Is there a more relaxing and indulgent way to spend a Saturday than at a spa? We head to the Lanesborough Club & Spa for some fitness, food and a fantastic massage
Words Helen Brown
Surely one of the most effective ways to escape the stress of city life is to head to a spa. A spa day isn’t going to solve everything, but it’s a good place to start – especially if a holiday isn’t an option, or you find it hard to switch off. The capital has an astounding collection to choose from but for something really spoiling, The Lanesborough Club & Spa should be top of the list. It’s one of London’s most exclusive private members’ fitness and health clubs, voted the World’s Best New Hotel Spa in 2017, and offers a complete 360 approach to wellbeing. Everything from the spa menu to the fitness studio is carefully considered to offer its guests one of the most blissful experiences available in the capital.
My day starts with an endorphin-boosting PT session with trainer Li. Her background in weightlifting and bodybuilding means that the session is resistance-heavy with some functional exercises thrown in and a sweaty finisher on the treadmill. Not only is her knowledge something to be admired, Li is also extremely personable and above all else, fun to train with. The Lanesborough also has an action-packed class schedule where high-intensity group cardio sessions like boxing and HIIT are offered alongside ballet, pilates and yoga.
After a quick shower and a protein shake, I robe up and let myself be led (the team are very helpful here) to the treatment room for a deep tissue, full-body massage. It’s heavenly, and any muscular tension induced by Li’s workout quickly melt away. It sounds absurd, but at some point during the treatment, I lose sight of the fact that I’m actually still in London. The Lanesborough’s spa is such an unbelievably relaxing space, it’s hard to imagine that just upstairs, everyday life on Hyde Park corner resumes.
Following the treatment spend I spend the best part of an hour doing nothing but revelling in the quiet and calm of the relaxation room, before heading to the restaurant for lunch. The menu here is an exemplar in clean, healthy eating. For mains, there is salmon and a delicious Asian noodle dish and for dessert, granola bars, fruit and a gorgeous brownie that has all the satisfaction without the sugar. All-day dining (granola, avocado on toast, omelette) and high-protein snacks, smoothies and juices are available throughout the day should you wish to drag it out, which you really should. It’s a rather fabulous way to spend a Saturday.
For more information, visit lanesboroughclubandspa.com
