It’s fair to say I love a little bit of luxury every now and then in life. And what better way to experience some of that right in the heart of London at the beautiful Sofitel London St James. Before I continue, this isn’t a sponsored post or ad of any kind. Pete very sweetly bought me spa vouchers for my birthday last January. Finally, after nearly a whole year I booked in two treatments and loved it SO much. Yes it did feel very decadent but this post I wrote about self-care sums up my plans for 2018. It’s important we look after ourselves so read on and get thee to a spa pronto!
Nestled in between Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross, the Sofitel is absolutely stunning. As soon as you walk into the welcoming and stylish foyer it feels like you’ve left London despite the central location. We’ve had dinner there before a couple of times as well as breakfast and it’s ideal for celebratory cocktails.
The spa is the most dreamy, tranquil location. Connected to the hotel via a corridor from the ground floor, you step into a welcoming reception and can’t help to embrace the slower pace of life. Arriving 15 minutes or so before appointments offers guests the best experience. Seated on a velvet banquette I was offered a hot towel, fragrant fruit tea and chocolate-dipped apricots. I could easily get used to that life.
Set across three floors at the Sofitel, the spa has changing and treatment rooms in the basement; the reception and an area for larger groups to relax together on the ground floor and finally more treatment rooms and the zen lounge on the top floor. My first treatment was a personalised facial which costs £100. The spa staff show you to the changing rooms where you can change into a fluffy towelling robe and slippers before locking your belongings away.
And then it was time for my facial. Oh my goodness. This treatment took place in one of the basement rooms and I could select everything from the music to the room temperature to the heat of the bed. Basically my idea of heaven. We talked about my skin and any problems I had before she set to work with massage therapy and mask applications.
The entire experience was so relaxing, including a shoulder massage and Indian scalp massage. I never thought it would be possible to fall asleep whilst someone massages but I came so close. Since my facial took place on an evening after work, the therapist advised I should leave everything on my skin until the following morning which was fine by me although I must have given my fellow Londoners a shock on my way home with no makeup and my hair sticking up all over the place…
After all treatments, guests are invited to stay for more tea and a relax in the Zen lounge. This is a separate room with ambient lighting, three reclining loungers, blankets and peaceful music. If only I’d known in advance my train was cancelled I’d have stayed so much longer.
My second treatment just a few days later was a full-body massage. The same warm welcome awaited. It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a full-body massage I knew there was work to be done, especially across my shoulders and back. The lady providing the massage was absolutely tiny, her waist no bigger than my arm so I had my doubts. My goodness, she was a fierce powerhouse. She whipped me into shape across the hour and it felt so thorough. I can’t honestly say I found it as relaxing as the facial but I didn’t expect to either.
As the massage took place on Sunday morning I had more time to enjoy the Zen lounge and after two treatments within a week I felt like a regular. It’s such a peaceful spot and never felt busy, if there were any other guests at all. The treatment list is comprehensive from manicures up to special offers for mothers-to-be. Of course it’s not cheap but as far as I’m concerned it’s worth every penny to spend an hour or two enjoying that little bit of luxury, don’t you think?
Follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter