Today legendary Mayfair hotel Claridge's announced the opening of its first ever spa. The pedigree of the historic hotel is unquestionably what makes it one of the most revered in high-fashion circles.
Kate Moss celebrated her 30th birthday here. Jade Jagger and Lulu Guinness describe the hotel as their "ultimate treat." In the 1970's designer Diane von Furstenberg began her long relationship with Claridge's, resulting in her first interiors work for the hotel. In those days fellow guests included Jackie Onassis and The Queen Mother, whose favourite table in the restaurant was always dressed with sweet peas. Audrey Hepburn stayed, as did Winston Churchill. You get the picture.
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A first look inside the Claridge's Spa
The spa has been a gargantuan task for the hotel. The ground breaking (literally) project has seen teams of experts excavate five floors into the London clay to create the new wellness haven. Claridge's Spa features its first ever swimming pool, steam rooms, sauna and seven treatment rooms. The space was designed by interior architect André Fu who has drawn inspiration from the East, based on his visits to traditional Japanese temples and Zen gardens in Kyoto using natural elements in the decor such as limestone, wood and water.
One of the treatment rooms designed by André Fu
The oak panelled treatment rooms are inspired by the ancient concept of omakase (‘leaving another to decide what is best’) so each treatment is personalised to the individual. Facegym's founder Inge Theron, who is also the Maybourne Hotel Group's Creative Director of Spa and Wellness conceptualised the hotel's spa from start to finish. "We have created a spa here at Claridge's where guests will find both holistic practices and results driven high-tech all under one roof." Inge explains, "The Claridge's Spa service style is inspired by and reflects this great, legendary hotel. The attention to detail that has been in place here for centuries – the way we steep our tea, the way we make our beds – is reflected in this new space, from handmade poultices made daily by our team with the seasonal ingredient, the way our saunas are complete with star-like twinkling lights, and silk thimbles are used by our incredible therapists for exfoliation during facials."
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The hotel's first ever pool
What should I book?
Claridge's Spa offers both a best-in-class list of resident brands including Josh Wood, Augustinus Bader and FaceGym, and an ever-evolving roster of visiting wellness masters, including nail artist Harriet Westmoreland and acupuncturist Ross J. Barr, ensuring guests are expertly treated, head to toe for the full MOT service. The signature treatment we reccomend is the Bamboo & Silk Ritual, which takes 90 minutes and comprises a welcoming foot ceremony with enzyme-rich koji to smooth and soften skin, a trilogy of body and hand massage techniques and a nurturing silk facial. An invigorating body massage with warmed bamboo sticks works deep into the muscles, stretching and releasing tension while harnessing the powerful healing benefits of heat combined with seasonal herbs within hot oil-infused poultices. These poultices are made daily by the Claridge's therapists and will rotate seasonal ingredients.
What else can I expect?
The 'piece de resistance' is Josh Wood at Claridge's a dedicated hair and beauty space within the spa, where the celebrated British hair colour expert brings his hand-picked dream team of A-list stylists to the hotel.
Josh Wood at Claridge's
Treatments span hair, nails and beauty, with colour and makeup available upon request. In a deliberate decision by Josh Wood to install just two chairs, the services will remain private and tailored, "This new space is not about the usual volume in a salon, but moreover about getting every strand right," Josh explains, "The best of the best, there's nothing that’s too much to ask. It is a really proud moment to partner with Claridge's. Creativity, quality, and collaboration have always been at the centre of the Josh Wood brand. It is exciting to be able to bring international, world-class hairdressing to life."
Claridge's Spa officially opens on Monday 26 September 2022. You can book treatments here.
