Why ESPA Life at the Corinthia Hotel is the spa you should visit before the year’s up

‘Me time’ is hard to find these days. Between the commuting, the office hours, the extensive socialising (and drafting excuses not to socialise) – it’s tricky to find a slot just for you. When the opportunity arose to visit one of London’s largest – and most reputable – spas, I made time. It’s been a few days since my visit to ESPA Life at the Corinthia, and I’m still relaxed. Despite its history – located within the Corinthia Hotel, a building dating back to 1885 – the spa is considered ‘next generation’. Spoiler: I agree.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 On arrival

  Head through the plush hotel, hop into the lift, and you’ll reach it. The spa. In all its cream-coated, glossy-walled, sparkled-floor glory. I’m wearing my winter-sodden coat, and I’m ready to slide into something fluffy – and probably lavender scented. I’m greeted at reception, given the tour, and counting the minutes ‘til my treatment kickstarts. The space feels far from the city hustle outside – this really matters on a spa break. London on its doorstep, but serenity once the front door closes. ​
• 2 The venue

  Spread across four floors, the spa is one of the largest in London, featuring 17 treatment rooms, nails studio, private spa suite, amphitheatre sauna, marble heated loungers, vitality pool and sleep pods (more on those later). Even the changing rooms – not the intended highlight – proved to be just that. Fresh fruit, waterfall showers, sumptuous robes and ESPA wash products sum up the whole experience – luxury. From the roaring-fire sleep pod, to cocoon of black marble hosting the saunas and pool on the ground floor, to choose my favourite spot in the spa, I’d have to go back. Please. ​
• 3 The treatment

  I’ve had a fair few massages in my time – as a beauty connoisseur, with a bit of a dodgy back (and a penchant for lying down), any opportunity for a good ol’ full body massage is embraced with open – typically achy – arms. Ricardo would be my masseuse on the day; he asked my preferred pressure, oil type, to pinpoint any problem areas, and the intent of my 60 minute massage (relaxation, obviously). No surprise, it was really good. The deep tissue style massage untangled knots, released tension and left me feeling calm. There was only one place to head post-treatment, to the sleep pod. Here I snoozed. For a while. ​
• 4 The cost

  Though massage would be at the top of my recommendation list, the treatments offered at the Corinthia are extensive. ESPA – ‘education and spa’ – guarantee an expert session, whether it’s a restorative facial, or full body scrub. The price range reflects the expertise (and stellar spa set up), with an average day package costing around £200-£300pp. I reiterate: luxury. For the convenient location, warm surrounds, and standard of treatment, the cost comes as no surprise. And, having spent my morning in two types of soothing ‘pools’, I can vouch for splashing out. Hey, Dolly Alderton’s word is gospel – if she recommends, then so do I. ​
• 5 The experience

  During my visit, I bumped into a group of women on a 'gals trip' (love it), a young couple taking a break from their 'everyday', and a gent, lapping up the joys of the steam room. In short – it’s a place for all (my twenty-something-solo-visit-self included). The Corinthia would make for a great gift, especially if relaxing is on the agenda. Afternoon tea would be a welcome squeeze in, while a night’s stay in the hotel would be the ultimate weekend getaway. I was sad to leave, and felt my experience had been entirely as I made it. No demanding time slots, no rush to be anywhere, no limit on shampoo usage (ahem). ‘Me time’, as it should be. ​

  With Treatwell, you can book spa days and breaks online at all your favourite spas – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go.