I’d been to the W Hotel on a couple of occasions, mainly to enjoy the cocktails and take in the views from its impressive rooftop terrace and bar. But despite considering myself as a bit of a regular I hadn’t noticed that the hotel has its own spa. The Away spa opened along with the hotel late last year and it appears to be one of the capital’s best kept secrets.
Reception smells amazing and I’m warmly welcomed by the spa manager on arrival. The treatment rooms are themed around the elements – fire, earth, water and air. The Away Spa is also one of the only spas in the UK to have a sand bed.
Inspired by the age-old tradition of sand bathing, relaxing on this bed is thought to provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. But I’ll need to wait to have my Lawrence of Arabia moment, because today I’m having a 30-minute targeted back, neck and shoulder massage. I’m led along an almost impossibly bright, white corridor before entering the impressive and spacious treatment room.
I’m in the fire -themed room and it feels like a warm sanctuary. My therapist Nuha talks me through the treatment and any areas of concern that I might have. Thankfully I’m in for a penny when it comes to a foot scrub, badly needed after a winter of hiding away in woolly socks.
And I’d never say no to incorporating some hot stones into my treatment. The massage table is supremely comfortable and Naha is a skilled masseuse. The Comfort range of products provides waves of pleasin.
