Following an impressive excavation project, renowned five-star hotel Claridge’s has unveiled the first in-house spa in its 200-plus-year history. Open to hotel guests and visitors, and set three storeys below the Mayfair bolthole, Claridge’s Spa is a sanctuary of well-being and tranquillity, complete with state-of-the-art facilities and five-star treatments from leading resident beauty brands and practitioners. Set across 7,000 square feet, the expansive yet intimate space boasts seven treatment rooms, steam rooms, sauna and the hotel’s first swimming pool.

Designed by interior architect Andre Fu, who has drawn inspiration from visits to traditional Japanese temples and Kyoto’s Zen gardens, the restorative space is resplendent in natural elements, letting the authentic combination of limestone, wood and water play with light and shadow, creating a sense of serenity. The heated swimming pool is backdropped by an arresting multi-vaulted ceiling and stone columns, with private cabanas set back from the water in which to unwind. Elsewhere, private consultation spaces and treatment rooms – all of which are ensuite – are warm and inviting, panelled in rich oak and filled with the sound of gently flowing water and energy-cleansing music.

In keeping with the five-star service Claridge’s is known for, the spa will offer a range of bespoke treatments inspired by the concept of omakase – leaving another to decide what is best – so that guests need not lift a finger. Each treatment will commence and finish with calming rituals; guests will be welcomed into Claridge’s Spa with the presentation of kimonos, before taking part in a welcoming foot ceremony to wash away the outside world. Inspired by the traditional practices of temple Koh-do, guests will be given a choice of incense pre-treatment to help clear the mind and aid with relaxation, while the end of treatments will be signalled by the sound of ringing bells.

“We have created a spa here at Claridge’s where guests will find both holistic practices and results-driven high tech all under one roof,” says Inge Theron, Creative Director of Spa and Wellness at Maybourne Hotel Group and founder of FaceGym. “The attention to detail that has been in place here for centuries – the way we steep our tea, the way we make our beds – is reflected in this new space, from handmade poultices made daily by our team with seasonal ingredients [to] the way our saunas are complete with star-like twinkling lights, and silk thimbles are used by our incredible therapists for exfoliation during facials.”

A curated collection of treatments, paying attention to both body and mind, is available. With two signature treatments to choose from – the bamboo and silk ritual, and the body detox and sculpt treatment – as well as an evolving roster of visiting practitioners, including nail artist Harriet Westmoreland and acupuncturist Ross J. Bar, and resident brands including Josh Wood, Augustinus Bader and FaceGym, Claridge’s Spa promises to indulge guests from head to toe.

Claridge’s Spa is open now to both hotel and outside guests, visit claridges.co.uk/spa

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