The Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park may seem far from Asiatic when you see its stately Victorian façade and regal interior; however, when you enter the spa, a Zen haven awaits you. The space has a dark yet ethereal quality where deep walnut wood furniture, black granite slabs of stone, and modern lines peacefully coexist with therapeutic mood lighting and natural elements like water, stones, flowers, and candles to create a paradise far removed from the bustle of the London.

 

As you enter the tranquil environment, receptionists warmly greet you by slipping your weary feet into a pair of massaging slippers. Thereafter, you are escorted down into the oasis that is the relaxation area. Each men’s and women’s relaxation area is complete with a Sanarium- a humid variant of a sauna, a Vitality Pool with hydrotherapy jets to mend aching muscles, a unique Amethyst Crystal Steam Room designed to inspire inner peace and outer cleansing, and a relaxation room with plush beds, herbal teas, fresh fruit and calming music to relax you before your treatment commences.

 

After being taken upstairs to the treatment rooms, your therapist begins by gently immersing your feet into a fragrant bath of water, fresh flowers, and essential oils. Using reflexology, she massages away your arch pain while probing into your lifestyle, stressors, and preferences to devise a treatment plan for the time period. With the chime of the traditional Tibetan cymbals, the pampering begins.

 

The Mandarin Oriental along with E’Spa have devised a range of spa treatments and rituals that span the globe from Ayurvedic body treatments, to Balinese massage and European facials. Or for those who demand a personalized experience, the spa recommends their unique concept of booking time instead treatments so that each session is individually tailored allowing for flexibility in the clients’ state of mind.

                                                                                                  

The Purva Karma Four-Hand Synchronized Massage, a signature treatment at the spa, takes pampering to the next level. After being prepped with a complete body exfoliation and a cleansing facial, two therapists work in synchrony kneading and rolling out your tensions while the aromatic scent of the massage oils takes your mind into spiritual bliss.

 

Or treat yourself to a holistic Ayurvedic ritual treatment. Using traditional Indian herbal remedies derived from spices, herbs and essential oils specific to your dosha, your body is pampered with a massage incorporating hot or cold stones, cleansed with a marine algae, mud or Oshadi clay body mask, and invigorated with a therapeutic Indian scalp massage.

 

For those seeking the ultimate indulgence in the ultimate spa, try a full day spa program like the Life Enhancing Ritual. A journey for the mind, body, and soul, this package includes an Essential Body Scrub, Essential Body Wrap and Intensive Facial to detoxify you from head to toe as well as the signature Lifedance Massage which incorporates Shaitsu techniques and an Oriental scalp massage or the Ayurvedic Ama Releasing Abhyanga massage designed to align your mind, body and spirit. To finish off the incredibly relaxing experience is lunch at The Park Restaurant in the hotel which specializes in health-conscious fare.

 

-Shayan Rayani