BACKGROUND
The Landmark London Spa and Health Club reopened in May following a two-month refurbishment to reveal a refreshed reception area and new treatment and changing rooms. Interiors company SMC Design has used dark copper and porcelain stone tiles to create a “warm and tranquil palette”, using “taupes, off-whites and warm greys” to reflect the colours and materials found in nature. The spa features one of London’s few chlorine-free pools, four treatment rooms, a steam room and a sanarium, a facility which combines the features of a sauna and a steam room.
WHERE IS IT?
Across the road from Marylebone Station, the spa is located on the lower ground floor next to the hotel’s Two Twenty Two restaurant and bar.
FACILITIES
Entering the lobby, it was not immediately obvious where I should head to reach the spa – I could see no signs in the lobby. I asked for help at reception, and was directed past a corridor with meeting rooms, along the hotel’s atrium and down a set of stairs to the spa entrance. At the reception, I was greeted and escorted to a small lounge with a table and seats, where I was asked to fill out a registration form and offered fruit and a choice of orange or mint-infused water.
After completing the form, I was shown to the ladies changing room, which includes a mosaic-tiled steam room and lockers stocked with plush terry robes, slippers and towels. Face wash and toner is available at the sinks, alongside high-performance hairdryers and deodorant. The changing rooms are brightly lit, clean and functional, though a little basic in design and amenities compared with some luxury hotel spas across the capital.
Around the corner from the changing rooms and down a long corridor is the spa’s gym, which features equipment and machines from Technogym and Star Trac, along with Kinesis Heritage and Kinesis Station workout stations, free weights and a stretching area. The cardio machines look out onto a 15-metre chlorine free, heated swimming pool, the sanarium (heated to a less intense 60 degrees Celsius) on the left hand side and a chlorine-free Jacuzzi behind this. A large stone mural separates the Jacuzzi from the lounge area, where guests can recline on cushioned day beds and sofas. There were a few people swimming lengths when I was there, and I joined them before heading back to the ladies steam room before my treatment. Gym and swim memberships are available, as well as full and day memberships to the whole spa.
For guests who have just had treatments, a relaxation room is secluded in an area between the swimming pool and gym, accessed with a code for additional privacy. Dimly lit and warm, the room is designed to prolong a sense of relaxation, and features four inviting recliners, a selection of magazines, bespoke tea infusions and fresh fruit on offer.
TREATMENTS
Treatments range from the spa’s signature treatments to advanced facials, body wraps and firming and shaping therapies with each designed to relax and detox the body and mind using products by Spanish skincare company Germaine de Capuccini. Popular men’s treatments include the C-Plus Energy with Chi Zen Massage, which combats daily irritations such as shaving, and A Touch of Spice, a macadamia oil massage with pressure applied using warmed cushions filled with oriental flowers and spices.
I chose the 50-minute Mediterranean by Candlelight massage, which uses candle wax made from shea butter and beeswax and scented with olive, lavender or citrus oils to ease tension and relax the mind. Hot Chakra stones are applied to pressure points until the wax is warmed, when it is kneaded into the back and limbs in strong, fluid motions.
Next was the Diamond Facial, which uses pure diamond powder dust, rich in regenerating zinc and iron, to promote anti-ageing and restore youthfulness and luminosity. After a thorough process of cleansing, toning and moisturising, using active anti-aging concentrates, the mousse-like mask is applied with a brush and left to dry for ten to fifteen minutes. During this time, my therapist massaged baobab tree oil (a dry oil that does not make the hair too greasy) into my scalp. After the mask had dried, my therapist removed as much of it as she could using a small spatula, then sponged the final remnants using a warm flannel. Afterwards, my face was left shimmering with the remnants of the diamond dust, which is designed to activate and be released over the next 48 hours.
My therapist (Jessica) was extremely accommodating and took time to explain each of the treatments in detail, the ingredients in every product and their desired effect. She finished with some neck stretches, using a towel around the neck to move my head in different directions. Afterwards, she led me to the relaxation room where I enjoyed The Landmark’s own tea blend with some fresh fruit.
VERDICT
While the pool and gym are first-rate, the spa’s design and amenities on offer are not quite as luxurious as a number of hotel spas around the capital. However, the wide-ranging treatments on offer and the care and attention from my therapist were impressive and provided a relaxing and restorative experience.
OPENING HOURS
6.30am-10pm Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm weekends
PRICES
Day membership – £75 per person, with 24-hour advance booking required.
Full annual membership -£2,100 per person
Corporate membership – £1,200 per person
Joint annual membership – £3,300 per couple
CONTACT
The Landmark London Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ
