Welcome to wellbeing in the roaring ’20s – with a little inspiration from the past

The last time we entered the ‘20s, the style was so resplendent it’s still celebrated today. From literature to fashion and film, the ‘20s inspire elegance, luxury and just a little bit of hedonism. This time around we’re combining the best of the old with the best of the new, bringing a little wellbeing into the mix as well. Welcome to wellbeing in the roaring ’20s - with a little inspiration from the past…

Jazz age beauty at Gleneagles, Scotland

First conceived as design homage to the French aristocracy’s chateaux tradition, the architecture of Gleneagles is a visual indicator of the five-star service that lies within. The hotel dates to the 18th century, but in the spa, a celebration of both luxury and wellness, there’s a little art deco gem that F. Scott Fitzgerald would be proud of.

The unique Bob and Cloche Salon is an elegant beauty destination named after two style motifs of the Jazz age - the racy ‘bob’ haircut, and the close-fitting cloche hat. The various beauty rooms showcase bespoke golden framed mirrors, opulent furnishings and a striking colour palette.

Meanwhile, a stylish relaxation area has a roaring fire that makes it reminiscent of a cosy drawing room. It’s perfect for friends to unwind in between treatments on a group spa break. There is also a luxurious dressing room which adds glamour and fun to the ritual of trying on outfits and perfecting a look before dinner. Think Hollywood starlet’s dressing room meets the cool and sophisticated intellect of Anita Loos.

Art deco wellbeing at The Dorchester Spa, London

A celebrated bastion of luxury and style, The Dorchester hotel was established in 1931, and celebrates it heritage alongside the contemporary luxury it’s so well known for. Spacious, luxurious and elegant, each room features specially commissioned fabrics, antique furniture and exceedingly comfortable beds, with white marble bathrooms. The spa in particular exudes 1930s Art Deco glamour with details such as a chandelier of South Pacific pearls, and an indulgent Spatisserie with the ethos ‘a little bit of what you love is good for you’.

Gatsby glamour at Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire

Country houses in Yorkshire are the stuff that Jane Austen novels are made of and none epitomise the magic of a good book more than Grantley Hall. The property might date to the 17th century, but peppered throughout this Palladian pile, there are odes to the 1920s and 30s, not least with the Gatsby-style glamour and late night partying at Valeria’s subterranean den. Modern sophistication and old-world glamour combine in this late-night champagne and cocktail bar, named for the indomitable owner, Valeria Sykes, who bought the property in her seventies, post divorce, and has turned it into her very own vision of luxury.

Heritage and wellbeing at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London

At one of the most prestigious addresses in London, between the buzz of Knightsbridge and the royal parks, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park fuses contemporary design and hospitality with timeless heritage. Having first opened in 1902 as a hotel, the Mandarin Oriental brand has renovated it with a significant nod to its heritage across the last century, bringing it together with the brand’s own roots.

As a result, it combines the golden age of travel with the height of modern luxury wellbeing and hospitality. The theme flows through the rooms, suites and public areas. There is a distinctly modern take on art deco finesse, with carefully chosen details such as onyx chandeliers, marble bathrooms, leather topped desks and hand gilded mirrors. Meanwhile, in the Rosebery restaurant, known as the Bennett Tearoom in the 1920s, they offer a special 1920s Afternoon Tea.