The Londoner hotel offers luxurious subterrannean Retreat spa

The world’s first ‘super boutique hotel’ has opened in London’s Leicester Square. Created over 16-storeys, The Londoner has been referred to as the ‘iceberg hotel’, as six of its floors are located 30m below street level in Europe’s largest habitable basement.

As well as 350 guest rooms, including luxury suites and a tower penthouse, the hotel offers two private cinemas, food and drink venues, a ballroom and a subterrannean urban spa known as The Retreat.

Billed as a ‘complete ecosystem for wellness’, The Retreat’s facilities are centred around a 25m pool and is designed to offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

The wellness space features two treatment rooms and several poolside cabanas which also offer treatments. Its curated treatment menu offers a host of experiences from brands such as Omorovicza, Ila, Ishga and Gentleman’s Tonic.

Other facilities include a Technogym-equipped private training gym, fitness studios with weekly programming, a blow-dry bar, a barbershop, a nail salon and the Refuel spa bar, which offers a host of nutritious food options, including detoxifying smoothies and beauty juices.

The Londoner, owned by Edwardian London Hotels (ELH), has been in development for more than seven years and cost more than £300m.

Rob Steul, creative director at ELH, served as lead designer and worked closely with architecture firm Woods Bagot and interior designer Yabu Pushelberg on the project.

It was originally expected to open in June 2020 but was pushed due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Londoner celebrates and captures the drama of its vibrant West End neighbourhood and I’m confident that its striking contemporary design, sophisticated social spaces and its collection of distinctive restaurants and lounges will set it apart,” said Steul.