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No.1 Traveller, Heathrow - 4 bubbles
No.1 Traveller offers travellers an escape from the stress of Heathrow. In the restful all-white spa area of the lounge, you can enjoy treatments, manicures and pedicures, and drench showers. We loved our snake-venom facial. An ideal place to spend some soothing time if you have a long layover, or want to start your holiday at the airport.
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?
No.1 Traveller is a spacious, light and airy airport lounge where you can hide from the hurly-burly of Heathrow while you wait for your flight for a competitive fee of £30. The spa and lounge are past security and passport control, so only available to travellers. There is plenty of comfortable seating, a smart white bar for cocktails and drinks, plus the spa.
What's on offer?
In the lounge, plenty of comfortable seating, hot and cold food all day, drinks (you pay extra for cocktails and champagne), Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines. The flight screen allows you to keep an eye on the time and the status of your flight. You can book single and twin bedrooms for £20 per hour if you need to sleep (perhaps if you are on a long layover) with drench showers to refresh. The mini cinema has big leather chairs; there is also a small library room, a play room and, of course, a spa.
The all-white spa area offers treatment rooms, massage chairs, a mani-pedi area, and drench showers.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Venom Chic facial (55 minutes, £65) which uses the snake serum range from Rodial. The serum aims to mimic the effects of the Temple Viper's venom to lift the face and plump lines without the need for Botox. My husband had the luxury manicure (55 minutes, £40).
What were the treatments like?
My Venom Chic facial was luxurious, and much more than a facial. The treatment included some very welcome deep shoulder and neck massage, a hand and arm massage and a dry scalp massage. I wasn't sure about being covered in snake venom but, such is the life of a Spa Spy, when asked to lie back and think of our readers, we submit. Ruby, my therapist, reassured me and explained that the snake venom would puff up fine lines so they were less noticeable. The venom also apparently helps with stress and is anti-ageing. (I was happy to sign up for that!)
The treatment began with a double cleanse to the neck and chest area. Ruby then applied a mask, which she peeled off to exfoliate my skin. She followed this with a good facial massage, then massaged a rich night oil around the eye area. I kept waiting for a stinging sensation to tell me when she applied the snake venom, but there was nothing to give the game away. Everything Ruby applied to my skin just felt rich and creamy.
The facial certainly improved the fine lines around my eyes and above my lip. My skin looked bright and clean, and smart enough to go on the plane without make up.
After the manicure, my husband's hands, usually pretty workman-like from chopping logs and gardening, were clean and smooth, with nicely trimmed nails. His therapist added a matt coat to his nails which she said would nourish them. Three weeks later, his nails still looked neat and smooth.
What else could you have?
A quick 15-minute massage through your clothes: perfect for when you are short on time, but high on stress. A hot towel wet shave. A back, neck and shoulder massage for varying lengths of time and prices; the same with an arm and hand massage or a leg and foot massage. (Very useful for anyone who finds their feet swell on planes.)
Food facts
Our flight was early morning, so we had a breakfast of eggs benedict and good coffee. Food is available all day with hot dishes cooked to order.
Was it worth it?
Yes. Using the No.1 Traveller lounge costs £30 per person (when we visited; check for latest prices and offers) and the experience provides a real retreat from the noise and hassle of the airport. If your budget doesn't run to a business class ticket, the No.1 Traveller lounge is a good way of starting your trip in a relaxed mood. The treatments themselves match the Good Spa Guide rule-of-thumb of about £1 a minute, so are very good airport value.
We loved
The choice of length of treatment times: most treatments can be timed for 15 minutes, 25 minutes, or 50 minutes; this flexibility is ideal for fitting in a treatment before you run for your plane or longer if you are on layover. If you have two hours to spare between flights, you can have the top-to-toe "jet lag revival package", which includes everything you need to "make yourself feel human again", including a full body massage, a 25-minute facial of your choice, and a manicure or pedicure.
The all-white spa area, which is calm and restful.
We didn't love
That you have to pay for the showers; currently £10, but free with a £25 treatment.
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone with a long layover between flights.
Anyone with a long trip to the airport who has to build in extra time in case of traffic problems and then finds they have a few hours to kill.
Anyone wanting to start their holiday at the airport; No.1 Traveller will give you a real treat.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave No.1 Traveller at Heathrow airport 4 bubbles. The spa is a comfortable, clean, and relaxing space, with a good choice of treatments for both men and women. There is no relaxation area for a post-treatment lie down, though, which is a shame. Another time, after my facial, I would drift over to the small and quiet library which has large relaxer chairs and have a quick snooze there!
See more on how we rate the spas.
Would you go again?
Oh, yes. Any time I am at Heathrow with an hour to spare!
We visited No. 1 Traveller Heathrow in December 2011.
See also:
* Contact details for No. 1 Traveller Heathrow
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