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Glow Urban Spa - 3 bubbles
Dusk is the star of the show at Glow, a stylish set of treatment rooms in fashionable Chelsea. Glow features unique treatments and professional staff. No pool or robes, so without any real "spa" factor, but worth a visit for a dependable beauty fix or de-stress.
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?
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 knew that Glow had won the Conde Nast Reader Awards day spa of the year for 2010, so Single Spy practically invited herself along to see what all the fuss was about. The staff were very helpful in accommodating us.
First impressions?
Glow is in a super-trendy area off Knightsbridge: think Chelsea mews, topiary, and cream Rolls Royces.
The spa itself is a shop-front with a stainless steel table and chairs outside on the pavement. I pushed open the glass door and stepped into a wood-floored light space with a reception desk immediately to my right.
How did they welcome you?
Politely. Spa manager Harprit greeted me, and a member of staff (who turned out to be my therapist, Roelien) showed me through to a chair at the back of the shop, near some manicure stations. White leather chairs, white orchids, shiny mirrors.
Roelien offered me a glass of water, and relieved me of my coat. I filled in a consultation form while sipping the water -- there was no table to put the glass on, so it balanced on a window-ledge -- and reassured everyone in writing that I was allergic to nothing.
What happens next?
Roelien led me down some narrow curving stairs to a medium-sized treatment room with a massage table in the middle. The room was nicely dimmed and warm, neat and tidy, quite spare and minimalist.
Which treatments did you have?
I had a Glow Shine body treatment: an exfoliation and body massage using products specially developed for Glow by Philip Ward London (90 minutes, from £145).
What were the treatments like?
Roelien said she wanted me to choose the oil for the treatment. I expected this part of the treatment to be like the fully choreographed ESPA "sensory test" where your therapist dabs various wrists or cotton pads in smart turns with a variety of unguents for you to choose the one you like. Almost but not quite. There were three small glass bottles with handwritten labels: Dusk, Sunset and Midnight. (These 100% pure essential oils are still in development, hence the lack of packaging.) I unscrewed each bottle in turn, had a sniff, and chose Dusk. I thought Dusk smelled deep, dark, and different. I was so surprised, I asked Roelien what was in the oil; she didn't know but the owner of Glow, Philip Davies, later sent me the information. The scent notes are mandarin, bergamot, raspberry, cinnamon and clove, violet, fir balsam, and sandalwood. Quite a heady mix!
Once I had chosen the oil, Roelien left the room while I disrobed. I put my clothes on a chair and climbed on to the massage table, as instructed, face down.
Roelien was a very capable therapist. She began by placing her hands on my neck and shoulders, as if to pull me into shape before the treatment. The treatment started properly with a salt exfoliation, Roelien turning my limbs this way and that so I didn't have to turn from my back to my front too many times. Roelien removed the salt with warm damp flannels, then began the massage.
The deep notes of Dusk wafted over me as Roelien massaged, making me supremely relaxed. Some of my leg muscles were very tense and sensitive, but Roelien exerted a firm yet not uncomfortable pressure. The attention to my neck and shoulders was very welcome and soothing. I didn't actually fall asleep, but I was so relaxed, I wouldn't have been surprised if I had pitched up on the shores of the Land of Nod.
How did you feel afterwards?
The "key feeling" of the Dusk massage oil is to create "a luxurious fireside aroma … to inspire relaxation, comfort and security". I certainly felt very relaxed and comfortable, but also in need of a cup of (green) tea and a relaxation room to continue the relaxation and comfort.
What happens afterwards?
I got dressed and made sure I inspected the loo before I left! This is tiny, clean, but rather ordinary: think run-of-the-mill handwash and green paper towels rather than spa unguents and fluffiness. I went upstairs, said goodbye, and picked up my Dusk organic artisan candle, which is included in the price of the treatment.
Was it worth it?
Treatments are on the pricy side but then we are in Knightsbridge. I loved my take-home candle. The idea is that this helps you take the experience home with you to encourage, as it says on the box, "calm living, positive thoughts and inspirational moments". You can experience the Glow Shine treatment in any one of the six bespoke blends depending on the time of day and your mood.
What else could you have?
There's no gym, heat facilities or pool; the focus is on treatments. You can try a range of facials and body treatments using La Prairie, Dermalogica, the Hungarian Omorovicza range, or Dr Alkaitis products. The Raw Glow Live facial uses a custom blend of raw and fresh ingredients -- yum. You can also have waxing, tanning, manis and pedis, and complementary therapies such as reflexology, cranio-sacral therapy and acupuncture. There are also specific treatments for men.
Glow Urban Spa is particularly good for mums-to-be and offers a range of treatments to pamper you through your pregnancy, and even into the "fourth trimester" with a "healing hour". It's the first spa I've ever come across that offers post-term induction treatments using acupressure.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
That Glow really was a treatment-focused establishment rather than a spa. I shall be telling mums-to-be about its specialities, though.
Any special features?
The evocative oils, of course.
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone looking for a unique face or body treatment.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Glow 3 bubbles because it offers great treatments but it doesn't fit our definition of a spa. A spa, in our book, has to offer a robe -- the leaving of the real world behind -- and relaxation room where you can chill out before or after your treatment. Glow is a top-notch beauty spot, and a fine place to pop into for some well-being focus, but not a spa. If we were the Good Salon Guide, we'd be awarding it more. But we're not.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Oooh, yes. Their Raw Facial looks particularly special.
We visited Glow Urban Spa in March 2010.
See also:
* Contact Details for Glow Urban Spa
* Scrubs and body polish
* I'm pregnant. Are there any spa treatments I should avoid?
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