Seemingly a world away from the bustle of Chinatown and the throngs of folk passing through Leicester Square, the Away Spa is a lofty and calming retreat situated at the W London hotel a mere six storeys above all the urban action. Down on the ground floor, the W’s Spice Market restaurant exudes its own tranquil feel while allowing guests to dine and people-watch in comfort and style. Combining a visit to both spa and restaurant at the W yields a luxuriant ‘escape from it all’ in a conveniently central setting.
The W London’s newly launched Nip/Tuck package provides guests just that – a chance for a revitalising treatment followed by a healthy and re-acclimating lunch. I gave the offer a try yesterday and loved it. It set a serene tone for the rest of my afternoon of meetings and felt more like a revitalising boost than an indulgent treat.
The Nip/Tuck package features a series of Elemis treatments using ingredients to aid the body in cleansing and detoxifying. I went with the Muscelease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap/Float option, a ‘powerful seaweed wrap for complete muscle relaxation’. And at an hour and 15 minutes, it seemed to do just what it said on the tin. Sometime between my time in the spa and lunch, I lazily tapped out this note on my mobile: I am so at ease. A day later sitting at home typing up this review, that still applies. I’m in a more relaxed mood than usual, and my skin continues to look and feel smoother and cleaner than it did before my visit to the Away Spa.
My post-spa lunch included an appetiser course of poppadoms with a fresh chilli sauce and four small dishes along with dessert – all served at Spice Market’s lovely raw bar. Highlights included salmon tartare with soy ginger dressing, avocado and radish; and a spicy Thai slaw with Asian pear, crispy shallots and mint. I very much enjoyed the coconut sorbet which followed the savoury dishes as well. The meal was designed to compliment the Elemis treatments with big flavours and ingredients with proven health benefits. It certainly was satisfying and nourishing without weighing me down. I’d say the visit to Spice Market (just a quick ride down the lift from the sap) provided an excellent buffer before exposing myself to the Central London fray as well.
The Nip/Tuck spa treatment and raw bar lunch is available for £180 per person. Both the Away Spa and Spice Market are located within the W London hotel at 10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, London, W1D 6QF. Find out more at wlondon.co.uk/away-spa.
Written by Chris Osburn
