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Take a Break in London and Just RelaxIn a City That's All About the
Ratrace Tired of Working? Tired of Shopping?
Tired of Everything? By Rowena Carr-AllinsonWhen it seems that life is passing you by, what better way to get back on track than by taking some 'me time' and enjoying some serious pampering? The Langham Health Club and Spa
This Hilton hotel is an institution in the West End. The impressive hotel has been elegantly refurbished with smart bars and restaurants such as the Polo themed bar and Tsar’s, a Russian caviar and vodka bar as well as the Health Club and Spa with its 7 treatment rooms and 16-meter pool. The exclusive club only has about 300 members for whom the pool area is reserved. Non members are welcome to pop in to the Health Club for a luxurious facial or another treatment on a one-off basis. Facilities are also open to hotel guests. The actual facilities are everything you’d expect from an upmarket club; from the design, down to the waterfall walls in the pool, the dark lavender towels and thick fluffy robes to the Elizabeth Arden products available and the thoughtful ‘wet costume bag’ dispenser. The spa here has had many of its treatments especially designed for it so the experience is rather unique. Out of those exclusive treatments I thoroughly recommend the Langham Back and Scalp massage and the Organic Rose facial which were most soothing and had me floating away. Both the 45-minute Aromatherapy massage and the facial have been designed to relieve stress by focusing on pressure points. Also on the menu, you can find everything from more energetic shiatsu sessions administered by a male masseur, to wraps, massages, body masks, facials, manicures and a wide range of gentlemen’s treatments. Whether you want to be plucked, preened, pampered, tanned, waxed, relaxed or revitalized, the Langham Spa caters to your every whim and can even organize special one-offs should you wish something extra. The brochure also advertises services for mothers-to-be, future brides and weary travelers. The Travel Reviver Package includes a facial, an Aromatherapy back massage, foot and leg treatment and lasts about an hour and a half. Treatment rooms come with the regulation classical music soundtrack, dimmed lights and lovely warm duvets that are wrapped around you as you lie back and enjoy being pampered. The products used include Elizabeth Arden, Aromatherapy Associates, Floriani and Thalgo. Gillian, the softly spoken lass who looked after me made me feel relaxed, comfortable and most of all at home. A warm, friendly personal service which was emphasized by Tricia the Spa’s manager. It’s pleasant to feel the human touch around you while you indulge and let yourself go. Other services available to members include the gym, steam room and sauna (in the changing rooms so you don’t have to mix with the opposite sex) and Jacuzzi. Non members can also visit the Amadeus Hair Salon where a cut and blow dry will set you back £55. Once revived, if you can tear yourself away from this haven of calm and luxury, step out onto the busy street and weave your way down to the multitude of shops on Regent Street and Oxford Street. Or head across the street to The George Hotel where you can get a coffee or a drink in the slightly retro surroundings of the top floor bar, which has bad carpets but possibly one of the best London views available! The Landmark
The Landmark is an imposing building. From the street
it reminds me of grand New York City hotels by its design and its sheer
size. But once you step inside off the rainy pavement you are greeted by a
different world. The Spa is situated on the lower ground floor - ask for directions as getting there from the labyrinth of thickly carpeted corridors is no mean feat!
In the changing rooms you can access the sauna, the
steam room and the fantastic power showers and then take a trip down to the
swimming pool. I visited on a rainy Sunday afternoon and was pleased to find
it very quiet. The Jacuzzi / hot tub is lovely, despite a rather hirsute
businessman reading the FT. The Landmark has recently launched a full day pampering package for £145. The full day package includes an energy boosting fruit smoothie on arrival, one-hour massage (either Therapeutic, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Acupressure, Thai, Lymphatic drainage, Reiki, Remedial, Holistic or Swedish), a half hour reflexology treatment, lunch in the Winter Garden and full use of club’s facilities. If you fancy a coffee or something stronger after your session - pop into the 'The Cellars Bar' - a grand affair decorated in typically English club style, including Chesterfield sofas, velvet and a lingering odor of cigars...very civilized. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION :The Langham Health Club & Spa The Landmark London |
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If you’re
looking for a safe haven to relax in, try the Langham’s Health Club and Spa
situated just yards away from the heaving hustle and bustle of Oxford
Circus, on the upper half of Regent Street. 
A bit further
afield, near to Baker Street you can find another long standing London
hotel. The Landmark was originally built in 1899 as the last great Victorian
Railway hotel and was refurbished in 1995.
Once in the
spa the atmosphere changes from plush and cozy to sleek and suave. The
receptionist will take you to the changing rooms and point out the supply of
fresh towels.