Review of Mandara Spa, Westminster

Mandara Spa, Westminster - 4 bubbles

Mandara Spa is an urban hotel spa with an Asian twist. Part of the ultra-modern Park Plaza Westminster, Mandara Spa doesn't offer a wealth of wet and thermal facilities, but their treatment rooms are a good choice for an inner-city pick-me-up. Their signature Balinese massage left us feeling relaxed enough to breeze through the busy city on our way home.

First impressions?

What's on offer?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

What else could you have?

Food facts

Was it worth it?

We loved

We didn't love

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

The Park Plaza Westminster is a vast, ultra-modern hotel, with curves and a glassy sheen. You really can't miss it as you walk over Westminster Bridge. Unless you've turned around to have a look at the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

Mandara Spa is below ground, reached via a lift, once you have traversed the dark, shiny, minimalist space that is the reception hall. Downstairs, a sweeping beige corridor takes you to the Fitness Centre, then on to Mandara Spa.

The spa and fitness facilities may lack natural light, but the high ceilings and spacious rooms make sure that you don't feel trapped in a poky basement. Mandara Spa's Asian theme is subtle in the décor: a frieze of Sanskrit sits high on the walls; there are touches of bamboo and dark wood. The rest is more urban spa, with angular furnishings in sleek white.

What's on offer?

Mandara Spa has eight single treatment rooms (three with showers) and one double. Near reception, there is a stylish manicure and pedicure area, a lounge area with leather sofas, and a spacious retail area offering a number of Mandara, Elemis and Bliss products.

Next door in the Fitness Centre, there is a swimming pool, with sauna and steam room, a gym and changing rooms. These facilities are only available to hotel and Mandara Spa guests, but children are allowed in this area between 8am and 8pm every day. Although Mandara Spa is a separate entity to the hotel's Fitness Centre, you can book packages that include use of the pool, sauna and steam room.

The Fitness Centre is smartly decorated. The changing rooms were sparkly clean, had plenty of lockers and spare towels, Elemis products in the shower and space to change. But, as the centre is not part of the spa, there were no robes and slippers, spa products or water on tap, and the room did look quite stark.

The swimming pool was attractive, subtly lit in calming colours, with white loungers arranged down one side. The water was a good temperature for swimming, but the rather wobbly metal steps into the pool needed screwing in a bit tighter, and the beige-tiled side (which all looked immaculate from a distance) had some dark scrape marks. The sauna was out-of-action on my visit, but I did enjoy the (perfectly hot) steam room.

Which treatments did you have?

I had a Balinese massage (50 minutes, £85) and an Elemis taster facial (available as part of the Mandara Spa Discovery package)

What were the treatments like?

Before my treatment, Anthea, my therapist, gave me a choice of aromatic oils for my massage. I chose a sensual Sandalwood oil. (Probably as I'd just been caught in a torrential downpour and felt the need for something warming!)

The treatment rooms are all very spacious, with warm, neutral décor. I got settled on the wide, comfortable treatment bed under a soft, fluffy towel before Anthea returned to the room. She checked I was cosy before beginning with my back. Balinese massage uses a combination of deep-tissue massage, acupressure and gentle stretches to stimulate your circulation. Anthea worked thoroughly up my back and shoulders using a mixture of long sweeping strokes, and more exact pressure. She then moved around my body, working thoroughly on each limb, before asking me to turn over. Anthea again worked very thoroughly along my limbs, paying attention to areas that often get neglected during a massage. I haven't had many massages where the side of my knees got included!

After my massage, Anthea began my taster facial. Anthea cleansed my skin and gently exfoliated before applying a cool, slightly tingly mask. The Elemis products she used smelled gorgeous and left my skin feeling very smooth, even though this was only a short treatment. Anthea left me to change, then I returned to the reception lounge where I helped myself to some water and tea.

What else could you have?

Signature treatments include the Balinese massage, Asian head massage and Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial.

Elemis facials are available to combat ageing, facials for radiant skin, for men, and for "skin challenged by modern living".

You can try a warm stone massage, deep-tissue massage, a lime and ginger scrub, or a detoxifying marine wrap.

Finishing touches include manicures, pedicures, waxing, and eyebrow shaping and tinting.

Food facts

Food isn't served in the spa, but a sideboard in the seating area offers jugs of water and tea.

Was it worth it?

The treatments are a little pricey, but this is to be expected in central London. Just don't expect any additional me-time outside of the treatment room.

We loved

The relaxing Balinese massage.

The design touches. Shell curtains and bamboo walls, interesting lighting and the odd splash of colour add depth.

We didn't love

That you have to book time and pay extra to relax in your robe. Especially as this is not a tiny building with no space for a relaxation room. The spa's "Power Nap" is just extra time in your treatment room following a treatment. 20 minutes is yours for £20.

The separation between facilities. Mandara Spa is a spacious set of treatment rooms with wet facilities next door. There is a particularly spacious reception and retail area within the spa, but there is no relaxation room and nowhere to get a snack.

Who do you think would like it?

City folk working nearby who've had a stressful day.

Hotel guests – and probably quite a few of those, given that there are over 1000 rooms in the hotel.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Mandara Spa 4 bubbles. Treatments are of a good standard, staff are helpful, the space feels very relaxing, and the design touches make it attractive. But it didn't feel very "spa" to have so much meditative space and no relaxation room; also, the split between the spa and the Fitness Centre would make a spa day a little disjointed.

See more on how we rate the spas