Review of Thai Square Spa, Covent Garden

Thai Square Spa, Covent Garden – 5 bubbles

Thai Square Spa is a luxurious day spa that offers a genuine Thai experience in the heart of Covent Garden. You will find a fabulous range of exotic Thai treatments performed by attentive, expertly trained Thai therapists in beautifully decorated surroundings. Thai Square Spa is an oasis of peace and tranquillity that oozes subtle opulence. Highly recommended after a busy day of shopping!

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?

Originally an old Victorian warehouse, the spa is tucked away in one of the more quiet roads just behind the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden. Once through the huge glass double-doors the first thing that greets you is the delicious aroma from the food court, as the spa reception is on the same floor as the restaurant. I was met with a warm, traditional Thai welcome by a very charming receptionist. I sat in a very comfortable, airy waiting area while filling in my consultation form.

The spa facilities are downstairs. The change of ambience is immediate as you are transported into the mystical world of the orient. Throughout, the spa is decorated with dark wood and exposed brick, low lighting, fresh orchid displays, golden Buddhas and oriental statues. The scent of jasmine prevails.

What's on offer?

There is no dedicated relaxation room, but there is a relaxation area near the bottom of the stairs. There are three squidgy white-leather loungers and a variety of the latest magazines. There is plenty to gaze at, with a wall of small Buddhas holding lighted candles and ornate wall-carvings.

The changing room is not huge, but was immaculate and stocked with everything you might need whilst showering and changing. Inside your locker you will find a super-soft robe and a pair of slippers, or a cotton top and fisherman pants if you've opted for the traditional Thai massage.

There are seven spacious, beautifully decorated treatment rooms. There is a room for dual treatments, a room for manicures and pedicures, two rooms with low massage beds for traditional Thai massage, and two with luxurious copper baths for treatments that start with a relaxing soak.

There is a roomy rasul where you can indulge in a traditional ritual using cleansing clays and steam infused with herbs. The mosaic-tiled rasul also has a monsoon shower that releases "tropical rain" at the end of your ritual.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the gold-leaf facial (60 minutes, £105).

What were the treatments like?

The spa advises that you arrive half an hour before your appointment time so that you can change and indulge in the complementary floral foot-bath. Whilst sipping herbal tea, my therapist soaked my feet in a ceramic basin filled with warm water, mint and lemongrass. Noo, my therapist, followed the reviving soak with a gentle exfoliation, foot and calf massage, and an application of ylang ylang lotion.

After the foot ritual, Noo explained my treatment and the philosophy of the Erb products that she would be using, which contain a blend of organic pollen from seven flowers. This facial is based on a traditional treatment reserved for the royal bride before her wedding ceremony.

Once I had settled onto the treatment bed, Noo checked that I was happy with the temperature of the room and with the choice of oriental music playing softly in the background. Noo then lit a couple of oil burners and dimmed the lights.

Noo began the facial by delicately removing all traces of make-up, followed by a gentle cleanse and tone. The cleanser was a floral mixture which Noo massaged into my face and neck using expertly trained fingers. She removed each product with warm lemon-scented flannels. Next, Noo painted on a thick, herbal mask with a brush. While the firming mask was on my skin, Noo massaged aromatic oil into my arms and hand.

Then came the gold leaf. Noo carefully covered my face with little squares of 24-karat gold leaf and used pressure-point massage to work the gold leaf into my skin. Her nimble, strong fingers then moved onto my scalp, neck and shoulders. I am sure I drifted off a couple of times before Noo removed the gold layer with another warm flannel.

Noo finished my facial with an application of eye serum and light moisturiser. My face was left feeling firmer, and looking bright with a definite glow.

What else could you have?

Treatments and products at Thai Square are by Erb, a natural skincare brand made in Thailand, inspired by ancient Thai herbal rituals and remedies.

The five extravagant Royal treatments are rituals that have been developed exclusively for Thai Square Spa, inspired by Siamese heritage. There are also three Erb signature treatments, created to promote balance and serenity. Body treatments range from exotic scrubs and wraps to eastern massage rituals. Facials range from traditional skin-revivers to complex flower-pollen blends with nourishing benefits.

There are hand and foot therapies, and "ritual hair remedies". There are a special selection of treatments designed for men, and a range of specialist maternity therapies, treatments and packages.

Food facts

Thai Square Restaurants are an established chain that offers a selection of freshly cooked Thai dishes at a reasonable price. The green curry was delicious, and I recommend the smoothies and fresh juices.

Was it worth it?

Spa treatments in central London are never cheap. The treatments at Thai Square are well worth the price.

We loved

The diverse treatments, which are true to their Thai origins.

The feeling of exclusivity, opulence and indulgence.

We didn't love

That the relaxation area isn't a dedicated room. It is a serene, comfortable area, it just doesn't have a door.

Who do you think would like it?

Shoppers suffering the effects of post-traumatic shopping disorder.

Anyone in the city in need of serious down-time.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Thai Square Spa 5 bubbles. Everything about this spa is authentically Thai: the atmosphere, the therapists, the treatments, the products and the décor. The opulent surroundings and indulgent treatments leave you feeling like a Thai queen.

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