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A grand old dame of Park Lane, first opened in 1931, The Dorchester has it all: heritage, prestige and exemplary modern service. Entering the hotel is, I imagine, how it would feel to wander right into a royal wedding - chandeliers and soft powder colours accent opulent antiques and incredible art deco design. No coincidence given that Queen Elizabeth II dined at the Dorchester on the eve of her 1947 engagement to Prince Philip.
The spa is located in the basement. You’ll have no problem finding it, the lifts have a button which simply reads ‘spa’, and they will transport you to tranquillity. As you exit the lift, you’ll be greeted by a display of Dorchester roses. Off to one side, an elegant ‘Spatisserie’ serves afternoon teas and flutes of champagne to would-be virtuous ladies in robes.
The facials and massages here are indulgent and performed by world-class therapists. If that’s not enough, in 2026, the Dorchester Spa’s wellness residency is bringing experts together to offer a range of other holistic and beauty treatments: award-winning clinical aesthetician and facialist Natasha Clancy, reflexology expert Marzena Zawadzka, and acupuncturist and holistic therapist Renata Nunes. Across the road, you’ll find the pool, steam and sauna at sister hotel 45 Park Lane, where you can unwind some more.
Post-spa, make time to eat at The Dorchester Grill, where I had a life-changing steak tartare courtesy of new head chef Jacob Keen-Downs. And, if money is no object, stay the night and take one more swim in the morning before indulging in a tower of sugar-dusted pastries for breakfast.