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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O Spa London in Canary Wharf is wonderful. The place looks great and the staff are good therapists. They get booked in advance. I work in Canary Wharf and this is my regular. It has to be one of the best London Day Spa's in the top 20 list next time. If you work in canary Wharf I would highly recommend it - especially the oxyjen facial.

Adele Wed Jul 7 2010
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For a special birthday, my husband booked a massage and facial for me and my daughter at the Jurlique Health & Wellness Spa in Chswick High Road. It was quite a way from where we live, but it was well worth travelling the distance. The small spa centre and treatment rooms were clean and inviting, with a very soothing ambiance. The massage and facial were the best I have ever had. We both came out feeling rejuvenated and thoroughly relaxed.

Ruth Fri Jul 2 2010
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I went to O Spa in New Bond Street and had a 90 minute treatment with 3 different therapies. After having to wait 5 weeks to even get an appointment (in any of the branches) I can now see why they are so full and it was worth the wait. I wanted to book at Canary Wharf but was told that branch was not included in the promotion so read the small print. I had been looking forwards to my pampering session and cannot say that I was dissapointed! I have never experienced different massage techniques and my therapist Sarah was lovely. After a hard week at work it was the perfect end to the week and start to the weekend. I wish I could go every week!

Lizzie Wed Jun 30 2010
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I recently had my hair cut and highlighted at O Spa Bond Street. I had really high hopes but sadly I am now in a position where I have to wear it clipped back until it grows. The very arrogant stylist didn't listen to a word I said and when I showed him where my side parting is, he brushed my hair into a middle parting and cut it that way. I have an uneven fringe effort on one side that looks ridiculous and was not what we discussed at all! Adding to the disasterous styling, I also have patchy highlights! I would avoid getting your hair done here at all costs!

Claire Wed Jun 23 2010
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I recently moved to london - the O Spa on Regent Street is really great. I got an amazing offer through dealromeo.co.uk recently which got me shampoo, cut and blowdry, Balinese head massage, and colour, highlights, facial for Â£29 - was so good!!!!

wendy Mon Jun 14 2010
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hello, I'm looking for a spa in London (pos central) for a few friends to celebrate my 40th. I would like to treat them all so want somewhere resonalbe but with a bit of luxury. I have been to the santuary and really liked this but would like to try somewhere new. A pool is a must.Thank you Katie

katie Wed May 26 2010
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Nathalie, the best one I know of in the area is Sabai Leela. It's a few tube stops south west to Earl's court but well worth the trip. Simply fantastic.

David Sun May 2 2010
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Can anyone recommend a great spa near marble arch?

Nathalie Sat May 1 2010
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Can anyone recommend a great spa near marble arch?

Nathalie Sat May 1 2010
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If you are a bit strapped for cash at the moment but still want to treat your mum then you could always try the London College of Beauty Therapy's salon on Great Marlborough Street. As it is a student salon they have some ridiculously cheap treatments! Facials and Massages are particularly good and fab value for money too!

Claire Mon Mar 8 2010
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