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Five London spas for afternoon tea
What's more decadent than a day at a spa? A day at a spa with afternoon tea! Top London hotels have long been competing with one another to be crowned the most extravagant, most decadent and the most glorious purveyors of afternoon tea. The Good Spa Guide are delighted to bring you the top five most decadent and magnificent afternoon teas from some of the finest spas in our great capital.
Sofitel So SPA, St James
Winner of The Tea Guild Award of Excellence 2010
Sofitel So SPA is an incredibly sophisticated central London spa with a definite French influence. If you're looking for decadent, luxurious treatments in a serene and discreet atmosphere, then Sofitel So SPA is the perfect place for you.
From the "rain" showers in the changing rooms to the traditional hammam, everything at Sofitel So SPA is well thought-out and brilliantly executed. You can choose your treatments from the gastronomy-inspired "a la carte" spa menu, where therapies are divided into "starters", "mains" and "desserts".
Once your treatment is complete, you can take tea in the feminine Rose Lounge. An eclectic blend of pinks and creams, there's something classically girlish about the charms of this delightful lounge. You can expect to indulge in a range of jing teas, finger sandwiches, fresh scones, Parisienne pastries and even a champagne cocktail to round of your perfectly extravagant day.
Perfect for: Experiencing Parisian sophistication in London.
We loved: That a "spa butler" is on hand to tailor your spa experience.
Find out more about Sofitel So SPA
The Dorchester, Mayfair
Winner of The Tea Council of Great Britain's London's Top Afternoon Tea award (a record 3 times!)
The Dorchester Spa is the epitome of 1930s elegance and top-end treatments. Choose from ten different facials, wraps, exfoliations and beauty treatments, or even a jet lag massage or caviar facial.
The Dorchester knows how to do tea. The opulent surroundings of The Promenade are the perfect backdrop for something pretty special, tea-wise. You will nibble and sip your way through three delectable courses, surrounded by sumptuous upholstery and marble, oversized ferns and gold leaf detailing. Begin with a round of delicate finger sandwiches made with fresh bread and the chef's choice of delicious fillings. Follow with homemade warm scones, jam and clotted cream. Finish with tiny tantalising cakes and tartlets.
Perfect for: A day of vintage glamour.
We loved: Spoiling ourselves with a glass of vintage champagne after our decadent Carol Joy London facial.
Find out more about The Dorchester Spa
Chuan Spa at The Langham London, Regent Street
Winner of The Tea Guild Top London Afternoon Tea award 2010
Chuan Spa at The Langham is the first spa of its kind in Europe, where Traditional Chinese Medicine practices are married with truly luxurious spa treatments. Chuan Spa also has excellent heat and water facilities. You can swim in the 16-metre swimming pool, luxuriate in the vitality pool, steam away alongside a bubbling fountain and sweat it out in the glorious Himalayan rock-salt sauna.
The Langham have been serving afternoon tea for over 150 years, so they must be doing something right! Tea is served in the plush surroundings of The Langham's Palm Court, an oasis of polished wooden floors, lavish lilac furnishings and a plethora of fresh flowers. Expect delicate sandwiches, scones, delicious cakes, tea, coffee and even champagne for that extra extravagance.
Perfect for: A touch of Eastern wisdom amongst classic British grandeur.
We loved: Swimming in the mosaic-tiled pool under its dramatic, cascading light feature.
Find out more about Chuan Spa at The Langham
Spa Studio at The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner
Winner of The Tea Guild Award of Excellence 2010
Spa Studio at The Lanesborough offers an intimate and exclusive experience combining calm, attentive customer service with gloriously effective treatments. There are no water facilities, but you can accompany a massage with a therapeutic serail treatment with steam and mineral-rich mud.
The Lanesborough is one of London's finest five-star hotels, so this gives you some indication of what to expect from their afternoon tea. Served in the Apsleys conservatory, tea is often served accompanied by the tinkling of a pianist. Teas include finger sandwiches, pastries, toasted teacakes, home-made scones and, if you are very lucky, a glass of something bubbly. Gluten and dairy-free alternatives are also available. Bravo.
Perfect for: A private spa experience with a sense of hushed luxury.
We loved: For the connoisseur (or the novice), England's first tea sommelier is on-hand to help you make your choice.
Find out more about Spa Studio at The Lanesborough
Fortnum and Mason, Piccadilly
Beauty à la Carte at Fortnum and Mason are a treatment rooms rather than a spa, but rest assured that you will find a little haven of tranquillity, relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of Piccadilly. Beauty à la Carte's treatments use British product brands Aromatherapy Associates and SPC. There are some lovely packages if you've got time to spare, but equally you can make the most of your lunch hour with a mini-treatment if you so desire.
After your treatments you can take tea in the St James restaurant. Enjoy panoramic views of Piccadilly whilst you ponder your choice of over 100 rare and exotic teas from around the world. You may even be lucky enough to have your afternoon delight accompanied by a little tinkling of the ivories. Menus include finger sandwiches filled with roast beef and horseradish, cucumber and coronation chicken, blinis, plain and fruit scones and a range of cakes and biscuits.
Perfect for: Shopping and spa-ing. You can decide which gift hamper to buy whilst enjoying a facial followed by High Tea.
We loved: Our "Flagging Shopper" treatment. This combination of foot treatment and back massage is a perfect pick-me-up.
Find out more about Beauty à la Carte at Fortnum and Mason
See also:
* Read The Good Spa Guide review of Sofitel So SPA
* Read The Good Spa Guide review of Chuan Spa at The Langham
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