Review of Elemis Day Spa, Mayfair

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Elemis Day Spa, Mayfair - 4 bubbles

Shy Spy is a big fan of Elemis products so was delighted with an invitation to visit their flagship day spa in Mayfair. But what's a Cooling Hot Stone treatment? And what's a Body Facial when it's at home? A very effective all-round pep-up, she discovered. Step into the "Sensory Lounge", to find out more...

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?

Elemis, you are very, very naughty. Putting your day spa between Jo Malone and Luella, just off New Bond Street, is not good for the bank balance. It is, however, a good location for a spa. It's in the city centre, but tucked away from the busy roads. Although this small cobbled alley is a pedestrian walkway, it isn't overrun with passing shoppers. Just along from a couple of cocktail bars and restaurants, the glass-fronted boutique spa fits perfectly into this elegant part of London.

How did they welcome you?

After stepping through the doorway, you are straight into the reception area. It's decorated in a chic, modern style, with neutral tones and wooden floors, similar to the nearby boutique shops. A therapist greeted me politely and asked if I had an appointment, then asked me to take a seat in the waiting area, or "Sensory Lounge". While the comfy sofas justify the "lounge" part of this rather decadent title, I wasn't sure what constituted the "sensory" part. There were a few coloured lights on the wall, and the herbal tea tasted pleasant... Oh, and as the lounge doubles as a relaxation area, the large glass walls offer a varied display of unkempt spa-goers, but I'm not sure that is the aim. Despite the slightly over-egged description, the waiting lounge does provide a pleasant and comfortable space to wait for treatments, and have a look at some of the Elemis products on offer.

What happens next?

I filled in my health form and sipped a herbal tea while flicking through some Elemis press clippings. My therapist, Alexa, then came to greet me. On the way to my treatment room, I popped in to the toilet, which was gorgeously scented with oil burners in both the sink area and toilet, which was a nice touch. There were Elemis goodies in abundance around the sink. However, the lovely smell didn't really do enough to distract from the broken toilet seat and flush that didn't seem to work. Although I have since been assured that this problem has been fixed, it was a chip out of the otherwise glossy Elemis veneer. I was lucky enough to be booked into the double treatment room, so I had more than enough space to change. The treatment room was tastefully decorated with wooden floors and furniture, plus some Indonesian fabrics and ornaments to carry on the Elemis East-meets-West theme. There was also a handy mini-wardrobe with hanging space for clothes, and shelves for shoes and bags. After I changed into my comfy robe, Alexa talked me through the treatment, and checked that I had no allergies to any of the ingredients.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the brand-new Elemis offering, the Cooling Hot Stone Body Facial (£80, 55 minutes), which was far more harmonious than the title sounds.

What were the treatments like?

The title of this treatment explains its core elements: a hot stone body massage, application of cooling gel, plus an anti-ageing facial all in one. The treatment began with Alexa applying my chosen body oil. I plumped for the divine scent of the Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt, which is superb for dry bits. Alexa drizzled the warmed oil over my limbs, then massaged it in to start the relaxation process. She incorporated hot stones into the massage to target knots. My horrid computer-shoulders needed both the pressure of the pebbles and the muscle-melting heat. What would otherwise have been a normal hot stone massage was then given a twist with an application of cooling Instant Refreshing Gel. The gel contains arnica and birch to soothe, and camphor and menthol to create a cooling effect. The idea is that the extremes of temperature combine to boost your circulation and thus ease both aching muscles and stress. The gel felt pleasantly tingly on my skin, and the sensation continued long after I had turned over ready for my facial. To finish off this treatment, you can choose from one of the range of anti-ageing facials. I opted for the Visible Brilliance facial, which aims to "combat ageing, stressed and slackened skin". The facial combined gentle massage with a fruity smoothing and brightening mask. Alexa soothed my skin afterwards with a finishing touch of SOS Emergency Cream.

How did you feel afterwards?

Very relaxed and refreshed. My shoulders felt looser (and still tingly), and my face looked plumped and moisturised. The refreshing gel included in the body treatment is great if you need a fix before heading back to work, or out in the evening, but a regular hot stone massage may be better if you want to head home to sleep. The facial left my skin very soft, but I think next time I'll pick the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, as I've found that this treatment has more noticeable results.

What happens afterwards?

My treatment room had a handy shower cubicle, but I chose to leave on the lovely body oil. I changed and drank plenty of water before heading downstairs. Alexa left me with a brochure and advised me on which products had been used during the treatment, and some advice on the recommended follow-up.

Long-term effects

I felt perfectly relaxed for the rest of the day, despite battling the crowds to get the tube from Oxford Street. I woke up without any aches in my shoulders, and my skin was clearer and softer for a couple of days afterwards. I have continued to use the Instant Refreshing Gel in times of need, and I have to say that it was great for hot tired legs once the weather warmed up. It's a bit awkward rubbing it into your own shoulders, though -- partner needed for this one!

Was it worth it?

Yes. The treatment manages to target both face and body quite effectively in a relatively short space of time.

What else could you have?

Elemis offer a good range of anti-ageing treatments, Skin-Specific and Skin Solutions Facials, massage and day packages, treatments for men, couples, and mothers-to-be.

Any special features?

Elemis Day Spa has no pools or saunas. It's more like a treatment rooms than a day spa. But there is an Exotic Steam Rasul to try which would be great for a spa indulgence with a partner or friend.

Who do you think would like it?

Anyone who likes Elemis products, of course! Apart from that, the location makes it perfect for shoppers or visitors to the Mayfair area who fancy an hour or two of relaxation, or a quick fix before a night out. The style of the spa is modern enough to attract a younger spa-goer, but is also classy enough for the more seasoned spa guest.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Elemis gets a high 4 bubbles. The treatment was good, my therapist, Alexa, was excellent -- both professional and friendly. The spa had lots of lovely decorative touches and plenty of products to try. However, the Sensory Lounge was too open plan to be a true relaxation area. We thought a slight spruce-up was necessary before we could consider a fifth bubble.

Would you go again?

Absolutely. I'm a fan of Elemis products, plus the treatments are very effective, and are always packed full of wonderful scents. Next time, I think a better time-plan to include a post-massage cocktail in a nearby bar may be in order, though?

We visited Elemis Day Spa in April 2008

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