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Rejuvenation Oasis: Exploring The Retreat at The Londoner - A Super-Boutique Spa Review in London

This Mans Journal

The Londoner has been on my go-to list since I knew it was opening, so we booked as soon as we could travel to London. It certainly did not disappoint. The hotel (super-boutique as it’s described) is a wonderful collection of different spaces, and a real focus for me was The Retreat. This wellness floor on level -4 is an amazing feature of the hotel, and really one of London’s best. I recently wrote an article for Travel & Spa Magazine on luxury London hotels with underground or subterranean spas, and The Londoner featured highly within that top five.

The details

Location | The Retreat at The Londoner Hotel

Treatment | Opium deep-tissue massage

Cost | £160 or c. $200 or c. €190
Time | 90 minutes (60 minutes available too at £110)

Spa website | https://www.thelondoner.com/the-retreat

Hotel website | ​​https://www.thelondoner.com

Treatment selection

There is a great selection of treatments from facials by Omorovicza, massages by Ila (broken down into a choice of Invigorating, Deep Tissue, Relaxing or CBD), body treatments by Ishga, Body Realignment treatments, men’s treatments by Gentlemen’s Tonic, specific treatments for couples, quick fix treatments or add-ons, or finally poolside options too or those available in-room. Wow, what a choice. 

I soon homed in on the wide selection of deep tissue massages, so great to have a choice rather than just one version and varying lengths of time (which I always go for the longest possible).

The facilities

As well as the absolutely stunning central pool area (with integrated hydro pool and poolside sauna and steam room, with lots of alcove seating and loungers around), there was an incredible ultra-modern gym with separate fitness or yoga room, and of course there is Refuel, the results-driven superfoods and drinks clinic. Drinks and food throughout the day could be served in the Refuel area itself (another visually stunning hotel area) or poolside. The two treatment rooms (both for couples) are available for all day massages and spa treatments, and as well as those there was a separate barber shop by Joe Vipond, nail salon and dedicated hairdressers.

Changing facilities

There are changing facilities for men and women, and certainly the male (as I would undoubtedly expect of the female too) were excellently appointed, in an extremely stylish but opulent fashion. There was a large space at the entrance with sinks on vanity units, lots of fluffy white towels and toiletries by Miller Harris (Tea Tonique), before then opening up into a spacious locker area. On one side there were toilets and the other shower cubicles, all superbly appointed and beautifully designed, all spotlessly (literally gleaming) clean.

The treatment room

The room itself was spacious and well appointed, though minimal in design which immediately made it a calming environment on arrival. The spa and pool level was quite warm anyway, so the room being nicely cooled was a pleasant welcome and indeed I didn’t need the heated massage bed. The face rest was one of the most comfortable I’ve found, often I find that lying face down can get uncomfortable after a while depending on the bed, but absolutely no issues here. Music was calming but not obtrusive, and there were two massage beds so the room could easily be suited to couples, and still feel very spacious.

The treatment itself

Evie was an excellent therapist, and it was actually her that greeted me so pleasantly on my arrival at the spa. With staying in the hotel, as a guest you’re able to take an elevator straight from the bedroom and suite floors right down into The Retreat on level -4. Controlled by the room key cards, you access first the pool and can walk across to the small reception area, or go the long-way round via the gym and fitness room, through Refuel the spa café too.

The Opium deep-tissue massage was exactly what I was looking for, and once finished I could easily have started again, which is such a good sign. After the treatment Evie then escorted me poolside, where one of the special cabanas had been reserved for me. This area was generally quite busy during the times we visited, so having this unexpected reservation surpassed expectations. The Manager too (Stefani) was always present in the Retreat during our times there, which was great to see such an involved manager, so welcoming and indeed helping to keep the poolside area spotless, helping with drinks orders etc.

The hotel

You can read my full detailed note review here on The Private Traveller blog, but in snapshot it’s an incredible place to stay. So centrally located right off Leicester Square, but once inside it feels like you’ve been transported to another world altogether. There’s The Stage off the main reception area which could be downtown Nashville, the Mediterranean restaurant Whitcomb’s, the adjacent Joshua’s Tavern as a traditional London pub, the Japanese inspired rooftop izakaya lounge; and that’s before we start on The Residence, the stunning accommodation with skyline views from floor-to-ceiling windows or the basement Retreat. Cannot recommend this hotel highly enough; a definite London favourite for me.

This Man’s Journal  top tips (any areas for improvement?):

  • Hot mint tea after treatment - metal cup just too hot to hold comfortably

  • The pool area was busy when we were there, so perhaps some more control over numbers, but it was incredible to have the cabana reserved just for me post-treatment.

This Man’s Journal absolute highlights:

  • Everything about this hotel from welcome to departure, and especially The Retreat with such a fantastic spa treatment.

  • As above, coming out from an incredible deep-tissue spa treatment to find one of the luxurious private cabanas had been reserved.

  • Like the rest of this large-scale (though super-boutique) hotel, The Retreat has been so carefully planned and executed, and the facilities second to none.

  • For me, having the Manager Stefani make a personal welcome was really appreciated.

Summary

I had wanted to stay at The Londoner for a while now, and to experience The Retreat - neither disappointed and it’s been worth the wait to visit. I’d go back in a flash, either to stay, for a treatment, or a barber shop experience with Joe Vipond - ideally all three rolled together.

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