You can’t get much more in the heart of the
action than this. The London Marriott County Hall Hotel sits in one of London’s
finest landmark buildings, under the watchful gaze of the London Eye and Big
Ben on the banks of the Thames with the lively South Bank on its doorstep. It
is, however, an oasis of calm.
London
Marriott County Hall Hotel
As you enter under the old archway, you’re
hit by the building’s stature and traditional elegance. Enter the lobby – all
dark wood, purple hydrangeas and floating lilies – and you leave the bustle
behind and take in the imposing Spa Of The Month London Marriott County Hall
Hotel scale of the hotel. But as grand as it is, it’s certainly not stuffy or
impersonal.
In order to fully appreciate the spa’s
detoxing benefits, I first indulge in a delicious meal with wine in Gillray’s
Steakhouse & Bar. The atmosphere is relaxed, with lots of couples and
tourists enjoying the impressive sunset over the Thames and views of
Westminster through the large windows. Service is efficient but not too
in-your-face, and the bar is the perfect retreat post-dinner, with its
art-deco-style furniture and extensive drinks menu. Retiring to my room, my
eye’s drawn again to magical views of the London Eye and Big Ben, now lit up
and twinkling after dark.
The Spa
Next morning, it’s time for another type of
indulgence. The Spa at County Hall is a perfect mixture of elegance and
sophistication. Plum, taupe and dark woody tones soothe you in the relaxation
room as you await your treatment. The facilities are excellent and the staff
welcoming and proficient.
The
hotel is pecfectly placed for amazing sunset views over the River Thames
If you want to earn your spa time, you
could first check out the fabulous pool and gym facilities in The Club – the
largest hotel gym in central London. Personal trainers are on hand and guests
can enjoy complimentary use of the Club’s facilities.
The Treatments
Everything you can think of, from waxing to
massage, nail treatments and facials, plus a host of body treatments, including
detoxing scrubs and wraps, are on offer here. Using Murad and Decléor products,
the ethos of the spa is one of natural, but effective, beauty care. For a
pre-Christmas boost, try Decléor’s Relaxing Massage ($124 for 55 minutes).
You’ll enjoy a gentle exfoliation, followed by a warming massage, to leave you
de-stressed and with beautifully radiant skin.
You
couldn’t be staying closet to some of London’s most famous sites
The Consultation
You have to fill in a questionnaire about
your medical history and general health, before having a one-to-one
consultation to help choose your treatment. For example, if you’re having a
facial, the beauty therapist will consider your skin type and skincare. All the
natural therapies start with an in-depth health consultation.
Due to the fact that my complexion’s
slightly irritated and inflamed, mainly from environmental factors and a bad
week’s sleep, I opt for the Dr Murad Facial (from £85 for 60 minutes). This is
an hour of absolute heaven. Beginning with a deep double cleanse, my therapist
Daniel then applies a layer of Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum to restore
lost hydration and elasticity while reducing the inflammation and redness.
Licorice and peppermint extract work to calm irritated skin and the tingly
sensation is a bonus! My skin feels extremely deep cleaned afterwards. While
the serum gets to work, I’m also treated to a wonderful arm, shoulder and neck
massage to work out some office-desk-induced knots. I feel rejuvenated after
the treatment and my skin looks plumper, with the majority of the redness
removed. Afterwards, I’m happy to face London make-up free for the first time
in ages!
Who Should Go
This is a treat for women looking for a
city break in the heart of it all. The opulent grandeur combined with the
sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect base for a group of
girlfriends to relax, unwind and have fun after a day around town. Couples will
also enjoy the hotel’s old-world romanticism and, with the unbeatable location,
it’s ideal for a short city break.
This
is a treat for women looking for a city break in the heart of it all
The Package
We reckon the ‘Shop in the City’ package
would be a lovely treat for you and your friends or mum. How about a spot of
Christmas shopping or a dash to the sales, then a session in the spa to unwind?
Between Saturday December 1 and Friday December 28, 2012, you’ll pay $557.9 per
room, per night and enjoy tea and crumpets on arrival (if you get there in the
afternoon!), accommodation in a River View room, in-room breakfast the
following day, complimentary use of the relaxation areas in the Spa at County
Hall, plus $80 of John Lewis vouchers to kick off your shopping spree.
Must-have product
Luxury
Body Oil
This glittering body oil from Acorelle
gives a subtle, shimmering gold radiance while thoroughly nourishing your skin
with certified organic jojoba and ylang ylang plant oils. The dry oil formula
means it soaks in quickly and won’t leave oily marks on your clothes. Perfect
for the festive party season! $24 for 50ml; mypure.co.uk and Wholefoods.
Fresh-Faced
Facial
We tried the Antipodes Luxury Facial at
appuru Beauty Boutique & Urban Spa, London.
My 30-minute facial begins with a deep
cleanse to rid my skin of make-up and London grime. My therapist uses the
Antipodes Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Cleanser. The gorgeous lavender and
rose scent instantly relaxes me, and I have to fight the urge to drift off to
sleep. Next, my skin’s treated to the Aura Manuka Honey Mask, designed to
combat blemishes and leave skin glowing. As the mask works its magic, my hands
and scalp are massaged using the Organic Heavenly Body Oil. The pièce
résistance is the Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin Plumping Serum which,
in trials, was found increase collagen production by 72 per cent. I walk away
with skin that’s squeaky clean and super toned. antipodesnature.com.
