Since its £24 million refurb in 2003, Brown’s Hotel has been seducing Mayfair’s in-crowd with its award-winning Albemarle restaurant, afternoon tea and not least its spa. Head down to the basement of this historic hotel and the heady buzz above immediately vanishes as you enter a compact but chic space. There are only three treatment rooms so you’ll need to book in advance. But it’ll be worth the wait. The spa’s minimalist look of discreet lighting, clean lines and, best of all, no overwhelming spa music, is intimate and immediately calming.
You’ll find all the usual treatments on offer, from hot-stone massage to mud wraps — using Carita, Aromatherapy, Dr Sebagh products — each promising five-star R&R. When you deserve the very best (as we all do occasionally), opt for the signature treatment, the Diamond Facial: 90 minutes of soothing Natura Bissé cleansers and creams to soothe and plump up the skin (a hand and scalp massage is also included). Within minutes, I’m nodding off into a blissed-out state. So far so spa. But then comes the bizarre part: a tuning fork is placed on the different parts of my face ‘to open up the energy levels’ and encourage the skin to renew itself. I can’t say I believe these claims but secretly wish them to be true. Whatever the benefits of the tuning fork, I’m more than happy when my skin emerges visibly clearer and rejuvenated.
The Lymphatic Drainage Massage is perfect for those of us who can’t bear the heavy hands of deep-tissue treatments. My therapist employs such a deceptively light touch that I can’t quite believe it’s penetrating and eliminating those evil toxins. Yet an hour later, the effects are incredible — I’m left feeling shattered but lighter and renewed. And the reviving peppermint tea and grapes left by my therapist provide the finishing touch.
Watch out for Brown’s seasonal packages — some pedicures include a cocktail and the four-and-a-half-hour Red Carpet treatment is great for when you need to be beach- or party-perfect. Men are well catered for and children too (treat them to a Twinkle Toes Mini-Pedicure or the Teens’ Instant Facial Glow). And if you can’t bear to be parted from your loved one, there’s a luxury suite with two beds for his’n’hers treatments.
Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP (+44 (0)20 7493 6020, roccofortecollection.com)
