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A couple of hours at The Mandarin Oriental chased away our reviewer's post-shopping headache and put the spring back in her step. It's spa perfection within easy reach of Harvey Nicks!
Was it easy to book?
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?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
Was it easy to book?
Booking was very straightforward. I called the spa to ask for their advice to help me decide between a couple of the treatments, and they suggested that I book something called "Advanced Time" to defer the treatment decision to the day of my visit. This was perfect as I had been deliberating between a Spearmint and Aloe Body Scrub and a Deep Tissue Massage. On the day of my treatment, I turned up with a mild headache so opted for a treatment incorporating a head massage instead.
First impressions?
An oasis of calm in the shopping jungle of Knightsbridge. Having spent an hour or so in the beauty department of Harvey Nicks, I crossed the road to the grand Mandarin Oriental hotel, negotiating cabs and kamikaze couriers, and dived into the foyer. I was immediately overwhelmed by a sense of calm.
The entrance to the spa is to the side of the main foyer, so there's no opportunity to check out the hotel en route, nor even leave your mark in the form of a fingerprint on the front door as there are at least four smartly red-and-black-clad doormen to open the doors to save you the inconvenience.
How did they welcome you?
I was welcomed with a serene smile, a health questionnaire and a pair of Mandarin Oriental flip-flops on a bamboo tray, swiftly followed by a cup of herbal tea and a hot towel. My own boots were swiftly whisked away, together with coat and shopping bags.
What happens next?
Having completed the standard spa health form to flag up any health conditions or allergies, one of the spa receptionists led me downstairs and showed me around the spa area: the changing area, the heat and water experiences and the relaxation room. There are separate facilities for men and women at the Mandarin Oriental. The spa is quite compact but doesn't feel in any way crowded.
Beyond the changing area is the "Vitality pool" with warm mineral water and hydrotherapy stations: a jet lounger, bubbling seats and pedijets for your feet. There's an amethyst crystal steam room to one side and a sanarium (lightweight sauna) on the other. As advised, I had turned up half an hour before my treatment to enjoy the heat and water experiences but, having seen the enticing relaxation area, headed there after a cursory sampling of each.
Which treatments did you have?
Following my ayurvedic-style assessment during the Welcome Foot Ritual at the beginning of my treatment, my therapist, Dawn, recommended an Ama Releasing Abhyyanga treatment with Shirobhyaga -- a light, flowing body massage focusing on Marma points -- and an Indian Head Massage to address my flagging energy levels and shopping-induced headache. Dawn also offered me the choice of either a mini facial or a body scrub. I opted for the facial, again hoping to exorcise my head tension.
What were the treatments like?
Delightful. The delicate touches of the facial and the smooth, flowing movements of the massage quickly transported me to a relaxed, almost dream-like state, taking me to the brink of sleep, but no further. Dawn had taken special care to ensure that all my senses were content - that the bed and room were the correct temperature, that I was happy with the level of background music and that the room was pleasantly scented.
The facial and body massage lasted an impressively long time before the Shirobhyanga head massage began. Having checked that I was happy to have my chosen oil applied to my hair, Dawn began to massage my scalp with a good firm pressure, gently pulling my hair to maximise the effect. It felt great and I could feel any remaining tension being driven away.
How did you feel afterwards?
Dreamy and keen to prolong the benefits of the massage in one of the most relaxing relaxation rooms of any spa I have been to. The subdued lighting in the room even discourages the reading of magazines, as if even this minor activity is too demanding and therefore to be discouraged (although there are individual reading lights for the really determined). And anyway, there's the ergonomic bed and personal music system to be played with. Oh, and the subtle "colour therapy" lighting in the fireplace to be enjoyed.
What happens afterwards?
Dawn gave me a Lifestyle Guide detailing the products used in the treatment and more general lifestyle advice to "take time out to relax and unwind" and to "try yoga or pilates to de-stress body and mind". Dawn brought me another small pot of herbal tea, and guided me back to the relaxation room to obey instructions to "try to continue to relax as much as possible".
Long-term effects
After the treatment, I felt so light-headed and tipsy that it was as much as I could do to leave the spa, jump on the right bus and find the right train to take me home.
I left the oils on my skin and hair overnight, as advised by my therapist, and was pleased that I'd remembered to bring a hat to hide my oily hair.
The following morning, I felt quite perky and strangely excited, like waking up from a good dream. It sounds a bit corny but I definitely felt like I had a bit more of a spring in my step. Whether it was a direct result of the treatment, or just the fact that I'd actually had a couple of hours to myself, I didn't know. But, quite frankly, I didn't care. It felt good.
Was it worth it?
Two hours of Advanced Time costs £230, so in terms of cost per minute, this is top-end rates. However, in terms of overall value of the experience -- the location, ambience, professionalism and general level of spa perfection -- then yes, it was worth it.
What else could you have?
A whole range of exotic treatments from the shiatsu-inspired Ginger Ritual, the lively sounding Life Dance Massage, Balinese massage, shiatsu and reflexology to oriental scrubs, wraps and facials -- the Age Defyer sounding particularly ambitious. The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental also offers specialised pre- and post-natal treatments and full- and half-day spa programmes.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
I wish that I'd known how dimly lit the changing rooms are as I'd have memorised the position of everything in my bag -- or brought a torch.
Any special features?
The hydraulic, stereo loungers are hard to leave.
Who do you think would like it?
Ladies who shop (preferably at Harvey Nichols). Anyone who has high standards and demands the best. Anyone looking for a central London spa where you can comfortably spend a few hours and forget where you are.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave the spa at the Mandarin Oriental 5 bubbles because 4 would have been too few - and there's no such thing as a 6-bubble spa.
Décor-wise, the spa was not as ornately oriental as I'd expected it to be. The dark granite floor and dark wood and horsehair walls were subtle, decorated with no more than tea lights and the odd cymbidium flower -- confidently understated. The opulence is more in the standard of service and attention to detail. Used towels are removed in the blink of an eye, as are any used glasses and bottles of mineral water. Blankets and flowers are precisely rearranged within moments of someone vacating their relaxation bed. Yet it seems intuitive; there's no therapist watching over you. And, although the spa is subterranean and doesn't have any natural light, it doesn't feel in any way dingy -- more private and secluded.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Oh yes. And next time I'd check in to the hotel, too. The only downside of my experience was having to burst my spa bubble with getting the train home afterwards.
We visited The Mandarin Oriental in March 2008
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