Sanctuary Spa

Indulgent Africology Blessing at The Sanctuary Spa

Reviewed by Tamara Hinson

www.handbag.com

While I'm no stranger to spas, I've yet to have anything more than a facial, partly due to an irrational fear of prancing around in front of strangers wearing nothing but a pair of paper pants. For this reason an invitation to try out The Sanctuary's Indulgent Africology Blessing - a full body treatment and massage - seemed like the perfect opportunity to conquer my fears. The famous spa was refurbished earlier this year and after a particularly stressful month I was somewhat in need of a makeover myself.


Arriving at The Sanctuary on a busy Saturday morning, first impressions were good; the entrance hall looks more like the foyer of a five star hotel, with an elegant reception desk manned by immaculately turned out members of staff. The spa is actually located on the first floor of a five-floor building and spread throughout the floors there's an exercise pool, atrium pool - where you'll find the famous swing - a sleep retreat area, manicure and pedicure area, 45 treatment rooms, the Koi Carp Lounge for relaxing in and the restaurant, which serves everything from salads and deserts to fresh juice and champagne.


After my tour I changed into my fluffy robe and was promptly shown to a spacious treatment room by the lovely Danielle. Danielle instantly put me at ease by explaining the treatment before leaving me to undress and hop onto the bed. The treatment started with three deep breaths of a wonderfully relaxing Energy Charge Oil, which uses peppermint and eucalyptus to relax and soothe. I was then treated to a full body exfoliation using a heavenly scrub and exfoliating cream. I find many scrubs somewhat of a disappointment, but this one smelt amazing and I could literally feel the dead skin cells being sloughed away. A fragrant balm was then applied after being given the choice of warming cinnamon and or detoxing geranium, I'd plumped for the latter, with traditional wooden tribal sticks used to massage in the balm. Bad posture and too many hours hunched over my laptop meant I was painfully aware my back muscles were somewhat tense, but I could feel the tension melt away.


The treatment finished with a facial. A fragrant cleanser was used along with an equally gorgeous rose serum with smaller versions of the tribal sticks used to work the cream into my skin. After the treatment came to an end, I relaxed by the spa's famous Koi Carp Lounge before floating blissfully out onto Floral Street without a care in the world.


The Sanctuary spa is a slice of heaven in the centre of London. Despite its stellar reputation, the spa maintains impressively high standards. The staff are professional, friendly and eager to please and the spa itself is well designed and surprisingly spacious, which is even more impressive considering its location in the centre of Covent Garden. The prices may be somewhat higher than those of other spas, but the fact that the cost of your treatment also allows full use of the impressive facilities certainly takes the sting out of parting ways with your hard earned cash.

Best for: A girly pamper in the heart of London's West End. Treatments, food and champagne - bliss!

Africology in the Media

SPA Magazine June 2009 Feature

Africology is proud to feature in Spa magazine June 2009

Skon Magazine Feature

Africology is proud to feature in Skon magazine March 2009