One of the great things about the five star May Fair hotel is its position, down a side street opposite Green Park tube station affording the best of both worlds – it’s relatively quiet yet walking distance to all that central London has to offer.
Because it’s a bit tucked away, it’s easy to forget about it, especially when thinking about spas. But the spa at the May Fair is well worth remembering and after a treatment, you may well feel the need to add it to your speed dial.
The changing rooms feature pale grey marble with grey shiny painted lockers. With stainless steel waste bins and mirrors, the look is contemporary and smart. Practically everything one needs to remove make up is provided including cotton buds and cotton wool. In the showers is shampoo and conditioner. There is also a wet swimsuit bag and body lotion. The ice shavings are not to add to your cocktail but to pour over yourself if you are feeling brave after your sauna or a session in the steam room.
Kerry, my therapist was very pleasant and explained that my Swedish body massage, using organic grape seed oil, would be tailored to my needs. I took this to mean she would be gentle if that’s what I wanted or would be more vigorous if I felt my muscles needed it. As it is, she used medium pressure, which was just perfect.
The bed itself was heated, which is much better than the room being too hot, or worse, the room not heated enough and you feel cold. I also liked the covers on the bed being soft cotton and not towelling. For sensitive skin such as mine, these small things make a big difference to comfort.
A final thing I liked was the room being lit by just candlelight.
Kerry gave me a full body massage, starting with the arms, then the legs and finally the head, neck and back. She finished with a foot manipulation. Fifty-five minutes passed very quickly and afterwards I felt relaxed yet re-energised.
As is normal, your hair is bound to get a bit messed up, so allow time to wash it afterwards: hairdryers provided.
I have massages fairly regularly: this is one I would heartily recommend.
Swedish massage: 55 minutes: £99. Selection of other treatments available.
The spa is open for treatments Monday to Thursday until 9pm, Fri/Sat and Sun until 8pm with a 6pm close on Bank Holidays.
Stratton Street , Stratton St, UK
Contact tel: +44 20 7629 7777
Useful links
May Fair Hotel spa