5 of the most relaxing steam rooms in London

As much as we love London, they don’t call it the Big Smoke for nothing – pollution is everywhere in this city. From the cloying clouds hovering over the Thames to the delightful recycled air on the Northern Line, a week in London can make you feel stuffy, congested and a little bit grubby. What better way to sweat out those toxins and get yourself feeling squeaky clean again than a good ol’ fashion steam room session? We’ve rounded up the best places in London town to get a sweat on…

By Daniela Morosini

Explore steam & sauna treatments

• 1 Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre At Cafe Royal

  Best for: inner city zen 

  Tucked away just off Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, we breathed an audible sigh of relief when we stepped into the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre.  A haven of peace and quiet, merely minutes from all the hubbub of Europe’s busiest shopping district, we didn't want to leave this East-meets-West inspired retreat. They boast London’s only Watsu pool, and have steam rooms so pretty you’ll half consider ruining your phone by bringing it in to take a snap. You’ll leave feeling centred, calm and utterly pampered.

  Visit Akasha 
• 2 The Spa In Dolphin Square

  Best for: an authentic hammam experience 

  If we told you that you could experience a traditional Moroccan hammam in the heart of Westminster, would you believe us? Stepping inside this North African inspired hideaway is like booking a one-way flight to Marrakesh. Complete with traditional Moorish decor, from the grand doorways to cosy unwinding areas, The Spa in Dolphin Square is a feast for the senses. Let all your troubles and toils melt away with a session in their steam room, then let yourself drink up the sights and smells of this little jewel of a spa.

  Visit The Spa In Dolphin Square 
• 3 K Spa At K West Hotel

  Best for: soothing shopped-out limbs 

  We were spoilt for choice when we turned up at the K Spa – sure, we only planned to have a steam, but when we realised hot stone treatments and aromatherapy was on the menu too, it seemed rude not to make a day of it. The warm, welcoming staff made us feel right at home as we sweated out our sins – we practically floated out feeling cleansed, healthy and completely relaxed. The sleek, minimal interior is a selfie queen’s dream – and with a location slap bang next to Westfield shopping centre, a visit to K Spa is the way to end a hard day of shopping in style.

  Visit K Spa 
• 4 Imagine Spa At Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5

  Best for: a post flight detox 

  We call this hidden gem ‘stopover heaven’. If you’re touching tarmac for a connecting flight and have a few hours to kill, get yourself into the secret retreat that is the Imagine Spa and sweat out your cabin fever. With a sapphire blue hydrotherapy pool to dip your toes into, plus a jaw-droppingly pretty mineral grotto, this 5 star day spa is the Rolls-Royce of steam sessions. The spa team did everything they could to get us feeling as pampered as possible – although we were very sad when it was closing time and we were forced to get out of the pool.

  Visit Imagine Spa 
• 5 Spa Verta At The Crowne Plaza

  Best for: an after work steam 

  Perfect for city slickers, the discreet Spa Verta has the kind of slick vibe that wouldn’t look out of place in an a Bond movie. Plonk yourself down in their incredible steam room and settle in for the most luxurious sweat sessions of your life – when you’re done, a dip in their vast hydrotherapy pool will help you cool off. Try not to get too distracted by the glittering mosaics and jaw-dropping views over the city, because there’s still the cosy relaxation area to enjoy. In the heart of Battersea, our visit was the perfect pit-stop between a day of pounding the pavements.

  Visit Spa Verta