Review of Agua at Sanderson, Bloomsbury

Agua Spa at Sanderson Hotel, Bloomsbury - 4 bubbles

How much fun can a person possibly have with one diamond facial and a tea trolley? Answer: A lot. Throw in a gym, a steam, and the most diaphanous spa in London, and you've found Agua. Retreat from the hustle of nearby Oxford Street in these celestial treatment rooms.

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?

We were invited to the spa on this occasion, but have booked in the past and found it easy to get through on the phone, with the receptionists able to give you a clear description of the treatments.

First impressions?

Fun, fun, fun. The Sanderson is a stylish hotel just off Oxford Circus, with an atmosphere of the unexpected. The spa is on the first floor, so make your way across the reception area, past the quirky pieces of furniture, to the impressive silver-surrounded lift. You get intergalactic transport to the white oasis that is Agua.

How did they welcome you?

Politely and softly, with a smile and a consultation form. They keep the noise low at Agua as there are no internal walls. There can't be: this is a Grade-II Listed building. They used to show the original Sanderson textiles in this space, so the space is large. As they can't build internal walls, they have drapes, instead. White diaphanous drapes floating from the high ceiling to the wooden floor. Enough gauzy floating going on to make you wonder if you have arrived in Heaven. But then you remember that Heaven would have pearly gates, and not a reception desk. Probably.

What happens next?

The spa receptionist politely led me to a white antique-style chair in the high-ceilinged waiting area, again draped in sheer white curtains, to complete my consultation form. There is a table here with water for refreshment, and the atmosphere was nicely soothing.

Form complete, the receptionist then led me along a swathe of white curtains to the women's changing area. In keeping with the theme, the changing area was also white, with a large back-to-back dressing table in the centre of the space, and mirrored lockers down the right side. Inside my spacious locker was my robe and slippers.

The changing area itself is not huge and would struggle to accommodate a dozen people if all 14 treatment rooms were busy, but it was immaculately clean. Three showers, further back in the space, had plenty of white towels, and the showers were replete with gel, shampoo and conditioner. Lovely.

I started my spa treat in the gym, a medium-sized room with a fair array of cardio and weight equipment. Bring your own headphones. Unlike the spa, the gym can get noisy with competing soundtracks. There were jugs of water on a table, so you can stay nicely hydrated. I happily cycled and attempted some of the easier looking resistance machines.

After my workout, I wanted to get ready for my spa treatment by relaxing my muscles in the steam room. It was for this reason that I had brought my swimming costume and flip-flops -- there are no other heat facilities or a swimming pool at Agua. I made my way back through the whiteness to the changing area, getting a little disorientated at times, but a helpful member of staff always seemed to appear like a shimmering vision from the curtains and point me in the right direction.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the steam room, but it was surprisingly large and surprisingly hot. No white plastic bucket seats here, but a stone bench and a light wall along one side. You can find iced water and iced flannels just outside the steam room. I made good use of the iciness to cool me down, as I got very pink very quickly.

Nicely warm, I changed into my white towelling robe and slippers and made my way to the communal relaxation area, where there is a central water feature which gives a calming effect, and more welcome drinking water. I had barely poured myself a glass before Kasia, my therapist, appeared from between the drapes to introduce herself.

Kasia took me and my water upstairs to the treatment room floor, along more corridors of white. The treatment room was also surrounded only by Agua's trademark white curtains; you can immediately see that this might be a problem if a particularly noisy massage were taking place next door. (I often make mmms and ahhhs during a good massage treatment -- sometimes probably not consciously). The room was a fair size but the high ceiling gave us a good sense of space, and there was a white treatment bed in the centre.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the Natura Bissé Diamond Experience facial (90 minutes, £160). This is an intensive facial that also includes massage elements while various ingredients are working their magic.

What were the treatments like?

Kasia asked me to sit on a chair while she went through my consultation form, and explained what the Diamond Experience Facial would entail. As the treatment lasts an hour and a half, there was a lot to take in. As Kasia talked, I kept wanting to make notes. I did pay special attention when she stated that some of the products would feel "tingly" on my skin, but that this was normal and I wasn't to worry.

Reassured, I undressed down to my knickers, as requested, and manoeuvred my way in between the white blankets of the comfortable treatment bed. The facial includes a hypnotic series of elements, starting with cleansing, a peel for exfoliating, and masks to penetrate deep into the skin to both stimulate and moisturise. I was a little sceptical about a facial that lasted 90 minutes, but the application and removal of the various products was interleaved with various massages: a shiatsu face massage being particularly memorable, as Kasia had firm, focused, effective fingertips.

I know some people prefer to switch off during a treatment, but I prefer to have my therapist explain what she is doing to me as she is doing it. I'd have liked to know more about the products Kasia used, rather than trying to identify them by scent, and I'd have liked more warning of which massage to expect next. If you like to drift off during your treatment, though, then you'll prefer the silent approach. Perhaps the spa could offer an option?

One thing I was very pleased about: 90 minutes is a long time to lie still, and you can get cold when you're immobile. But I was warm throughout, and this certainly helped me relax throughout this dreamy facial.

How did you feel afterwards?

Years younger. Confirmed by the mirror Kasia had left in which I could admire myself.

What happens afterwards?

I gratefully occupied one of Agua's four "private relaxation suites" -- more of a tall curtained cubicle than a suite -- and sank into the inviting soft white lounger. The lounger was supremely comfortable and I decided that I ought probably to live there.

This notion was confirmed when a young man arrived with a tea trolley. The trolley bestowed upon me Earl Grey tea, imaginative sandwiches (I particularly liked the flavoured breads), scones, cream and jam, and a proper cake stand bearing all manner of idiosyncratic cakes. I could have tried the mini TV/DVD/games/mp3 player in my diaphanous cubicle of bliss but, to be honest, the food demanded most of my attention. As I relaxed against the pillows, I decided that they might never miss me at home.

Long-term effects

I left Agua feeling pampered, indulged, and happy.

Was it worth it?

If you're worth it, yes. With prices starting at £75 for a 55-minute massage, Agua definitely fits into our "push the boat out a bit" category. However, for a special treat or just because you deserve it, this spa is fun, different and offers top-class treatments.

What else could you have?

You could have one of several facials, including Eve Lom,aromatherapy, and specialised Natura Bisse oxygenating offerings. Body treatments include Agua's signature ayurvedic-based milk-and-honey massage; salt and bamboo scrubs, and polishes. Agua also offers treatments for mums-to-be, and complementary therapies such as reflexology, reiki and Indian head massage. You can also have manicures, pedicures, and tanning treatments. Men are not forgotten, either: they can enjoy a facial, back treatment or de-stress massages.

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

How much I would enjoy my relaxation cocoon with its super-comfy lounger and tea. Even if I couldn't have actually moved in, I'd have scheduled more post-treatment chill-out time. Say, um, three days?

Any special features?

The customer service. Every member of staff made me feel welcome, at home, and looked after.

Who do you think would like it?

Everyone who can afford it. Make use of all the facilities while you're there. Enjoy the gym, use the steam room, and leave yourself time to shower before your treatment. That way, you'll get the most out of Agua. Give it a lot, and you'll get a lot.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Agua 4 bubbles because the overall experience makes you feel so special. Agua offers professionally delivered treatments in an immaculate and decidedly different designer-white environment. The curtained treatment rooms won't suit everyone as the sound carries. And I did hear passing voices during my treatment.

Also, because Agua, despite its name, isn't really set up as a spa with water facilities, there is no spinner for your wet swimming costume after your steam, or any plastic bag to scrunch your wet garments into for your homeward trip. I left my bathing suit dripping dry in one of the sinks, where, of course, it remained on my departure.

See more on how we rate the spas