Looking for that extra special ‘me’ treat in London – then look no further than a Beau-Tea-Ful Spa Experience at the Dorchester Hotel.
Catching up with my London-based daughter, Charlotte, we opted for a spa day rather than a day shopping or a night out at the theatre.
The world of The Dorchester in Mayfair is as you would expect all about refined luxury, as is its Spa. As the hotel brochure proudly states, ‘calling The Dorchester a hotel, is like calling champagne a fizzy drink, or caviar a sandwich spread. The Dorchester rejects bland luxury in favour for an unabashed celebration of opulence in decor and a level of service that is almost telepathic.’
The same can be said of The Dorchester Spa. Re–modelled in 2009, it provides an oasis of calm in the midst of a frenetic London. Deep navy velvets sofas, pearl chandeliers, mirrored screens along with glass walls displaying over one thousand brightly coloured nail polishes, the Spa manages to combine a 1930 art-deco look with a contemporary twist.
Our Beau-Tea-Ful experience included a Carol Joy London Facial or a 55 minute Swedish Body massage, along with Afternoon Tea in The Spatisserie. Not ‘a steal’ at £135 but when you look at the costs involved – Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester plus a treatment/massage and time to enjoy all the other Spa benefits– steam room, fitness studio, relaxation area – we felt it was worth the expense.
I opted for the Carol Joy London Facial which involved a skin consultation, light facial steam, collagen mask and facial massage leaving my skin revitalised which the skin therapist attributed to the authentic diamond dust enriched with natural minerals to bring a ‘stunning luminosity’ to the skin – it did look and feel much better!
Charlotte, who is in London marathon mode had the massage. Working with oils and pressure points to deflect the build up of lactic acid in the muscles, Charlotte certainly felt the benefits later in the day!
In the Relaxation Lounge, following our treatments, we sank into the deep winged armchairs and day beds, sipped our coconut water and enjoyed nibbles of dried apricots and nuts and a chance to browse the latest editions of all the top social and fashion magazines.
Then, still in our robes, we were treated to our Afternoon Tea in The Spatisserie – another elegant but contemporary room– decorated very subtly in rich creams, with glass tables and mirrored screens giving a wonderful feeling of light. We enjoyed delicate finger sandwiches, clotted cream scones and miniature cakes along with a glass of champagne or a cocktail of your choice and a selection of teas. Working on the ethos of ‘a little of what you love is good for you’ we decided it was ‘certainly good for you’ and a lovely way to spend some valuable catch-up time.
We had time to chat, relax, be pampered by very attentive and professional staff and left feeling rejuvenated and certainly different to how we would have felt spending a day shopping in London.
If you really wanted to push the boat out ‘Spa and Stay Packages are available at The Dorchester and its very trendy sister hotel, 45 Park Lane – a new ‘state of the art’ boutique hotel next door.
