniques. Favourite therapies include their full body massage with sandalwood oil (for detox) and warm amethyst crystals (to relieve stress); their Earl Grey tea soak, or their signature Relaxing Massage.

It's all about the experience

The experience doesn't stop with the spa facilities and treatments at AIRE Ancient Baths London. The packages they have put together are beautifully thought through. For example, their Escape Together package includes use of the facilities, a 45-minute massage and Cava and truffles to enjoy. Another favourite is the The Signature Wine Experience, which features a 60 minute massage, a cranial massage, a 30-minute private red wine soak and wine tasting with Manchego cheese, Catalan almonds and grapes in the Wine Bath.

It's a London spa with an exceptional location

All this considered, the location of the spa cannot go without mentioning. In the heart of Covent Garden, it's an escape from the world but once you head back out feeling refreshed and restored, you're in one of the most beautiful parts of London. Head to the theatre, go shopping or out for dinner - there's every sense that after a spa day at AIRE Ancient Baths London you have arrived.