We've done the rounds of the leading spas and treatments in London (what a chore that was) to recommend the best places to recuperate when you and your skin are in need of some TLC.
Whether you're prepping for a big event, or in need of some downtime after a stressful few weeks, head to one of these spas for the best treatments in town - your skin will thank you for it.
Kick back and relax in one of the palatial spas ahead...
Skinwork at Alex Eagle
You'll recognise this one from your Instagram favourite's Stories, so popular is Skinwork's signature facial at Alex Eagle. Rather than relying heavily on products to transform your skin, this one is all about technique. Giving your skin the deepest and most thorough extraction going, the aim is to remove oil, congestion and pollution, while an antioxidant and Galvanic infusion lifts, calms and stimulates collagen production.
Not only are you ensured newly-glowing skin, but you're given a tension-releasing neck, shoulder, hand and arm massage while the heated mask and fusion works its magic. The best part? The signature facial is suitable for all skin types and ages, whether you have acne or rosacea. Get down there, quick, as appointments are in-demand.
The May Fair Hotel Spa
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, just across from Green Park, is the legendary May Fair Hotel, and within it, a luxury spa offering a plethora of treatments to help you reconnect and unwind. From Andrea Hurst's reflexology treatments, to microdermabrasion and LED light therapy facials, there's everything you could want, whether you're staying at the hotel or coming just for the spa.
The Swedish Massage is a favourite of ours, personalised by your therapist to target problem areas of tension and stress. Using the scent of aromatherapy oils, tranquil music and flickering candles, you'll be so relaxed you won't want to leave - always a good sign in our opinion.
The traditional Swedish massage is £105 for an hour , and an overnight stay at The May Fair Hotel can be booked here.
Margaret Dabbs at Liberty
Banish Hobbit-y hoofs with a trip to Margaret Dabbs and her team of trained podiatrists on the Lower Ground Floor at Liberty.
There's a long list of treatments available including Margaret Dabbs' renowned medical pedicures with O2 therapy, as well as polishing and shaping manicures and pedicures. Chipped polish, callouses and corns be gone!
The Margaret Dabbs Medical Pedicure is £80 for 45 mins.
Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Dabbs.
The Landmark London
Before we talk about the spa, we have to mention the Winter Garden at the Landmark London. In the middle of this central London hotel is a gigantic glass-roofed atrium with sky-scraping palm trees that gives the whole building a tropical twist. If you're into interiors, you'll love this.
The spa itself is located in the basement of the five-star red-brick hotel and has partnered with skin care brand Germaine de Capuccini, to launch an exclusive range of luxury Efficy face therapies and body treatments, including an intensive wrinkle and lift facial, contouring, complete revitalisation, clarifying anti-pigmentation and intensive correction for acne or rosacea.
If you're after a really shiny overhaul and supermodel glow, the Diamond Noir which uses stones, crystals and minerals rich in iron and zinc has your name all over it. The treatment restores the skin’s youthfulness, increases luminosity and combats the signs of ageing.
Make sure you also try out the gym, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi too.
The Diamond Noir facial is £100 for 50 minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of The Landmark London.
The House of Elemis
Described by the Elemis experts as "the perfect place for people who are serious about looking after their skin" this Mayfair townhouse spa is a haven for anyone on the quest to find the finest facial.
Each treatment is specifically tailored to your individual needs, using powerful massage and the most potent ingredients. From pro-collagen to anti-blemish facials and precise peels, there's something for all of your skin concerns. Make sure you shotgun the penthouse treatment room for the most luxury experience possible. And for the time poor, there's the Speed Spa which delivers a condensed and curated session of Elemis expertise.
The Superfood Pro-radiance facial is £95 for 60 minutes.
Photo: Via @thaleia.k
Cowshed, Shoreditch
You've seen the pics all over Instagram of Babington House and Soho Farmhouse but for a much less pretentious and much more accessible spa experience (brought to you by the same umbrella group, sure) head to Cowshed in Shoreditch.
This Cowshed spa is the place to go to for party prep and subsequent recovery treatments. They can sort out everything from hair, hands, feet, facials and hair removal to bridal packages. Put your feet up while watching Sex & The City with a glass of Champers. Bliss.
The Deep Tissue Massage is £100 for 60 minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of Cowshed.
The Bulgari Spa
If you're looking for the ultimate luxury, you can't really beat the Bulgari spa. The award-winning urban retreat is 21,500 square feet and features the largest swimming pool in the capital as well as a vitality pool, 11 treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a high-tech gym.
There's a private Onyx SpaSuite with two treatment beds, a dressing room with private bath, steam shower, private relaxation room plus a hydro massage tub if you're feeling fruity.
There's also a Trend Room where you can try the latest treatments, with rotating specialists to create unique experiences.
The ESPA personalised facial is £140 for 60 minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of The Bulgari Spa
The Light Salon at Harvey Nichols
If you're not interested in lying down for 90 minutes, listening to whale sounds while someone pummels and blasts your face then the Light Salon is right up your street.
This affordable walk-in treatment in the new ground floor beauty hall at Harvey Nichols lasts just 11 minutes and will make your skin look good as new, using near-infrared and blue light. The revolutionary technology reinvigorates and repairs the skin’s cells while encouraging the body’s own production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
The Express LED Rejuvenation is £35 for 15 minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of The Light Salon.
Ushvani
If you’re dreaming of a trip to a far-flung destination but can't get the time off work let alone afford the flight, then Ushvani is the next best thing. Inspired by Asian practices, Ushvani’s massages, scrubs and wraps fuse Balinese, Malay, Thai and Shiatsu massage and reflexology.
Try out the Asmara suite for two people, where you'll have your own private room, complete with double massage tables, a giant bath, shower and day bed, and enjoy three hours of extravagant pampering.
The summer detoxifying ritual is £200 for 90 minutes.
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