Mayfair Magic: Elemis Day Spa
ashaying down uber-flash New Bond Street, swishing my hair and trying to look like I belonged on this glam street overflowing with designer shops, it was inevitable that I missed my turning.
Tucked away in a Dickensian labyrinth of alleyways is Elemis Day Spa, an award-winning spa where each visitor is greeted at the front door by a smiling therapist. The waiting area, kitted out in the ubiquitous wooden-floor-and-white-walls combo, was saved from blandness thanks to cute square shelves cut into the walls to show off spotlit products, while thick candles, white freesias and burning oils created a cozy welcome.
Having been offered an array of drinks from water to herbal teas to fresh fruit smoothies, I completed the obligatory consultation form and sat back to check out my fellow guests. I d been expecting a sophisticated clientele well versed in spas and the various potions and treatments available, but the visitors that day all seemed to be there to have fun as well as treat themselves.
With therapists padding around in bare feet (perfectly pedicured, of course), the atmosphere was what I fondly imagine beauty parlors were like in the good old days, with none of the hauteur some spas seem to feel is necessary to prove they are professionals.
I was introduced to my therapist, Sam Lester; she led me downstairs to the Moroccan Moorish Suite consisting of two rooms, one of which is a Rasul chamber. The Moorish Float Therapy Room, where I was having my treatments, was subtly lit by a Moroccan glass lamp and another reminiscent of the Alhambra in Grenada, with the light casting intricate patterns on the ceiling. I was left to change into the dressing gown and slippers needed, Sam warned, because the stone floor can feel quite cool before she returned to talk me through my treatments.
She began by explaining the philosophy of Elemis. The company uses essential oils and marine extracts to create its aromatherapy products and takes inspiration for its techniques from all over the world, including Bali, Hawaii, China, Sweden, India, Japan and Thailand. This is reflected in the decoration throughout the spa, with treatment rooms named Balinese Suite, Thai Suite, The Emerald Green Room, The Purple Room and The Earth Room.
Every Elemis treatment starts with the company’s signature foot treatment, Welcome Touch. A compress and lime infused mitts were used to cleanse my feet, followed by Thai massage. As well as being pleasant, I found it gave me time to relax and settle into a comfortable position on the bed before the Well-Being Massage (60 mins for 45) began. Sam brushed the entire back of my body and then, as I was going back to work after the treatment, applied Spirit Reviver aromatherapy oil, containing lemon, lime, grapefruit and peppermint. Using a strong pressure, Sam massaged my back, neck and shoulders using the Ten Touches technique. Also known as the Hawaiian Wave Four Hands Massage, it is influenced by ten different techniques – Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, Chinese Tui Na, Thai Massage, Balinese massage, Indian Ayurvedic, Middle Eastern, Swedish massage, reflexology, Japanese Shiatsu and reiki. Despite my shoulders creaking alarmingly, it was incredibly effective, and I would have been happy to stay flumped face down on the bed for a while longer had it not been time for my next treatment, a facial.
Having spent much of this year telling anyone who d listen that I was honestly happy to become a responsible 30 year old rather than a hedonistic 20-something, it was still a bit of a shock to be offered one of the Advanced Anti-Ageing Facials had things got that bad, that quickly? I was quickly reassured that despite being billed as anti-ageing, the Visible Brilliance Facial ( 115 for 85 mins) was also great for skin that needed a pick-me-up after coping with pollution, and helps to detox and create a plumper, more moisturized visage.
Sam started with Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser and Rehydrating Ginseng Toner before applying a warm compress. Japanese Camellia Oil and Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules were gently massaged in using Thai drainage, Hawaiian, Balinese, Reiki and Shiatsu techniques to tone and detox. This followed by an eye rejuvenation treatment.
A Papaya Enzyme Peel was then applied for exfoliation, which gave a not unpleasant tingling sensation. After using the mitts to remove the peel, Sam then used Liquid Radiance Phase 1, pH Optimiser to recondition and soften the cells, preparing them for the mask. Silk compresses soaked in absolutes of Rose and Mimosa were then placed around my eyes before the Amino Active Mask was put on. While this was working Sam massaged my scalp, stopping to peel the mask off once it had dried. This was followed by cleansing, toning and an application of Liquid 
Radiance Phase 2, Vitamin Boost. Exotic Cream Moisturizing Mask was the next in the long list of preparations, and while this was left to work, I had a hand and arm massage which felt amazing, leaving my hands feeling light and relaxed.
The mask was removed, and after using some toner and applying Eye Support to the, um, eyes, hydrating Pro-Collagen Marine Cream was massaged in to help reduce the depth of my wrinkles. They actually are hardly noticeable anyway, but it’s nice to know they re already receiving help to be even less visible starting young(ish) can only be a good thing.
Sam had said that the sound of the Tingsha Bells would indicate the end of the treatment, but I barely heard them as I tried, and failed, to remember quite how many techniques and creams had been used over the hour and a quarter treatment. A lot, was the only answer I could come up with, but most importantly my skin looked clearer and felt smooth.
Other treatments available include:
The Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap or Float (85 mins for 90). Pine and rosemary essential oils are used in a heated seaweed mask. A foil wrap is applied visitors can opt for a dry float instead and the ingredients set to work on easing arthritis, fatigue and muscle spasms. The body is detoxed using a fennel and birch mask along with drainage massage techniques in the Fennel Cleansing Cellulite and Colon Therapy (60 mins for 90). Abdominal massage and reflexology help to cleanse the colon and so rid the body further of toxins.
Hands are cared for in the Exotic Hand Ritual (30 mins for 40). The cuticles and nails are treated with aromatherapy oils and Skin Nourishing Milk Bath leaves handy silky smooth.
Men are not forgotten with various specialised treatments on offer, including the Total Time Out for Men (120 mins for 265). A choice of either the Skin IQ or Urban Cleanse facials is combined with the Deep Tissue Muscle Massage for the ultimate in macho pampering.
Elemis Day Spa
2-3 Lancashire Court
Mayfair, London W1S 1EX
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7499 4995
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7499 9558
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