London's best spas

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Unwind with our guide to London spas, featuring massages, beauty therapy and more

Whether you're organising a hen night, booking your weekly manicure or simply want to treat yourself, London's best spas are the perfect places to pamper your bodyparts. Read on for everything from budget-blowing treatments to value therapy centres...

Tell us if we've missed out your favourite spa or treatment in the comment box below.

Spa London

York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PJ

Until 2007 when Spa London opened in Bethnal Green, there was no such thing as an affordable day spa in the capital. A second branch has now opened at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre with a long, good-value treatment menu. Still, for a complete spa day package you're best sticking to this East End original where facilities include steam rooms, Turkish hamam and plunge pools. Treatments range from an Escape in the City Salt Scrub (a 25-minute cleansing that should remove all trace of London grime) to the spa's signature Gym & Tonic in which your body is cleansed, body brushed and exfoliated, before being treated to an aromatherapy massage and warm marine mask. Indulgence without the price-tag. Read more
Thai Square Spa

Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9HW

Our last experience of Thai massage wasn't great – it was in a Bangkok backstreet and involved a person of ambiguous gender wrenching at our limbs. Thankfully, our tester's treatment at the Thai Square Spa involved no bone wrangling, and was an intensely relaxing experience, with cups of jasmine tea provided by the beaming staff. We experienced the Golden Maharani facial, a treatment traditionally reserved for the Thai royal bridal party, and great value in its combination of mini treatments. The spa is very inviting, with lotus flowers and golden Buddhas aplenty – apt, as we left our treatment in a calm, meditative state. Read more
The Porchester Spa

The Porchester Spa, The Porchester Centre, Queensway, W1

The Porchester Spa, located in a spectacular 1929 building, is one of London’s more authentic spa experiences – benefiting from a new ventilation system, a re-tiled steam room and a bigger sauna since its refurbishment in 2006. But don’t expect the fluffy-white-towel and ambient-music experience. This is the spa to come to if you like pools (they have a proper swimming pool, plus a plunge pool for cooling off after a stint in one of the three Turkish hot rooms). People come here for no-nonsense treatments (like the Hot Towels Treatment, £30, for 30 minutes) at affordable prices, including wraps, facials and massages. Read more

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Try Bliss London for exceptional facials ( triple o2 is my fav) and massage ..the paraffin wax treatment included in massage is superb !!

Priya Prashad Thu Jun 23 2011
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I would like to treat myself to a spa and massage experience (never been to either). Can anyone recommend any great places that are also reasonably priced. Oh and if there are any must try activities there. Thank you.

Saphia Tue Jun 21 2011
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Has O SPA gone into administration??? As far as I can tell, only the Canary Wharf and Cannon Street branches are still open, I went onto their website and it said the Austin Reed brach was open but it's in fact closed. I can't get hold of anyone, I have vouchers I am getting refunds on from GROUPON but they have no idea is OSPA is going into administration, no one can get hold of them, etc.

kitty carryall Thu May 19 2011
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I bought a massage for my husband at the Chiswick Wellness spa. He was uncomfortable throughout his treatment as the head rest was too small. The claim that they are standard size, but he never has had a problem in other spas. His head is not an unusual size. Also, the spa boasts about a relaxation room. They never offered nor mentioned it to him. "NO FRILLS!" is the truth! I complained to the customer service manager who said she was looking into it. I still have not heard back. I guess t

S Mon May 16 2011
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Oh dont go for the sanctuary unless you want a skin infection!

sally sympson Tue Apr 19 2011
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Zen Life in high street kensington is a new spa offering out calls, their fusion massage is unrivalled in my experience. www.zenlife.co.uk

Bradley Wed Apr 13 2011
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rios in Kentish town is good as well but everyone has their clothes completely off in that place and showers are mixed so men and women have showers together. it's one of those nature things.

James Mon Mar 7 2011
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Does anyone know the telephone number for Bliss spa in Covent Garden - paid for a fish pedi there for two on a deal and there is nothing on their web page to let you book anything, and cant find a phone number anywhere! Have I been duped?

Jill Tue Feb 22 2011
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I'm looking for a lesbian spa/sauna to take my fiance who is transgender and looks male. I would be grateful for any helpfull suggestions Many thanks MM

Marcia May Glass Fri Feb 11 2011
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There are some good ones listed on www.londonmassageguide.com too.

Jackie Mon Jan 24 2011
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