With its relaxed leafy suburbs, acres of royal parkland and picturesque riverside spots, south west London is already a picture of serenity for many. Where better to indulge in some quality relaxation than at one of the area’s excellent spa and wellness retreats which are guaranteed to give you that all-important ‘me time’ and leave you feeling truly rejuvenated.
There are many locales to choose from, offering the award-winning treatments, immersive experiences and exceptional service you would expect from retreats in this affluent part of the capital. Here’s our pick of the top establishments that promise the very best for your ideal escape.
The Spa at Cliveden House, Taplow
Located in the historic Cliveden House in Taplow, around 30 minutes from London, The Spa offers a blend of luxury and heritage. Nestled in the estate’s 375 acres of gardens and woodlands, the breathtaking Grade I listed National Trust building dates as far back as 1666.
The spa's facilities include a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and a range of thermal experiences. A real highlight is the Cliveden Bespoke Floatation, where highly-trained therapists provide an array of different treatments and therapies whilst you float blissfully on a warm water mattress. Signature treatments such as the 'Cliveden Massage' and the 'Anti-Ageing Facial' are highly rated, utilising top-of-the-range products to rejuvenate the skin and body. The spa also offers a range of fitness classes, including yoga and meditation sessions, promoting overall well-being as well as tennis courts, a hairdresser and a popular restaurant.
The Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Bagshot, Surrey
The Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa is all out indulgence and guest tranquility. Situated in Bagshot in the heart of well-heeled Surrey, The Pennyhill boasts an unrivalled range of facilities, including tennis courts, a cinema, a 9-hole golf course and even its own bakery. And that’s before we get to the spa itself, with eight indoor and outdoor swimming pools (complete with underwater music), a hydrotherapy pool, a Japanese garden, and a variety of thermal suites. Signature treatments such as the 'Pennyhill Park Massage' and the 'Detoxifying Body Wrap' utilise natural ingredients to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. The spa also offers a range of fitness classes, including Pilates and meditation sessions, promoting holistic well-being.
For a real treat, try the ‘Spa Dreaming’ – an epic three hours of treatment commencing with a cleansing foot soak, followed by a sugar and salt body scrub and Kaolin clay body wrap. As one enters a 'dreamlike' state, the therapist will then perform a tension-releasing scalp massage with a rosemary and citrus conditioning hair treatment before waking your body up with a rhythmic full-body massage and reviving facial.
The Berkeley Hotel and Spa, Knightsbridge
Located much more centrally than the retreats on the list, The Berkeley is a Knightsbridge institution. And in Knightsbridge, that is not a term to be used lightly. Fronting onto the green expanses of Hyde Park, the hotel was founded back in 1867 and has refused to let up on delivering an exceptional guest service ever since.
The real draw of this five-star hotel is the heated outdoor rooftop pool and the Bamford Wellness Spa. Located on the seventh floor, the spa resembles a sky-high English country garden floating serenely above the city below. In summer, the secret garden looks resplendent in full bloom, offering an unbeatable spot to wind down after a treatment. If you’re looking to be slightly more active, The Berkeley also offers excellent one-to-one yoga and Pilates classes as well as special activities to try out throughout the summer, such as hula-hooping or synchronised swimming.
The Langley, Buckinghamshire
Located in the picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside, yet just eight miles from Heathrow Airport and 25 minutes into London, The Langley is a former royal residence transformed into a five-star hotel with a highly-rated subterranean spa, spanning the length of this stunning building. The spa's facilities include a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, a private VIP suite with a vitality pool, and a range of thermal experiences. Outside in the impeccably maintained expansive grounds, sits the inviting heated outdoor pool, surrounded by sunbeds where you can easily while away a few hours in the afternoon sun.
Guests enjoy treatments inspired by the natural surroundings, such as the 'Royal Lavender Ritual', which combines aromatherapy with traditional massage techniques. The Langley also offers bespoke wellness packages, including yoga sessions and nutritional consultations, tailored to individual needs.
Richmond Harbour Hotel and Spa, Richmond Upon Thames
This wonderful hotel and spa does not compromise on quality or tranquillity despite its more affordable offering. Located in the stunning surroundings of affluent Richmond Hill, the Richmond Harbour Hotel and Spa occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century Georgian building.
There are some well-considered highlights that speak to the hotel’s attention to detail and commitment to delivering a great guest experience. Outside sits an idyllic restaurant terrace with heaters, a serene leafy garden with two Scandinavian hot tubs and a decked area with an inviting vitality pool. Indoors, the generous 20m indoor swimming pool is a real attraction, accompanied by a sauna and steam room and stylish relaxation room with hanging egg-shaped beds. With a well-served high-tech gym, classes and 13 treatment rooms, this gem of a retreat delivers on all fronts.
Each of these retreats offers a unique blend of luxury, tranquillity, and expert treatments for a memorable and transformative experience. But choosing the right one for you matters. Whether you’re looking for an oasis in the city, the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside or a hidden gem in a leafy suburb, south west London and its surrounding areas provide an array of options guaranteed to leave you glowing from within.
