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Baglioni Spa by SPC - 3 bubbles
Shy Spy was invited to the Baglioni Spa by SPC in Kensington. In the glamorous surroundings of this five-star hotel, she experienced a fabulous SPC facial that left her skin glowing. This dinky spa is perfect for hotel guests or shoppers wanting a pick-me-up treatment but does not offer spa facilities for a day of me-time.
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
What happens afterwards?
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
The Baglioni is a petite luxury hotel opposite Hyde Park. As you step through the door, you are greeted by a gleaming and glamorous lobby, with black chandeliers and gilt-edged furnishings.
How did they welcome you?
The hotel doorman pointed the way to the spa. Set just back from the entrance hall with a large SPC sign, the door to the spa is hard to miss. Once in the spa a member of the spa staff, behind the spa reception desk, greeted me, and my therapist, Charlotte, soon came out to politely introduce herself. Charlotte offered me a drink and passed me a consultation form to fill in. I sat completing my details whilst sitting on the bench in reception.
What happens next?
Charlotte showed me into the changing rooms. She asked if I would like to have a steam, and suggested that I try the steam room in the changing rooms before coming for my treatment. She also advised me to drink plenty of water.
The changing rooms are fairly small, with room for maybe three or four people to shower and change. There are two showers and a toilet, a bench and a pair of sinks. There was SPC body wash and body cream but no other products to use (and no conditioner in the showers). There was a pile of clean, fluffy towels on a shelf and soft robes in the lockers.
In the corner of the room lives the dinky steam room. The steam room was clean and tiled in attractive metallic mosaic tiles. Well, I saw the tiles after the steam cleared. When I first entered, the steam outlet must just have opened, as the room was so steamy I couldn't see a thing past my nose.
After enjoying the steam for a few minutes, I showered off ready for my treatment. The shower was spacious enough but I did almost knock someone with the glass door when coming out. The fittings in the changing area were all in line with a luxury look, and the recently painted surfaces had a smooth black sheen. But someone had placed towels to cover the floor near the showers, and placed pebbles around the bottom of the wall as if to cover some mark.
It was clear that some redecoration had taken place recently, not just in the changing rooms. The hall carpet looked brand new and the black sheen continued on the woodwork throughout. Large Pop Art prints on metal and SPC product images decorated the walls. But touches of the former spa were still evident. Some old fittings didn't match the new décor.
After I had showered and put on my robe, I popped out of the changing room to find Charlotte waiting for me. She showed me the way to my treatment room, which was spacious and dimly lit. Charlotte left me to change and get settled under soft towels on the treatment bed.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the SPC Collagen Age Defying Facial (55 minutes, £85).
What were the treatments like?
Before my treatment began, I mentioned my annoying sinuses. Charlotte tailored the facial routine to my exact demands. Instead of just performing a massage between masks, Charlotte massaged my facial pressure points throughout the facial, to help clear my sinuses. She massaged as she cleansed my face, then applied a rose-scented toner.
To help brighten my skin, Charlotte used a fresh, minty scrub over my face. This product was thick and coarse in texture, without feeling too abrasive. The scrub had a pleasantly cool tingling effect as it sat on my skin. After the scrub, Charlotte used a softer exfoliating cream and a shea butter mask to revive and firm.
While the mask was doing its work, Charlotte massaged my scalp, shoulders, and down my arms and hands. I felt supremely relaxed and my face felt fresher, though I hadn't seen the visual effects yet. To finish, Charlotte applied a serum, eye cream and a collagen moisturiser, then left me to relax and drink a glass of water.
What happens afterwards?
I put my robe back on and went out to meet Charlotte. She showed me to a seat around a corner in the corridor where there was a table and magazines. I relaxed with a cup of fruit tea and browsed through a glossy before getting changed. The corner of the corridor wasn't exactly a relaxation area, but the spa wasn't too busy, so I wasn't disturbed too much.
When I went to change, I was very pleased with the results of my facial. I've had plenty of facials that have no more of an effect than my usual daily routine. This one made my skin look fantastic, as it had promised. And I did feel that my sinuses were clearer, too.
Was it worth it?
My treatment wasn't cheap, but the SPC Collagen Age Defying Facial was one of the best facials I have ever had, particularly as I had a therapist who listened and interpreted my demands perfectly. The spa doesn't offer much outside of the treatment rooms, though, as the tiny steam room doesn't really constitute "wet facilities".
What else could you have?
The SPC treatments on offer include a prescriptive facial to promote glowing skin, plus two men's facials. There are aromatherapy, deep-tissue and hot-stone massages, and a choice of detoxifying ginger or decadent white-chocolate wraps. If you're Expecting, you can try a pregnancy massage or facial. Pedicures and manicures are available for a finishing touch.
Who do you think would like it?
The Baglioni Spa by SPC is perfect for hotel guests to add a luxury treatment to their stay. If you were shopping on Kensington High Street, then the Baglioni isn't too far away to stop by for an extra treat, as well. There isn't enough to do in the spa itself to warrant coming just for a spa day, though.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Baglioni Spa by SPC 3 bubbles. The spa was clean, smartly presented and the SPC treatment was fabulous. We were very impressed with our therapist's care and attention, too. But the spa is a set of four treatment rooms in a hotel ... so not a real spa. For a hotel guest, the Baglioni Spa is perfect, but the spa is not ideal to visit as a day guest. Apart from the gym and tiny steam room, there are no other facilities. There is no relaxation room in the spa, so if you haven't booked a room, you don't get to relax for long. We also thought that a luxury spa should have a few more luxury touches (or even just some conditioner). And we're still wondering what those pebbles were there for...
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
For that very wonderful facial with Charlotte, yes!
We visited Baglioni Spa by SPC in July 2010
See also:
* Contact details for Baglioni Spa by SPC
* Buy SPC products at The Good Spa Shop
* Facials: How to choose the right one for you
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