My husband and I recently traveled to London, our first long trip since the pandemic. We stayed more than a week and tried to pack in as much sightseeing as possible. To balance our busy schedule, we booked a couple’s massage at The Lanesborough Club & Spa about halfway through our visit to ensure some well-earned relaxation.
The Lanesborough sits on the southeast corner of Hyde Park, not far from Buckingham Palace. We arrived for our afternoon appointment after a morning of exploring. The mansion’s grand façade set the tone: opulent yet inviting. Not being hotel guests, we were escorted from the front desk to the spa on the property’s lower level. After checking in and completing the health forms, attendants guided us to separate men’s and women’s locker rooms. The spa feels tucked away from the rest of the hotel; the short walk from check-in to the treatment areas felt like entering a secluded sanctuary.
The women’s locker room was bright and airy, highlighted by floral-inspired pendant lights. Multiple generous vanities featured large mirrors and an assortment of hair and skincare products. An attendant showed me my locker and how to set the code; inside were a waffle-weave robe and sturdy plastic slippers. I dressed and met my husband in the relaxation room.
© The Lanesborough Club & Spa
In the relaxation room we enjoyed chilled sparkling water. The space offers a mix of seating—from individual lounge chairs to grouped arrangements—and a circular cluster of curtained areas in the center for added privacy. After a few quiet minutes, our therapists arrived to escort us to the treatment rooms.
Before the massage began, our therapists presented several scented oil options and asked which areas we wanted them to address. We both chose a neutral scent; I requested extra attention on my neck and shoulders, which often tense up during travel. The therapists left briefly so we could get comfortable on the tables, then returned and adjusted pressure to our preferences.
My therapist concentrated on my shoulders, upper back and neck, using medium pressure to work out knots and tightness. The treatment struck a balance between therapeutic and calming—exactly what I look for in a massage—and by the end I felt thoroughly relieved of tension and deeply relaxed.
After the massages we returned to the locker rooms to freshen up, then spent a few more minutes in the relaxation room. Initially we each sat on opposite sides of the room behind the curtains, then noticed the other had returned. Our therapists served a delicate herbal tea that combined turmeric, apple, peppermint and rose hips; it was subtly sweet without being overwhelming. After finishing our drinks we changed and made our way back out into the city, eager to continue our day.
The Lanesborough Club & Spa is open daily. Hotel guests have complimentary access to the gym, hydrotherapy pool and separate male and female saunas and steam rooms; spa treatments are available for an additional fee. The spa menu includes a range of options such as massages, body treatments and scrubs, Tata Harper facials, manicures, pedicures and full-day packages.
Our visit to The Lanesborough felt like the perfect pause during an action-packed vacation. The couple’s massage left us relaxed, refreshed and ready to explore more of London.
THE LANESBOROUGH
Hyde Park Corner London SW1X 7TA
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7259 5599
oetkercollection.com