Recently refurbished, the spa at the Dorchester may lack a swimming pool, but in all other respects, it’s a lovely place to unwind. I had had a wonderful facial here before and was keen to see whether the new set-up would be as good.
Situated in the basement of the hotel, if you are a guest, you may get there directly from your bedroom floor, without the need to go through reception. This is very handy if you have just had a treatment and want to go straight back to the privacy of your room.
In reception, you are offered a refreshing rose-flavoured water to sip whilst you wait for your treatment. The display of hundreds of nail polishes, dazzling on glass shelves was a piece of artwork in itself. The changing rooms are lovely; very fresh and clean with plenty of space and light; it’s hard to believe this place is in the bowels of the hotel. There are showers, quality complimentary shower products, shampoos and conditioners and hair dryers.
I chose a Vaishaly facial. I have read about this facialist and I wondered whether a salon offering her treatment would be as good as going to her salon. After changing into a robe and slipping on towelling shoes, I was taken for my treatment. Although I had booked a facial, as is common with many of the superior treatments, the neck and shoulders are massaged too.
My therapist was very skilled and I liked the treatment very much. I have ageing, sensitive skin with dry patches and an oily triangle. I have had “deep cleanse” treatments before, at well known spas, but often been disappointed. Either they have been little more than different products rubbed into my skin, with no noticeable difference afterwards, or the extraction has felt painful and uncomfortable and not in the least relaxing. My treatment here was different. My face was gently massaged and the extraction was painless. A small vacuum-like machine (micro-dermabrasion) sloughed excess skin from my face. Everything was carefully explained to me as we went along. The neck and head massage was slightly uncomfortable at the time, but I felt wonderfully relaxed afterwards.
My partner commented that evening on how fresh my face looked.
My facial lasted 55 minutes and cost £95.
Many other treatments are available. There is also a dinky coffee shop where you may have lunch or afternoon tea in your robe.
Park Lane , London, UK
Contact tel: +44 20 7629 8888, e-mail: reservations@thedorchester.com
Cost standard double room: ££££
Services spa, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, creche/listening service, room service, business services, internet access