Spa Illuminata: A Slice of Spa Heaven…

I hate to admit it, but it’s getting harder to truly impress me these days.

Now don’t get me wrong. I still appreciate everything. I know when something is good, and don’t take it for granted. But to make me stop in my tracks, catch my breath and say WOW – that doesn’t happen so often. I guess it’s part of what comes with living in London for so long.

However, this week has been an exception, with a few WOW moments on different levels. Firstly, there was an incredible dinner at The Ledbury in Notting Hill – one of my favourite dining experiences to date. Second, the snow falling in Covent Garden, surrounded by good friends and laughter at 2 in the morning (after a few warming shots at The Hospital Club perhaps…) Third, the Steel Band playing Christmas tunes on Oxford Street – so brilliant it made me stop in the freezing cold to listen for a while. And fourth? My wonderful treatments at Spa Illuminata in Mayfair.

I am lucky enough to be invited to try out various treatments at beautiful Day Spas throughout London. It’s almost always a pleasure, and if the experience is a good on I will write about it here (if we don’t like it, it doesn’t get mentioned. Simple!) I very rarely come out in anything less than a state of bliss, but this week, Spa Illuminata took the bliss biscuit.

The Spa itself is extraordinary. A huge space, stocked to the rafters with decadent products on the first floor, beautifully presented and full of luxury. Italian marble floors and high ceilings really make you feel like you’re entering somewhere special. As you reach the reception area towards the back of the shop space, you are greeted professionally and escorted down the stairs to fill in the relevant paperwork before your treatments start. And then the fun bit starts.

The first slice of heaven I was guided towards was the Jasmine Steam and Purifying Earth Salts treatment – and I can honestly say I have never had anything like it. First, the gorgeous therapist rubbed a mixture of sea salt and essential oils into my skin, which helps to stimulate circulation, expel toxins and of course, exfoliate. Then I was shown into a large, dark cavernous room, with tiled seats built into the walls, a huge central water station and teeny tiny pin-pricked lights in the ceiling. Other than that? Pitch black.

So I sat. And waited. And gradually, the steam rose from the floor and enveloped me. Soft music played from hidden speakers and it was just me, the darkness and the comfortable heat. After ten minutes or so I was dripping in oils, steam and happiness…the smell of Jasmine was strong and beautiful and when I closed my eyes, I was transported back to holidays in exotic places, laying in the heat by the pool listening to some tribal beats drift by in the breeze. I loved it.

When my time was up I reluctantly left the chamber and showered off the salty residue – and after drying I could not believe how soft my skin was! The steam opens your pores and lets the natural oils penetrate your skin, nourishing it from the inside. Incredible.

Feeling a little too relaxed for my own good, I then settled down for my Decleor Aromaplastie facial. Now, I have had many facials in my time, but never one that lasted a full hour. We started out with a brief back massage, then moved on to my face, which was covered in lotion after potion after mask after oil after mask and then a bit more oil. It was A-MAZ-ING. About half way through I lost the ability to speak I was so chilled out, and think I nearly forgot to breathe at some points too. It really is that good. Different heats and textures are applied to the face and then removed by expert hands, and just when you think you have reached the height of tranquility, they start with the arm and hand massage which pretty much tips you over the edge.

After an hour of extreme pampering, the treatment finally comes to an end and I am positive I have never felt so calm, stress-free and peaceful in my life. It was a beautiful experience, and one that I would highly recommend to anybody looking to treat themselves, or a loved one this Christmas.

I am so impressed by Spa Illuminata’s staff, location, presentation and treatments that I think I might move in.

Do you think they’d mind?

Spa Illuminata . 63 South Audley Street . London . W1K 2QS . 020 7499 7777

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JJ - Editor

Londoner. Excessive Tea Drinker. Foodie. Party Goer. Geek. Email jj@thislittleladywenttolondon.com.

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