ESPA, Corinthia
London
Opulence in the heart of Trafalgar Square.
Overview
Arguably one of the most beautiful hotels in London, the Corinthia, located close to Trafalgar Square, is the place to go when you want utter decadence. And, the occasional celeb spot – we might have seen a couple of the world’s biggest pop stars here, and well, Harry from Sex And The City too. The spa opened in 2011 and is super exclusive given you either have to be a hotel resident, book a treatment over 90 minutes or pay £150 on top of your treatment to access the thermal spa facilities. It’s steep but means it’s never busy and always pristine. This spa really is a one stop shop for beauty, alternative therapies, fitness (it has a super hi-tech gym) and relaxation. There is a Daniel Galvin hair salon onsite as well as a Margaret Dabbs Studio to get your pedicure needs met.
Spa brands
ESPA (www.espaskincare.com) – a British brand that focuses on a holistic approach to wellbeing – the products are lovely.
prices
Massages start at £185 for 60 minutes.
treatment booked
60-minute full body Swedish massage.
the treatment menu
The theme of ESPA is to energise, revitalise or rejuvenate. Examples of massages include the ‘Inner Calm’ massage and ‘Nurtured Energy Balancer’ massage. There is also acupuncture available and The Elixir Clinic offering intravenous therapy through vitamin infusions. The spa also offer Dr Barbara Sturm facials using a range of the celebrity German doctor’s products.
Our treatment
These treatment rooms were some of the cosiest we have ever experienced - a lot of treatment rooms can look a little white and clinical but these were a darker and the walls were cushioned making it appear instantly cosy. It also helped that the massage bed was heated. The one downside was that the music wasn’t working when we visited which did – admittedly – ruin the vibe a little. The therapist was really clear before the treatment, asking what we wanted to get out of the treatment and our preference of massage oils. She started with our feet, working upwards with medium pressure – as you’d expect from a Swedish massage – with lots of sweeping motions, muscle knot work by kneading and heat from the warmed oil. If anything, 50 minutes was slightly short. At the end, we were taken back to the changing room to relax and we stayed for hours.
THE VIBE
If there was a show home of spas, this would be it, the environment is pure indulgence but it manages to be cosy at the same time. A floor to ceiling white pearl marble corridor sets the scene for the spa reception and continues into the lounge and treatment rooms then it transitions to the darkest black marble across the thermal floor. There are fireplaces dotted everywhere - ones that you can see through so they separate the rooms beautifully without it feeling dark. It’s serene, enveloping and dare we say it, kinda sexy. Set over four floors it’s a really big space. The hair salon and nail studio sit on the same floor as the reception desk next to a lounge where you can order light meals and drinks (in your robe and slippers of course). One floor down are the changing rooms – all high ceilings and grandeur with heated marble chairs in front of (you guessed it) another fireplace. There are plenty of changing areas, communal showers and the private shower cubicles are large enough to fit all of your bags so you can take your time in privacy. But there’s one thing that sets this spa up above so many others in the capital - the sleep pods. Post massage you can retreat into the beds with blankets and cushions with a thinly veiled curtain for privacy and catch some zzz’s – or listen to a podcast. It’s blissfully silent disturbed only by crackle from the central fireplace.
The thermal pool area feels like a work of art. It’s a black marble surround, with a large pool, smaller plunge pool with a rainfall shower, huge wooden sauna and steam room.
Little extras
Some nice little extras at this spa included, the complimentary snacks; fresh grapes, apples and pears in the changing rooms plus dried fruit, nuts and infused waters in the sleep pods. The changing rooms are also really well stocked with the things you might need; hair bobbles, deodorants. Just lift up the lid of the dressing tables and everything is in there.
We have to say - the heated treatment table was a huge plus and we’d love to see this in other spas too – it makes such a difference, warms up and relaxes your body immediately.
The spa is open from 7am until 9pm and if you have paid the £150 on top of your treatment and lunch, then we would suggest coming early or staying late to make use of the facilities. We had a restorative 2 hour post massage nap in the sleep pod, had a refreshing shower and then headed out around 7pm to enjoy London’s finest restaurants just minutes away.
Sleep Over
Rooms at Corinthia start at £450 including bed, breakfast and spa access.
Food
There is a spa lounge where you can order from a special spa menu whilst still in your robes. Salads, grilled fish, risottos, juices and afternoon teas are all available – something to suit all hunger levels which is refreshing instead of the usual fare of just salads.
The hotel has a few restaurants; one run by British Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge and also The Northall a bistro serving grills, salads and sides. You can choose to have a light bite in the lobby too – check out the set menus at The Northall, they are seasonable and reasonable!
Best time to visit
We visited on a Thursday afternoon and it was nice and quiet, and we’re told that weekends are busier with tourist trade.
In the area
The hotel is based within minutes of Trafalgar Square, Embankment and the Thames making it the perfect spot for some sightseeing. The closest tube is Charing Cross.
Packing list
The spa is really well equipped - you will be provided with robe and slippers plus there are lots of extras supplied (see Little Extras). If you’re planning on staying a while like we did, maybe pack a book.
What wasn’t great
The music being broken was a bit of a buzzkill – even a speaker and an iPhone would have made a difference. This should really have been mentioned in advance of the treatment.
Just FYI
The spa offers a range of in-room treatments if you’re staying at the hotel if you want ultimate privacy. Drop them a line when you make your hotel booking.
Details
Address - Whitehall Pl, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD
Number - +44 207 321 3050
Website - www.espalifeatcorinthia.com
Instagram - @corinthialondon