There's so much to do on a London spa break - here are some of our favourite past times, destinations and activities.
Trying to narrow down the top things to do in London is an impossible task. One of the city’s greatest assets is its diversity, offering a smorgasbord of different activities and entertainment for each and every preference. Even so, if we had to choose, here are some of our top things to do on a London spa break.
London has no shortage of superb restaurants and Michelin star chefs, and some of them are within the same hallowed halls of some of our favourite spas. The Berkeley has four restaurants. The main one for fine dining is Marcus. Named for Marcus Wareing, working with his chef patrons Mark and Shauna Froydenlund, they offer inventive, Michelin-starred modern British dishes. Equally, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is the only UK hotel restaurant with three Michelin stars, putting its creative French cuisine firmly in London’s culinary spotlight.
What could be more cosmopolitan than a cocktail or two? London’s magnificent skylines and glittering nightlife make it the perfect place for bespoke cocktails. Amongst the locations offering the ambience and the mixology for a dreamy date, you might like to try The Intercontinental London O2 Spa’s Sky Bar. The May Fair is also as glamorous as it was when it first opened in 1927. Giving a hint of that Great Gatsby vibe we all know and love.
London’s ‘theatreland’, aka the West End is one of its most glittering attractions. There are around 39 theatres in the area, providing everything from Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals to Shakespeare. It’s not just plays either - ballet, opera and dance all have a place, from the Royal Opera House to The Old Vic, The Globe Theatre to The Adelphi. Book your tickets, get dressed up and organise dinner before the show.
London has a thriving art scene, from its globally recognised art schools to impressive collections. There are an estimated 1,500 permanent exhibition spaces in the capital, most of them free. From the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to the White Cube, the Tate Modern to the Barbican and the South Bank’s Hayward Gallery, there’s a wealth of inspiration to find, whether you’re a fan of the Pre-Raphaelites or Tracey Emin.
It’s no secret that London is home to some impressive shops and impressive shopping districts. Liberty London has been one of the most chic department stores since 1875; Old Bond Street is home to the best of designer clothes and designer jewellery; and Oxford Street brings the buzz of top high street stores. Or you can head to the King’s Road in Chelsea for chic stores and Vivienne Westwood’s World's End - to name a few.
It’s not just shops that London’s known for - it’s got some fantastic markets as well. Borough Market for food; Covent Garden Market for high-end shops and boutiques; Southbank Centre Square for books; Columbia Road for flowers Brick Lane for bric-a-brac; second-hand furniture and vintage clothes; Portobello Road for antiques; or Camden for a catalogue of clothes, art and food.
Of course, the Royal family’s presence is palpable across London, from Kensington Palace where many royals are currently in residence to Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official home. You can see the Changing of the Guard on the Mall and various exhibitions and openings at different royal properties throughout the year. The royal palaces never fail to impress.
London is one of the greenest cities in the world. There are so many parks. Head to Hyde Park for a stroll and to see the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. Stroll through Kensington Gardens - the setting of J. M. Barrie's book Peter Pan. Rent pedalos in Regents Park or see deer roaming in Richmond Park.
A five-star hotel in one of the most prestigious parts of London, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane is seductive and romantic. Stay in Regency style rooms with a 21st century twist, dine at one of Mayfair’s most celebrated restaurants, and relax at The Club at Park Lane. The 12.5-metre heated pool is a jewel in the venue’s crown, surrounded by tall columns and loungers so you can while away the afternoon.
In a restored, stuccoed townhouse, The Chilworth Hotel is just a short walk from Paddington station. Here, wellbeing is woven into the fabric of the whole experience. For example, sleek, marbled bathrooms include invigorating, vitamin-infused rain showers for healthier hair, skin and nails and an in-room aroma box diffuses bespoke scents. In your room you will also find nutritious nibbles, organic coffee infused with vitamins, Pukka teas, a yoga mat and in-room guide to help you meditate more effectively. the spa itself is a sanctuary of tranquillity. There’s a Jacuzzi and steam room, treatments are tailored to help meet your health and lifestyle goals, and guests leave with a Mind, Body and City goodie bag to help continue the experience following their visit. It includes a sleep kit complete with slumber-inducing essentials like aromatherapy mist, a sleep mask and ear plugs. They also recommend that you settle in at night by ordering a Moon Milk – a milky bedtime drink with a dusting of sleep-friendly spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and turmeric – before bed, and use their ‘Beditation’ guide to help you switch off.
With its iconic architecture and unparalleled views of the city, the London spa at the Shangri-La Hotel is the epitome of modern luxury. This London spa and hotel occupies 18 floors of Italian architect Renzo Piano’s celebrated 72-storey skyscraper, The Shard. Rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light - it’s quite a way to wake up in the morning. The spa meanwhile, is on the 52nd floor and its infinity sky pool is its jewel, giving the impression of swimming into the clouds.
From interior designer Kit Kemp and the Firmdale Collection of hotels, Soholistic Spa Ham Yard Hotel is all about beauty. Beautiful fabrics provide a distinct style that’s at once playful and glamorous, while Kemp’s signature scents waft through the space. In the heart of Mayfair, it’s surrounded by 13 independent stores, all revolving around a tree-filled garden with a bronze sculpture centrepiece. It’s gorgeous.
The Berkeley is a five star hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge. It’s A-list design meets 300 years of heritage and luxury organic wellbeing. Rooms and suites greet you with bold, innovative design, Signature suites add Champagne and fresh flowers for that extra touch of luxury. The spa experience is divided into two elements: The Berkeley Health Club & Spa, which is a light, luxurious and peaceful space for working out and winding down; and the Bamford Wellness Spa which is about rest, relaxation and pampering. There’s also a Michelin star restaurant amongst its four dining options.
The Roseate Hotel London near Hyde Park combines style, sophistication, a sense of luxury and an impeccable location. It includes the Aheli spa and wellness concept, which is the first of its kind in the UK. The Sanskrit derivation of ‘Aheli’ is pure, whilst in Hebrew it symbolises a feeling of purity, grace and elegance. As a result, the spa is designed to detox, cleanse, nourish, nurture, heal and rejuvenate.
The Westin London City is a luxurious, five-star hotel where they celebrate wellbeing on all levels and have done so since before it was fashionable. Achingly modern, it’s all about the attention to detail. Rooms are contemporary and stylish, while public spaces are spacious, chic and light thanks to the enormous windows. Sitting on the banks of the River Thames, it’s got views of the water, but is also within easy reach of lots of London’s top attractions. The Heavenly Spa is a tranquil, seductive space that’s a welcome change of pace from the city outside. The pool is a real gem – it’s too tempting not to go for a dip, and the loungers around the edge are perfect for relaxing with a good book. There’s also a Jacuzzi and a steam room – all preparing you for one of their Heavenly Spa treatments.
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