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KuBu, Henley-on-Thames - 5 bubbles
Sassy Spy was invited to KuBu in Henley to sample their Ayung Batu ritual. The pampering was so perfect she missed her train home...
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?
Long-term effects
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?
First impressions?
Kubu is a 10-minute walk from Henley-on-Thames station, discreetly situated halfway along a bustling shopping street, a short walk from the river. Kubu is housed in a large, white, listed building. The building looks like an old bank, with a large black door and buzzer entry. Pleasingly exclusive. I rang the doorbell, confirmed my name and appointment time, and entered the fragrant porch.
I removed my boots, as directed by a sign perching on the cream-carpeted stairs. I made my way up the springy stairs towards reception.
The large, fragrant reception area has dark wooden floors and cream walls. Lavere products, KuBu oils, scented candles and bath bombs were displayed around the desk and on shelves behind it.
How did they welcome you?
The receptionist welcomed me with a warm smile and an air of unruffled calm. I felt instantly happy to be there. A good sign.
I filled out a two-page consultation form whilst two happy customers were leaving. The customers booked in for another treatment each and wished me a fabulous time, like they'd just had.
The receptionist asked me to choose from four aromatherapy oils which would set the fragrance and mood for my treatment. She also asked me how I wanted to feel afterwards. The receptionist explained that they were 100% natural, organic oils made especially for KuBu in Bali. The German Lavere products which KuBu uses in facials, are also organic.
I admired Kubu's treatment-focused, holistic approach, and commitment to using safe, natural, and organic products.
What happens next?
The receptionist took me through wooden double doors, through a large relaxation room. We went into the small changing room, which felt like an exclusive boudoir. Everywhere was fragranced with scented candles, and there were Balinese artworks and statues in each room. One wall of the changing room had tall, skillfully carved wooden doors. Inside, my fluffy white robe and slippers were waiting.
The receptionist explained that I could change behind the damask curtains and wooden screen at the back of the room. She left me alone, and I found that behind each screen was a mirror with a carved wooden surround, a good hairdryer, Lavere deodorants (for men and women), plus various other lotions, and towels. I got changed and went into the relaxation room.
The receptionist brought me a glass of water, and I climbed onto one of the two solid loungers. Opposite me was a cushion-strewn, four-poster day bed. Music played softly and I noticed the windows were billowed lightly with cool-coloured fabrics. There was a large mirror, a shelf of interesting books, and more Balinese artworks and statues around. Kubu has a strong and authentic Balinese theme, and it is classy, rather than tacky. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the decoration.
I had pre-ordered my lunch, and it was not long before the receptionist arrived with a tray piled high of goodies and a glass of champagne. Yummy. Food is freshly made and brought in from the Maison Blanc restaurant in town. I feasted upon a delicious green salad with avocado, crayfish, smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, and a home-made creamy lemon and dill mayonnaise. It was scrumptious. For dessert, I had a punnet of cubed mango and pomegranate. For dessert number two, I had a couple of special cubes of Kubu chocolate: milk chocolate and salt, and dark chocolate with pepper and strawberry.
Eileen, my therapist, came to collect me and guided me through the large yoga studio. We went up to the next floor where there are three, very spacious, wooden-floored treatment rooms. My treatment room was very large with a treatment couch in the middle of the room, a gorgeous free-standing bath to one side, a sink, some huge wardrobes and a fireplace lined with candles.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Ayung Batu with warm stones ritual (£155 for 2 hours and 15 minutes).
What were the treatments like?
As my feet soaked in a wooden bowl of warm water laced with petals, Eileen talked me through the treatment structure: it sounded divine. Light Balinese music played in the background and the atmospheric candles flickered gently.
I lay on my front, under a sarong on the heated bed, as Eileen and I discussed how my skin was feeling today. Eileen was very good at explaining each stage of the facial whilst expertly and gently removing my make-up. Eileen placed a soft flannel over my eyes so that she could turn the light up to inspect my skin.
The facial started with an intensive cleanser, followed by a cleansing gel, an exfoliator wash, toner, then a face mask. Whilst the mask was working its magic, Eileen gave me a foot massage. Next, she moved up to the top of my body and gave me a delicious head massage before removing the mask. Eileen then massaged my face using hydro cream, energy lift gel and a lick of lip balm.
The treatment then went straight into the massage. Eileen acknowledged that I loved firm pressure and adjusted my treatment accordingly. She asked me if I had any problem areas, and so I pointed her in the direction of my shoulders. Eileen began the massage whilst I was lying face-down, starting with my back. Eileen then worked the backs of my legs, before I flipped over and she massaged my head, chest, arms and legs with the hot stones.
Whilst Eileen was working on my front, she placed hot stones under my stiff, problematic shoulders to really melt my muscles. My shoulders felt a little tender from the amount of work that had gone in to them. But my shoulder blades had been oiled and the increased amount of movement afterwards was huge.
My ritual was completed with a luxurious hot soak in an aromatic flower petal bath, accompanied with a pot of ginger-and-orange elixir, some water, and some freshly made KuBu chocolates. This treatment had a very soporific effect on me!
How did you feel afterwards?
Positively radiant!
What happens afterwards?
I made my way down to reception. Unaware of the amount of time passing, I had missed the train that I thought I'd be getting home. Eileen had predicted this and had researched and printed out train times for me. 10 out of 10 for customer service!
I couldn't resist purchasing some organic Lavera products to continue my experience at home. I was warmly sent on my way, feeling great but heavy-hearted at having to leave.
Long-term effects
A little piece of my heart belongs to Kubu.
Was it worth it?
Every penny.
What else could you have?
A fabulous range of rituals, massages, beauty treatments, mums-to-be treatments, gift packages, bridal packages, and group bookings (six people or more and you have this 2,000 square feet of spa glory to yourselves).
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
I wanted to do some yoga so would've found out class times to slot in with my visit.
Apparently if you drive to KuBu, parking can be a bit of a nightmare, so leave enough time to find a space. Henley is a cross between residents' permit areas, short-term parking, and one-way streets. Phone in advance and the staff will suggest good options and directions for you.
Any special features?
Kubu is a special feature in itself! You want me to list everything?
This day spa exudes class.
The staff. The food. The calm, meditative atmosphere.
The Balinese theme: furniture, fabric, artwork and colours.
The attention to every detail: rolled, fluffy white flannels to dry your hands; organic oils; rose petals; handmade chocolates; just the right products for your age range and skin type left in the room for you to use; not an inch of flaking paint, anywhere.
The treatments and products: unusual, authentic, luxurious, expertly executed.
The links to a local acupuncturist, nutritionist and yoga teacher, and the opportunity to book yoga holidays in Thailand through the spa.
The location: what better way to end your treatment than a walk along the river and a light meal in any one of Henley's restaurants?
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone wanting or deserving some top-quality, out-and-out pampering.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
This discreet day spa is exceptionally good. We gave heavenly Kubu a fabulously flawless 5 bubbles. They can do no wrong in our Good Spa eyes!
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Unquestionably.
We visited KuBu in March 2010
Like the sound of this? You're in luck.
Follow this link to book a special spa offer at KuBu with our partners lastminute.com
See also:
* Contact details for KuBu
* Hot stone therapy
* What makes a good spa therapist?
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