Guests and visitors of the five-star Corinthia Hotel London — housed in a Victorian building from 1885 that once served the War Department and saw Winston Churchill — find a peaceful sanctuary at ESPA Life. Located beneath the hotel across four floors, the spa blends contemporary design with soothing touches: monochrome décor, curved walls, mood lighting and elegant crystal chandeliers. The atmosphere promises indulgence and meaningful health-focused treatments for travelers and locals alike.
Entering ESPA Life via the hotel’s main elevator, I was immediately calmed by the spa’s warm décor and tranquil ambience. After a long flight from New York, I welcomed the prospect of remedies for jet lag. A friendly reception team greeted me in a white-marble foyer lined with premium ESPA products. From there I could hear activity in the nearby Daniel Galvin hair salon and glimpse the spa café to the left of reception — a stylish spot with white chairs and tables serving breakfast, lunch, inventive cocktails, fresh juices, desserts and afternoon tea. I relaxed with a signature green tea while waiting for my treatment.
My relaxation journey began with a short trip down to the men’s relaxation and locker area. After changing, storing my things in a secure locker and sipping citrus-infused water, I considered reclining on a heated marble chaise with a copy of Global Traveler or dozing in one of several private sleep pods — curtained beds in a dim, serene room. Instead I continued to the basement floor to experience the spa’s highlight outside the treatment rooms: the Thermal Floor.
Designed with striking white furniture set against deep blue walls and floors, the co-ed Thermal Floor is a restorative space offering a black mosaic steam room, an invigorating vitality pool, a stainless steel swimming pool and an all-glass sauna with 360-degree views. A notable and unusual feature is a large marble bowl that occasionally releases crushed ice; guests commonly emerge from the sauna to refresh themselves by rubbing handfuls of ice over their heated skin.
The sauna and pool © Corinthia Hotel London
The Thermal Floor invites long, leisurely visits: alternating time in the amphitheater-style sauna, dips in the pools and naps on heated stone chaises could occupy an entire day. For my visit I moved on to a treatment room for an ESPA signature massage.
The 80-minute session began with a consultation where I explained my preference for a deep-tissue focus on shoulders and back. My therapist checked in regularly about pressure and adjusted the technique to meet my needs, creating a personalized experience that eased tension and left me thoroughly de-stressed.
After the treatment I spoke with Nichola Roche, Spa Director at ESPA Life, Corinthia, to learn more about the spa’s holistic approach and broad therapy menu. The offerings cover tailored experiences for men and women, from quick treatments for busy professionals to full grooming and hair services. A popular option for both Londoners and visitors is a hot stone foot massage — ideal for warming and soothing tired feet after walking the city’s damp streets.
ESPA Life also runs intensive lifestyle programs led by internationally recognized holistic practitioners. Distinctive packages include detox and sleep programs, orthopedic rehabilitation, marathon training support and fertility-focused treatments. These comprehensive programs draw returning guests seeking longer-term benefits.
Given more time, I would have booked three hours in a private spa suite, which includes a Rasul healing mud ritual, a relaxation period and a two-hour bespoke treatment such as a bamboo joint-release session or a shiatsu-inspired therapy with full body exfoliation and aromatherapy. Instead, I continued my travels — boarding the Queen Mary 2 feeling refreshed and prepared for a transatlantic crossing, thanks to ESPA Life at Corinthia.
ESPA Life at Corinthia London
Corinthia Hotel London
1 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2BD
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7930 8181
corinthia.com