Ushvani Day SpaLondon£££
Hidden away in the capital’s fanciest postcode (that’s SW3, aka Chelsea, in case you’re wondering), you’ll find this Malaysian-inspired day spa. Find your Zen in the luxe surroundings, or take a yoga class in the sunlight-drenched studio.
Just behind the exhaust fume-filled fog of Sloane Square, in a rabbit warren of grand mansion block-style red brick buildings, is the luxurious Malaysian-inspired Ushvani day spa. It’s easy to miss, but behind the heavy wooden door hides a ginger-and-nutmeg-candle-scented oasis of calm.
Treatments are inspired by Asian practices and we tested the Balinese massage – which promises to relieve tension (and in this case was a much-needed work-out for a bad bout of lower back pain).
Using the spa’s own brand of delicious hibiscus-fragranced oils, my expert therapist rigorously kneaded out the knots in my back (thanks desk job) with a deep-pressure massage. It wasn’t always comfortable – a powerful massage was promised, that’s definitely what I got – but it was utterly effective at loosening up my back. Then, once my back troubles had been seen to, a gorgeous head, foot and face massage ramped up the relaxation factor.
Post-massage, a liberal application of Ushvani Balm, a soothing cure-all balm (think a sort of luxe, natural Deep Heat) warmed my muscles. Pain-free for the first time in weeks, I was able to kick back in the tearoom with a cup of restorative hibiscus tea – ready, if not entirely willing, to soon re-join the outside world.
