Claridge's opens spa inspired by culture and rituals of Japan

The iconic London hotel Claridge’s has opened the doors of its first spa. 

Located three floors below the Mayfair property, the subterranean spa forms part of a major multi-year renovation project that has included the obtaining of planning permission for seven new storeys, including five basement levels in 2016. 

The spa occupies 7,000sqm and offers seven luxurious treatment rooms, equipped with Gharieni treatment beds and private bathrooms, as well as a wet room outfitted with a hand-carved, pink onyx stone bed.

Claridge’s Spa

The hotly-anticipated spa is led by spa director Hattie David-Wilkinson and is anchored by a thermal treatment area with a heated pool, private relaxation cabanas, steam rooms and saunas. 

Other facilities include a connected-fitness gym equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and weight training equipment from brands such as Peloton, NOHrd and Pent, as well as a personal training area. 

A hair salon offering appointment-only hair services by celebrity stylist Josh Wood completes the line-up.

Japanese influence

The spa was created by renowned interior architect Andre Fu. Inspired by traditional Japanese temples and Kyoto Zen gardens, Fu included natural materials, such as wood, water and limestone, to create a soothing sense of calm and tranquillity. 

The Japanese influence extends into the spa experience with guests receiving kimonos and a welcoming foot ritual on entry. The treatment menu pays tribute to the culture’s art of ceremony, with all experiences including thoughtful opening and closing rituals. 

Extensive treatment menu

The extensive treatment menu includes a range of signature treatments, with experiences including the Bamboo & Silk Ritual, a 90-minute ritual that combines an invigorating body and hand massage with a nurturing silk facial. 

Also available is the Bespoke treatment, a personalised, omakase-inspired ritual that is crafted entirely to the guest’s needs. 

The treatment menu is completed by body and facial rituals from brands such as Augustinus Bader, La-Eva and Facegym. 

Expert residencies

The spa will also host expert residencies with some of the most celebrated names in wellness, giving guests the chance to experience treatments from visiting experts such as acupuncturist Ross J. Barr and nail artist Harriet Westmoreland. 

Claridge’s Spa also offers an in-house Spa Concierge, who works with guests to create the ideal treatment or devise longer-term health plans.

Holistic practices

“We have created a spa here at Claridge’s where guests will find both holistic practices and results-driven high-tech all under one roof,” said Inge Theron, creative director of spa and wellness at Claridge’s operator, Maybourne Hotel Group (MHG) and founder of Facegym. 

“Claridge’s has long been a temple of good living with a philosophy of enjoying life to the full, and so now, as well as pouring guests the perfect martini, we can also rejuvenate and restore with the perfect treatment, to strike that all-important balance.

“Claridge’s Spa is the very beginning of a new wellness journey for MHG,” she added.