First Impressions

Probably best known as the favoured gym of Princess Diana, Amida Spa Chelsea at the Chelsea Harbour Club has the credentials and the location for a midweek spa treat to pick you up and keep you going until the weekend … which is exactly what we went along for!

The Spa

Despite having a 25-metre pool, the spa and leisure facilities give the impression of being quite intimate – darkly lit and surrounded by chic grey design it is every inch the urban spa and has a complete set of facilities including a sauna, steam room, ice chute, aroma room, hydrotherapy pool and heated relax beds.  The treatment area uses Aromatherapy Associates, Alpha-H, and Rodial products, and provides a wide collection of treatments for men as well, which are well suited to combating the stresses, strains, and pollution of city life.

The Treatment

Alpha-H in particular is a more unusual product line for UK spas, and one that is well-worth trying given its results driven formulas that the therapists themselves will testify to on a personal level.  If you have any questions about the products make sure you ask your therapist – they are extremely knowledgeable and it is a pleasure to listen to them on the subject as I found out while I whittered away my manicure time.

The Restaurant

Because of the layout of the spa and the rest of the Chelsea Harbour Club, I would recommend having meals at the end of your spa day – enjoy the facilities, have your treatment, and when you are dressed finish it off in the restaurant as it’s not within the spa are itself.

The Location

The Chelsea Harbour Club is, rather unsurprisingly, by Chelsea Harbour, so while it is wonderfully convenient for anyone in the London area, it is still a little walk from Imperial Wharf Overground station if you are visiting by public transport, or else you can bring the car and happily park in the car park.

The Verdict

Amida Spa Chelsea is just perfect for a pick-me-up in the middle of the week (or at the weekend), with just the right amount of facilities to ensure you feel completely relaxed by the end of your stay.  Ideally look to spend a generous half day there either setting yourself up for the afternoon with a morning of swimming, steaming and pampering until lunchtime, or as a decadent way to spend the latter part of the day.  For me it provided the ideal mother/daughter day, but would also be great for catching up with a small group of friends and is a wonderful destination for men thanks to the location and range of treatments and packages that they offer.

Top Tips

–          Treat yourself in the middle of the week and go during the day when it’s at its quietest; when somewhere is good it doesn’t stay a secret.

–          Take the car – there is parking available and it is more convenient than public transport although both are an option.

–          The Amida spas have a wonderful Men’s Grooming Day package, so whether it’s for you or a present for a loved one, pop it on the Christmas list this year!