Relaxation and me time at Akasha spa

For years my husband bought me gift vouchers to the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden as part of my Christmas present and I always went around my birthday in February. I loved it! If you’d ever been, it was such a magical place and a wonderful way to spend a day just relaxing and being pampered. Sadly they closed a couple of years ago and I’ve not been to a day spa since. Until now.

My husband did a bit of research (ie, asked his colleagues) on spas in London and for Christmas I was presented with a voucher for Akasha, a luxury spa in Regent Street. It’s actually part of the Hotel Cafe Royal although you can enter it directly from Regent Street without going through the hotel. So I took myself off the day after my birthday for some R&R and much-needed pampering.

I was given a tour of the spa so I knew where everything was and then left to put on my dressing gown and branded flip flops and head over to the pool for a bit before my treatments at 11. I don’t know about you but I do love a dressing gown! They are always so comfy and cosy and make me feel so relaxed.

My gift voucher included two 25 minute treatments so when I booked my spa day I chose the Focus Massage and the Skin Nurturing Facial. My therapist, Ophelie, was wonderful and the massage was heavenly! For my facial, she used Sodashi products which are an Australian brand. I had the massage first and then the facial – 50 mins of bliss….

After my treatments I ordered some lunch and was delighted to discover that my voucher included a glass of champagne! While waiting for my lunch, I sat on the very comfy pool chairs reading my book – The girl on the train – which is addictive. It was so nice to actually have some time to read and just chill out and the pool is just gorgeous! The spa wasn’t that busy either so it was really very peaceful.

For lunch I chose a smoked salmon and avocado bagel with chips and a side salad and of course I had my glass of perfectly chilled champagne to go with it. It was very nice although I did feel a bit guilty about eating chips in a spa! Not exactly healthy or virtuous… but they were delicious.

After lunch I headed back to the pool to read my book and digest a bit. I then headed to the jacuzzi, which was wonderful – spacious and empty! One of my favourite places in the old Sanctuary Spa was the Turkish heated pool/jacuzzi and this reminded me a lot of that. I tried to stay in as long as possible without looking like a wrinkled prune…

I wish I could have stayed all day at the spa but alas I had some work that I needed to do in the afternoon so after the jacuzzi I headed back to the changing room. Luckily, I have another voucher so I’ll definitely be returning soon.

Next time I may also try out the meditation room, pictured below, and possibly join in a yoga class. Possibly.

At the end of the month we are off to Florence and will be staying at the Four Seasons. I had a look at their spa – it looks amazing! I could get used to all this pampering…