I recently had the most exquisite pleasure in visiting the spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. There were so many individual and thoughtful touches that made it such a enjoyable, if not magical experience (and its very rare i say that).
The doorman tipped his hat as i entered, smiled and resolutely granted me a "good morning miss", instantly gaining a smile and a little skip through the door from me. When entering the hotel it's grandeur and lack of main focal reception desk is somewhat overwhelming - this is soon dispelled by the 5 or 6 smiling concierge dotted throughout reception, one of which was by my side offering assistance within seconds. I asked for directions to the spa and was promptly led there. I thought it odd after such a dedicated service initially i was left outside the spa door and not taken to the spa reception..when i stepped inside i knew why...to walk in with anyone else would have ruined the personal experience as you enter the Spa.
I was greeted by a smile from a lady with a tray of hot pink Lillies and nestled in the middle was the smallest cup of lemon grass tea - as i entered she poured me a cup of the steaming tea and said "hello, you must be Mel". It was truly like entering another world, one where people have been advised to talk to you in soft tones and make it their life's mission to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. This is enhanced by the decor; dipped lights guide your eyes to a water feature that runs throughout the entire spa guiding you from one area to another and the natural peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of running water from the waterfall set into the stairs.
I was promptly issued my robe, towels and spa shoes and led down to another floor, what felt like a 'relaxation chamber'. In the chamber i was treated to a relaxation pool (with bubbles!), lavender steam room and sauna. All created beautifully in dark granite in different finishes. I think my experience may have been so special because the spa was not busy so i was virtually alone for the hour, nigh on a miracle in London. My only visitor was a delightful lady who came down an hour later, gave me a cold flannel from another tray of hot pink Lillies and ushered me into the next phase 'the relaxation room'. Soft beds, large bowls of fruit. headphones and the next level of 'block the entire world out' relaxation ensued prior to the main treatment event.
I was greeted my beauty therapist in the relaxation room and she took me to my treatment room - it was beautiful - mood lighting and different textures on the floors walls and ceilings made the room feel so relaxing. I hopped into the heated treatment bed and was indulged in the most amazing facial for the next hour. As i was 'coming round' i was again treated to some tea and a run down of how it all went.
On the way out there was no paperwork no sorting out just "Please do enjoy your day Mel".
It may not be the cheapest experience (and not all great experiences have to be pricey) but this one was worth every single last penny to be transported into a place where you are made to feel as though your personal relaxation has been their life long dream to fulfill. I've never found it so hard to leave somewhere and get on the tube.
What an experience. I would advocate to one and all - heaven on earth.
