London's Spa Scene

London's Spa Scene

Although a bout of nonstop shopping is an ideal way to spend a day, the city's depth and breadth of shops may leave you feeling ready for a spa treatment or two. Or consider treating yourself to a full day of pampering. London's spas have come a long way in the past few years, although locals still don't take grooming to the same level as their New York counterparts (manicures here are considered an indulgence, rather than a necessity). Whether you are looking for a quickie pedicure or an afternoon wallowing in treatments, there are plenty of options. Always check to see if service is included in the treatment; if it isn't, a 10% tip is considered adequate.

For all-out luxury, try the tranquil Spa at Chancery Court (252 High Holborn, Holborn, WC1 7EN. 020/7829-7058. www.spachancerycourt.com. Tube: Holborn) with its limestone walls, wooden floors, and orchids. Everything here is done well and done big, including the relaxation and changing rooms. Choose from a jet-lag treatment or Reiki, to an eight-handed massage or facials using E'Spa products.

The tiny Pacifica Day Spa (1 Courtnell St., Notting Hill, W2 5BU. 020/7243-1718. www.pacificadayspa.co.uk. Tube: Notting Hill Gate) has a soothing, Asian-theme design. Although the relaxation area is spartan and the four treatment rooms are on the small side, the extensive spa menu more than makes up for this. Therapists uses Dermalogica and Elemis products for facials and massages, or treat your feet to a yoga pedicure, which includes reflexology.

Tucked away in tony Holland Park is the sleek Cowshed Clarendon Cross (119 Portland Rd., Holland Park, W11 4LN. 020/7078-1944. www.cowshedonline.com. Tube: Holland Park) —the brand's first stand-alone spa (there's also one at Babington House hotel). Tuck into a smoothie or lunch at the ground-floor kitchen before heading off to your treatment. Everything from salt scrubs to speedy pedicures and deep tissue massage is available.

If your bank balance will allow it, head to the Mandarin Oriental Spa (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA. 020/7838-9888. www.mandarinoriental.com/london. Tube: Knightsbridge). Instead of booking a specific treatment, book a slot of time and allow the therapist to come up with a tailor-made program. And don't miss the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room or the Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation room.

In a hurry? Book an express facial or massage at the chic Spa Illuminata (63 South Audley St., Mayfair, W1K 2QS. 020/7499-7777. www.spailluminata.com. Tube: Bond St., Green Park). Or if you have time to linger, don't miss the lavishly tiled steam rooms, funky zebra-stripe chairs, and marble floors. Illuminata facials use products from Decleor and Carita.