The best spa hotels in London
For those in need of a little relaxation to go with their city break, there are plenty of spa hotels in London where you can unwind, worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside. There are some seriously luxurious options that are centrally located, happily ensconced in the basements of the best hotels in London, from the brand-new and super-luxurious spa at The Peninsula, to longstanding favourites at Corinthia London and The Lanesborough. Some simply offer treatments, while others have pools and saunas where you can while away an entire afternoon with a glass of champagne or a soothing tea. Whether you want high glamour or something a little more practical, here are our favourite spa hotels in London.
@ John Athimaritis1/13Raffles London at the OWO
There are many remarkable things about Raffles' London landmark, but the spa really does take the top spot. Buried four storeys below ground (on the level where tunnels used to run between the former War Office and Parliament), you would never know how deep underground you really are. Somehow, there is phone signal (not that you need that in a spa), an abundance of light that has been carefully designed to feel natural and soaring ceilings and caverns of space. It is, in a word, spectacular.
The design was all masterminded by Goddard Littlefair, who have made the perfect quiet luxury space that oozes sophistication and style without alienating anyone. The changing rooms are impeccably equipped and as for the main area with the pool, sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy areas, it is simply one of the most peaceful places in London. The pool is long and wide, providing lots of space for swimming lengths or, at the allocated times, splashing around as a family (which, if not what you're after is very easy to avoid). The treatments are all Guerlain – in a first for London – and take place in rooms that continue the aesthetic appeal of the main spaces. All in all, it's a faultless place to unwind and reset.
57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
2/13The Peninsula
One of London's most talked-about new hotel openings of recent years has a suitably spectacular spa, stretching over two subterranean floors and incorporating at its centre a 25 metre pool (positively vast by central London standards) in a glorious double-height space. Though the spa is underground, the panels overhead change the quality of the light throughout the day to simulate the outside world, and the walls are lined with graceful mosaic landscapes. Also on-site is a well-equipped Technogym fitness centre, thermal cabins and a hair salon. The seven serene treatment rooms offer massages using Subtle Energies products inspired by Ayurvedic remedies, while skincare comes courtesy of Swiss-made Margy’s Monte Carlo.
1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ
3/13Claridge's
The opening of the spa was the centrepiece of Claridge’s massive renovation, completed last year. Designed by renowned architect André Fu, the space is inspired by Japanese temples, and is a profoundly calming, zen-like space. Natural materials like limestone and wood prevail, alongside graceful ikebana flower arrangements that help set the tone. Even the incense in the treatment rooms is inspired by temple Koh-do ceremonies. The pool with its electrolyte-rich water is a highlight, and there are saunas and steam rooms for a deeply relaxing experience. Treatments include skincare by Augustinus Bader, massages with La-Eva products, and hairstyling by Josh Wood.
Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
4/13The Spa at 45 Park Lane
It’s always a magical experience descending into the basement of a grand London hotel to find a serene and soothing world, far removed from the noise and business above. The Spa at 45 Park Lane contains a particularly enchanting interior, covered in intricate mosaics of lush flora and greenery. The 20 metre swimming pool is rather a treat in the world of compact London spas, and it is well supplied with facilities, including a sauna, steam room and hydro pool, a smart gym and a generous relaxation area with plenty of space to spread out. The treatments are excellent, making the most of luxurious products by organic Hebridean brand Ishga and Swiss anti-ageing specialists Valmont. Come for a massage or facial and stay to chill out by the pool - you won’t quite be able to believe you’re on Park Lane when you emerge.
45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN
5/13Corinthia London
Espa Life Spa at Corinthia is a serious destination among London spas. Centrally located near Embankment station, the hotel is a great choice for visitors keen to see the sights of Westminster and the South Bank. With four floors dedicated to it, the spa must be one of the most expansive in London. Its glamorous interiors are full of black marble, lacquer and chrome, so you feel thoroughly cocooned once you're inside. It's not all just about pampering here (although there is plenty of that); rather the spa takes a holistic approach to wellness, and you can access a lot more here than at a typical hotel spa. Treatments include vigorous deep muscle massages, traditional Chinese therapies, Dr Barbara Sturm facials, reflexology treatments and even physiotherapy.
There is plenty to keep you entertained across the four floors, including a gym and sleep pods, but best of all is the Thermal Floor, which features a spectacular sauna, a steam room, and two pools, one for swimming laps, the other for relaxing with the massage jets.
Corinthia, Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
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Andrew Beasley Photography6/13The Retreat at The Londoner
The Londoner certainly made waves when it opened in 2021, as the most luxurious new hotel to open in central London in a long time. Overlooking busy Leicester Square, the hotel is a brilliant place to retreat from the frenetic energy outside, and its spa is indeed aptly named The Retreat. It’s a sleek and contemporary space with a calming, neutral aesthetic and plenty of amenities. There is a generous swimming pool with a hydropool alongside, plus a sauna and steam room, as well as a well-equipped gym.
The treatments are indulgent and spoiling, with facials by Omorovicza, massages by Ila, body treatments by Ishga and men’s treatments by Gentlemen’s Tonic. It’s a perfect preparation for a night out in nearby theatreland, or a way of recovering from a day seeing the sights in Trafalgar Square and Westminster.
The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, Westminster Borough, London, WC2H 7DX
7/13Bulgari
If the idea of combining shopping with spa-ing appeals to you, then the Bulgari in Knightsbridge is the perfect place to be. Harrods is just down the road from this glitzy hotel, which embraces a kind of Italian glamour not usually seen in London hotels. The spa is a serious sanctuary, with two floors that feature a generous 25m lap pool, a vitality pool, gym, nail salon, and the very intriguing ‘thermal experience’ showers. The calming colour scheme of green, white and pale wood helps you to feel that you're being immersed in nature - no small feat in this part of London.
Treatments involve Bulgari's wonderful-smelling own line, as well as products by ESPA, and are focused on a general concept of luxurious wellness. You can also take advantage of some more adventurous procedures such as cryotherapy, micro-needling and LED therapy. For a more private experience, you can book the doubles spa suite, which gives you a jacuzzi, relaxation room and shower all to yourself.
Bulgari London, 171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW
8/13The Ned
Soho House are brilliant at creating desirable spaces that you won't want to leave, and the spa at The Ned in the City of London is just such a place. The hotel is a buzzy, exciting scene, with live music in the restaurant and cool, comfortable rooms. It's the hotel furthest east on our list, and well located for the lively nightlife and shopping in Shoreditch and Spitalfields. Lined in marble and green tiles, the spa a beautifully designed space, and well-supplied with facilities. There is a long lap pool with a sauna, steam room, hammam steam room (not quite so hot), and even a library for relaxing in. As you prepare for a night out in the hotel bar, the hair salon and nail salon are just where you'll want to be. Soho House's spa arm, Cowshed, is behind the treatments, which are as heavenly as you'd expect.
One note: it's pricey if you're not a guest - you have to commit to £400 worth of treatment for a public day pass, but access to the spa is complimentary for guests of The Ned.
The Ned, Poultry 27, City of London, London, EC2R 8AJ
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9/13The Lanesborough
Perched on Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough is located in a smart Regency mansion, and is perfectly located for many of London's best tourist attractions. The interiors are deeply sophisticated, with acres of marble and silk wallpaper, and there is an excellent roster of treatments and specialists. You can have treatments with the heavenly organic brand Tata Harper and plant-based skincare line Royal Fern.
Beyond the treatment rooms, there's plenty to occupy a spa day, including a hydrotherapy pool and steam room, and lots of space to relax. If you're a London resident, you can also join The Lanesborough Club to have regular access to the spa and gym, where personal training appointments are also on offer.
The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Durston Saylor10/13Rosewood London
The Sense spa at Rosewood London is just as sleek and elegant as the rest of the hotel. It is a little smaller than some of the others on this list, and the major downside is that there's no pool, but the treatments are out of this world. The spa uses natural cosmetics by Votary and Humanity Cosmetics, and also offers treatments by US-based clinic Face Place. A wide range of massages, facials and body treatments are on offer, and you'll have access to a steam room and sauna in the changing rooms, as well as a beautiful relaxation room.
The hotel offers plenty of other amenities to encourage you to stay over. Scarfe's Bar is a highly enjoyable place for a cocktail, and The Mirror Room serves a truly luxurious breakfast. The hotel is also conveniently located for all the theatres and shops of Covent Garden.
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn. Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN
11/13NoMad London, Covent Garden
You'll have to venture into the former women’s cells of the former police station, complete with their original doors, at Covent Garden's NoMad Hotel to reach their small but brilliant wellness services. The hotel has teamed up with spa residency partners, Ricari Studios and facialist Katie England, to offer world-leading wellness services. On our visit, we tried Ricari, a sci-fi-looking body-sculpting machine that has taken the A-list by storm (my Ricari therapist had just returned from treating the Victoria's Secret models). The Signature package, which is perfect for beginners, comes in 60 or 90-minute options and uses the Icoone machine to drain, firm and deeply condition skin. This in turn is addresses everything from saggy skin and cellulite to scar tissue and muscle pain, leaving you feeling utterly relaxed.
– Tal Dekel-Daks
28 Bow Street, Westminster Borough, London, WC2E 7AW
Simon John Owen12/13The Savoy
It's a bit more of a secret than other hotels on this list, but The Savoy has a pretty delightful pool and spa on the third floor. A break here could comprise an afternoon relaxing here, followed by fantastic cocktails at The American Bar and dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill.
The spa is relatively stripped back, but it has the distinction of not being located in a basement, so it's flooded with natural light. We love the pool in particular, which comes with a wave machine so that you can swim against the current for maximum resistance. There is also a sauna and steam room, plus a gym, and the usual range of beauty treatments on offer.
The Savoy, The Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ
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13/13The Langham
Perched at the top of Regent Street, The Langham is a deeply elegant hotel perfectly situated for shopping in central London. There are plenty of reasons to visit, including their award-winning cocktail bar, Artesian, but the spa is definitely a highlight. Many of the elements of the hotel are inspired by China, and the Chuan Spa is guided by the principle of the five elements of Chinese medicine. A questionnaire before treatment guides you to the correct element which will govern the products used. The spa also offers a sleep clinic to help you get the best rest possible (not difficult in the hotel’s comfortable rooms).
The spa also features a gym and swimming pool, and you can join as a health club member if you happen to be near the hotel on a regular basis.
The Langham, 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
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