Review of Spa at Chancery Court Hotel, Holborn

Spa at Chancery Court Hotel London, Holborn - 5 bubbles

This award-winning spa is a luxury hideaway in the heart of Holborn. Offering over 40 ESPA treatments and rituals, this holistic hotel spa combines Eastern and Western techniques to deliver a perfect haven of peace and tranquillity.

First impressions?

How did they welcome you?

What happens next?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

How did you feel afterwards?

What happens afterwards?

Long-term effects

Was it worth it?

What else could you have?

Any special features?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

The Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel is on High Holborn. Home to the Pearl Assurance Company for 75 years, the building is a striking example of Edwardian neoclassicism.

Under the watchful eye of English Heritage, the building was restored to its former glory, retaining many of the original features. Inside, the reception desk is flanked by a sweeping marble staircase. The lobby, the former banking hall, features eight gigantic marble columns and brass plinths throughout.

My friend and I were greeted by the concierge before we even reached the main reception desk. Instead of being pointed in the right direction, the concierge escorted us down the staircase and along a plush red-carpeted corridor, right to the heavy wooden door of the spa entrance.

How did they welcome you?

The environment was instantly calming. The reception area was dimly lit and faint, exotic aromas filled the air. Dark teak panels lined the walls and beautiful orchids sat tall on the reception desk.

We soon realised that there had been a mix-up with our booking. The receptionist informed us that there was only one treatment booked, not one each. The receptionist was polite and full of smiles, even while sorting out the mistake. She took away our heavy winter coats and returned with plastic sandals. She offered us choice of water, juice or tea while we completed our consultation forms.

What happens next?

The short walkway to the female changing rooms added to the serene ambience. The dreamy passageway was softly lit, with wooden bridges over gently rippling water. All memories of our journey, and the miserable weather, had now been left outside.

The changing rooms were on the small side, but squeaky clean. A roomy vanity area complete with a large, well-lit mirror, provided all the products you might need, including ESPA moisturiser. The two showers were fully stocked with ESPA shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. There were clean, soft towels and cold drinking water.

But the real icing on the cake was the under-floor heating. We took our plastic slippers off and padded around the changing room for a couple of laps, just because we could!

The single-sex heat facilities include a sauna, an amethyst steam room and a tropical experience shower. I tend to feel claustrophobic in saunas, but as this one was deceptively large, I just laid back and relaxed without my normal sense of panic. The “amethyst steam room” actually does house a giant, two-foot rock of amethyst crystal. I enjoyed the steam room so much I went back for a second session after cooling off under the tropical shower.

I then donned my soft, fluffy white robe and followed the serene passageway round to the relaxation room. This room is, without doubt, the most amazing relaxation room I have had the pleasure to experience. The walls of this stunning, circular room are panels of warm teak, decadently decorated with gold leaf. Each of the therapeutic loungers has its own lighting and individual choice of music. A refreshment station provides water, juice, fresh fruits, nuts and a whole host of herbal teas. I laid back and got comfy under a warm, soft blanket with a copy of Cosmo.

My therapist crept in quietly to escort me to my treatment room, past the Zen waterfall. The bamboo-panelled room was warm and beautifully lit. In the corner was a roomy limestone shower and scented candles burned around the room.

Which treatments did you have?

I had agreed to split the treatment with my friend. I opted for a slightly shorter-than-normal aromatherapy massage (55 minutes £80).

What were the treatments like?

The massage is tailored to your individual needs. I had a brief discussion with Harriett, my therapist, and we concluded that I wanted an uplifting massage that would de-stress, lift my mood and invigorate. Next, Harriett performed the ESPA "sensory test". I smelt a selection of essential oils to see which were most suited to my needs. Once Harriett had blended the oils, I got up onto the couch. I noticed a delicious fragrance wafting under my nose from a bowl placed on the floor.

What followed was probably the best massage I have ever been given. Harriett skilfully manipulated my tired, tense muscles with a firm and consistent pressure. My skin readily absorbed the oil and as it replaced the tension, I began to feel revived. As Harriett worked on my calves I could feel my back begin to relax. She also spent a long time kneading and pressing between my shoulder blades.

I enjoyed my massage so much I regretted agreeing to share my time. Selfish, I know! All too soon it was over, every knot having mysteriously evaporated and my entire body left feeling like jelly.

When we last visited Chancery Court in 2007, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Ashtaang - an eight-handed massage (two therapists per person) that you have in the couples' VIP suite. The Ashtaang was a perfectly choreographed and co-ordinated massage. At the time, it was the most expensive massage in London. But we were left so relaxed by the dual sensation that we couldn’t help falling asleep on the treatment bed...

How did you feel afterwards?

Harriett left me alone while I coaxed myself into standing up, which I did very slowly. Once on my feet I felt two stone lighter. I felt energized and strangely alert.

What happens afterwards?

I strutted back to the relaxation room to meet my colleague. I poured a cup of green tea and gulped down a glass of water. We compared massages and had to agree that we had both had very professional sessions.

We finally came to terms with the disappointing fact that we couldn’t stay here forever, and that we would have to leave and rejoin the real world. We changed back into our clothes and our coats and shoes were waiting for us in reception.

We delayed our exit for a while longer and decided to order traditional afternoon tea (£59 for two). The tea arrived first, closely followed by plates of freshly baked scones and tiered stands covered with miniature pastries and cakes. Sipping delicately on our tea and sitting in such grand and elegant surroundings, we were transported back in time.

Long-term effects

Even after the calorific afternoon tea I still felt surprisingly sprightly. I slept soundly that evening and woke in the morning feeling light, energetic and full of beans; a state which lasted for a few days.

Was it worth it?

The Spa at Chancery Court is not cheap. But you do get what you pay for. Definitely a spa experience worth splashing out on.

What else could you have?

The spa offers a wide range of treatments: scrubs, massages of the rejuvenating, back, whole-body, head, Jet Lag Reviver and ante-natal kind, Hopi ear candling, facials, wraps, manicures, pedicures, make-up, waxing, Shirodhara, and entire spa packages aimed at uplifting you to a state of Peace, Tranquillity or Vitality.

Any special features?

The Harmony Suite is the ultimate double treatment room with its own changing room, double shower and steam room. You can book the Suite from one-and-a-half to three hours, with a personalised choice of treatments.

Who do you think would like it?

The spa is a haven for men and women alike, but true romantics will love it.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave The Spa at Chancery Court 5 bubbles. There are a number of exceptional features: the luxuriousness of the treatments, the warmth and facilities in the changing rooms, the stunning relaxation room, and the peaceful environment.

This spa does exactly what it sets out to do, and that is to provide a haven from busy working lives. You'll be disappointed if you're looking to combine your treatment with several laps in a pool or a workout. But I found not a single irritation or improvement that could be suggested.

If luxury pampering is your objective, Spa at Chancery Court will provide it.

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