For a long time, I could never justify going to a spa in London. Possibly for a special occasion; a birthday, an anniversary, but it’s expensive and somehow it made more sense to wait for my twice yearly trips to Bali.
More recently though, things have changed. Or maybe I’ve changed. I've started to understand the importance of self care; not just in terms of the act of a massage, but more the fact of me, being 'worth it.' Worth the time, worth the money, worth the effort to make my life easier, happier, whatever it is.
If I pay for a gym for my body, and therapy for my mind, then why shouldn’t I invest in something that soothes the soul every now and then too?
We’ve had a good run of sunshine lately, but when a rainy Saturday rolled around, I found myself heading to a spa. It was the perfect way to spend the day and the rain makes it all the more Bali reminiscent!
So I thought I’d share a few places I’ve discovered recently. Here are four spas in South West London that are perfect for a rainy day, a tough week, or a much-needed moment of peace.
Spa and Massage - Various Locations
If you're looking for a consistently good massages in London, then Spa & Massage have spots all over - I've been to a couple now.
They all seem to be just another store on the high street, somewhere you'd walk past a hundred times but as soon as stepped foot inside, even just the reception area, I was transported away from the hustle and bustle on the street and into the serenity that was to follow with incense sticks, calming music and warm tea from the get go.
I've been to both Chiswick and Bayswater now and you are able to book by therapist which is great if you have a favourite; although each new person I've encountered have all been very good. My most recent session, was a deep tissue massage with Roxy at the Bayswater branch, which I booked in as a per birthday treat (guilty) and it was the perfect start to my relaxing weekend.
They always have amazing deals, so I'd recommend signing up for their newsletter and keeping an eye out for promotions.
Silver Moon - Various Locations
I am hugely into reflexology and spend a lot of time having my feet rubbed, cracked and pressure pointed when I am in Bali. I find you don't quite get the same intensity from reflexology in the UK and often it's just a foot massage by another name - but I've actually found two very good places recently.
The first one is called Silver Moon Therapies.
Louise works out of Clapham & Chelsea and I visited her at Reflexions on the Kings Road. I arrived mid breakdown (other people have public meltdowns sometimes too right?) and the staff there were so lovely. They took me into a private room, which I had not booked or paid for, and calmed me down before my very relaxing treatment started. I felt at ease right away and got the deep reflexology session I was after. What I also really enjoyed about this was the explanation afterwards, Louise talked about what she could tell from the way my feet interacted with her. Fascinating.
Chanle - Nine Elms
This is the second reflexology place I mentioned. It's just opened on the ground floor of one of the high rises in Nine Elms and the facilities are spotless.
They sat me down in a big armchair with a built-in foot bath which was filled with petals and Chinese medicinal herbs.
It's not often I get a male therapist but I am always so impressed when I do. This guy in particular had such a firm hand. I wanted deep pressure points and stronger thumbs - and he did not disappoint.
Yue Float - Wandsworth
Sensory depreciation pods. They sound terrifying but actually it's one of the most peaceful and serene experiences I've ever had.
Just off of Wandsworth roundabout you'll find Yue float, and independent wellness centre that does saunas, massages and the pods.
They have two pods, each in a private room with a shower, complete with products and waterproof earplugs. You lock the door, turn off the lights and lower yourself into the salty, body temperature water, closing the lid if you're brave enough. Once you're settled, the lights go off, the music goes off and you spend the next 50 minutes, floating in silence.
As someone who spends a lot of time scrolling and often fills every moment with activity, I really enjoyed this time to think, properly, and totally undisturbed for an hour. Leaving afterwards, I felt at ease, slow and peaceful. And my hair was super soft from the salt. If you're looking for something different to try, it's definitely worth a go.
