Experience the most
heavenly treatments
from around the world –
no passport required
By LILY WORCESTERBodymapPHOTOGRAPH: HENRY CLARKE/CONDÉ NAST VIA GETTY IMAGES/VOGUE 1964/MODEL: VERUSCHKATHAILAND
The low-down As you would expect
from a traditional Thai massage,
this authentic treatment at the Café
Royal’s Akasha Spa requires loose-
fitting, comfortable clothes. A massage
bed is swapped for a futon, there’s no
oil involved and therapists work with
their feet and elbows to manipulate
the body.
The verdict A perfect combination
of deep-tissue and yoga-like stretch-
ing. Knots are pummelled into
oblivion and limbs are loosened.
Details From £185 for 90 minutes,
At Akasha Spa, Hotel Café Royal,
50 Regent Street, Mayfair W1.
hotelcaferoyal.comRUSSIA
The low-down South Kensington
Club’s Siberian Retreat is a truly
fortifying ritual that incorporates a
15-minute sauna, during which you
are stroked with eucalyptus and soft
birch leaves, before finishing off with
a quick, sharp soak from an ice
bucket – all in pursuit of improved
circulation and to eliminate toxins.
There’s a chic bathhouse set-up and
uniformed banchiks who show you
what to do.
The verdict Never has the maxim
‘Mother Russia makes you strong’
rung more true. The water may be
bracing – but just be thankful you
haven’t been forced into the actual
snow, as you would be in Siberia.
Details From £45. At South Kensington
Club, 38-42 Harrington Road, South
Kensington, SW7. southkensingtonclub.comSWEDEN
The low-down Though Cloud
Twelve is nestled in an oh-so British
mews terrace in Notting Hill, it’s
speciality has roots further afield.
A Swedish massage is the best-
known form of full-body massage,
in which a therapist uses oils and
pressure to warm up muscle tissue,
release tension and disperse knots.
The verdict A welcome combination
of aromatherapy and deep tissue
massage using Comfort Zone’s
warmed Tranquillity Oil.
Details £140 for 90 minutes. At
Cloud Twelve, 2-5 Colville Mews,
Notting Hill W11. cloudtwelve.comMOROCCO
The low-down In a vast, and rather
grand, private hammam at The
Ned’s spa, the traditional Moroccan
treatment begins with a foot cleanse
and full-body wash using black soap
made from olives and peppermint,
a clay hair-cleanse and shirodhara
(a form of Ayurveda that involves
gently pouring liquids over the fore-
head). A relaxing massage wraps
things up wonderfully.
The verdict There’s something truly
blissful about being bathed and
polished to perfection. The resulting
silky-smooth skin and refreshed
feeling last for days.
Details £220 for 90 minutes. At The
Ned, 27 Poultry, Bank EC2. thened.comCHINA
The low-down The Chinese Fusion
Massage at ESPA Life at Corinthia
combines acupuncture and cupping
(an ancient detoxifying technique
which uses suction) with a thorough
medical massage. Therapist James
Mutkin is a doctor and naturopathic
nutritionist as well as an expert on
Chinese remedies.
The verdict Mutkin’s insights on
everything from fertility to muscle
ache makes for a very bespoke treat-
ment. Plus, the pool area in the spa
is spectacular, so allow ample time
to enjoy it.
Details £200 for 90 minutes. At ESPA
Life at Corinthia, Whitehall Place,
Westminster SW1. espalifeatcorinthia.com130 Tatler September 2019 tatler.comBE AUTY
TREATMENTS09-19BEAUTY-Treatments.indd 130 15/07/2019 16:06