A couple of week's ago I headed up the Central Line to Bethnal Green for a treatment at day spa -
spa London York Hall. Billed as an affordable luxury spa I was curious as to whether it would live up to my high expectation.
Located a very short walk from Bethnal Green Tube, York Hall is a grand old building that houses the local swimming baths and the Oasis that is spa London, downstairs. I went along with my husband to try out the new
VIP Double Suite but you can go with a friend if you prefer.
Once downstairs we were greeted by the friendly receptionist who asked as to fill a form with a few details (this is the norm before having treatments) and then we were handed a bag with a robe and towel. We swapped our shoes for flip flops, being a teeny shoe size mine were a little on the large side but no matter. We were shown to the changing rooms and put on our swimwear. At spa London there are days when it is women only, men only and mixed which personally I think is a really nice touch. It does mean that they do sometimes flip the changing rooms depending on requirement. The ladies on this occasion was the small changing room. I would have preferred that there were closed rooms to get changing in.
Once back out we were greeted by one of our therapists who showed us around the Thermal Spa facilities and said we could use them before our treatment. I strongly recommend going a bit earlier than your treatment appt so that you can enjoy the rather fabulous facilities, unfortunately we didn't have time to try them before and we had to dash off after.
Set in
London's oldest Turkish baths, it boasts the following facilities - two
Aroma Steam Rooms, Tepidarium, Caldarium, Laconium, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Monsoon Shower, Hammam, Plunge Pool, Bucket Shower and Relaxation Lounge. Some of these I have to be honest looked like instruments of torture, however the husband is keen to go back and experience them.
We did have a short sit in the Hammam and Relaxation Lounge which was incredibly relaxing.
It was time for our treatment - spa London's Signature Treatment - Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual. We were led to the VIP Double Suite and asked to get changed into the obligatory paper knickers (for me) and paper shorts (for him). My knickers were the teeniest of thongs!
The therapists run through the treatment we were going to get. I was a bit disappointed when she didn't mention the head and scalp massage, so I asked whether it was included and she admitted she had forgot! However we did get the full treatment promised which comprised of the following -
A deluxe treatment inspired by Cleopatra’s bathing ritual thought to have preserved her youthful beauty! It involves a full body wash and scrub to deeply cleanse body and soul before a luscious milk and honey mixture is poured onto the body and a nourishing hair treatment coats the head and scalp. Whilst the goodness sinks in, a face and scalp massage is performed sending you into a hypnotic state. You are then veiled in a mist of rose and orange blossom before a milk application massage is given.
My thoughts
Being washed and then scrubbed in preparation for the treatment was invigorating and not too harsh which I was fully expecting it to be. The milk and honey mixture was poured onto the body, it smelt divine and was lovely and warming. I enjoyed this a lot. The face and scalp massage was quite honestly one of the best things I have ever experienced, it was so gentle and relaxing that I am pretty sure that I fell asleep!
We then had a shower to wash off the mixture and this was just gorgeous as my skin, at this point, was already feeling silky soft. We got to choose which milk application we wanted to be used on us and both opted for the Green Tea & Ginger which smelt so wonderful, uplifting and refreshing.The veil of mist, Rose & Orange Blossom smelt so good, I want to buy it! (I meant to ask what it was) This was used twice during our treatment and really was exceptionally sublime a scent.
We both absolutely loved our treatment, the feeling of relaxation and well being lasted the whole day. The massage so good and the whole experience; location, cleanliness and facilities I give a huge 5 stars. My skin was left super smooth, ready for Summer. Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual is a fabulous way to kick start Summer Skin or just completely escape from the stresses of life. I was scrubbed, buffed and moisturised to perfection.
We are planning a return visit very soon!
spa London York Hall Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual costs an extremely reasonable £59 per person and lasts 50 minutes.
*We were guests of spa London
