t is difficult to describe just how beautiful and unusual the layout, decor and vibe at The Sanctuary spa really is. It is such an unusual design that I can say with almost absolute certainty that you've never been to a spa like it.
The Sanctuary spa is located near the famous Picadilly Circus (London's version of New York's Times Square). You enter off the street into a beautiful aqua-themed shop selling a variety of exotic Sanctuary-label products such as Hot Sugar Body Polish (yummy and warming) and Balinese Mande Rub (with ground rice and tumeric). To get to the spa you need to walk up the stairs at the rear. This will take you to a large open area with three rounded blonde wood counters with Sanctuary staff waiting to greet you. Hope you remembered your spa sandals and swimsuit because you're going to need them!
You will soon notice that this is a very social spa with many wide open, yet somehow cozy, areas decorated in soothing earthy tones. The most notable being the Koi Carp Lounge with flowing walkways surrounded by long, curved couches and a flowing stream that is home to several large goldfish. There is a wooden bridge over the stream and in the center is a circular couch where a Sanctuary staff person waits to schedule you for 20 minutes on the "massage chairs". This is not to be missed. If you've ever doubted that a chair could massage your back as well as your boyfriend, these unbelievable reclining chairs will change your mind.
This spa is very unusual in that it is not like a normal spa where you may only see one or two other people. At The Sanctuary you can expect to see many, many women sitting around relaxing, swimming, snacking and chatting. In fact, at one point the change areas were so packed with people that it was hard to move! Let there be no doubt, The Sanctuary is a very social spa. So social, in fact, that I almost felt uncomfortable going by myself. It appeared as if most of the women had come in groups of two or three. For women who live in London, I can't think of a better place to hang out with a couple of friends after work. If this spa was located in New York you can be sure that at least one episode of Sex and the City would have taken place here.
A nice contrast, however, is the treatment areas. These hallways and rooms are similar to a typical spa and you can expect to see only a few other visitors. The Sanctuary offers the usual range of treatments including body wraps and scrubs, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Our favorite is the Aromatherapy Massage in which they massage your entire body, including scalp, face, bum and feet. Divine!
The spa's staff service is not exceptional (not the worst, but definitely not the best I've seen) but the incredible rooms and relaxing decor make up for it - and if you come with friends it matters even less. If you have a day or evening pass, by all means use every minute available to you. There are so many things to do in The Sanctuary's facilities that you will have no problem filling up your time. In fact, you'll probably need two trips to fully explore all that is available at The Sanctuary. From the two pool areas (one of which has a swing dangling down over the water) to the saunas and steam rooms to the lounges and restaurant areas (with a delicious afternoon tea service from 3:30-5:30), there's never a shortage of relaxing activities to occupy your time.
Check them out online at The Sanctuary Spa
It is difficult to describe just how beautiful and unusual the layout, decor and vibe at The Sanctuary spa really is. It is such an unusual design that I can say with almost absolute certainty that you've never been to a spa like it.
Global Spa Treatments
