I love spas. I love pampering. I love salons and professional treatments. As much as I love to do my own beauty routines, sometimes there’s nothing better than leaving it to a professional. Plus when it comes to things like massage, there really is no option but to turn to a professional! I used to feel that a massage was the ultimate in indulgence, and usually opted for a facial treatment over massage when given a choice as it felt more like it was really ‘doing something’, but in recent years I have really come to appreciate the benefits of a massage and actually try to have one fairly regularly to avoid the nasty computer-hunch shoulder knots from building up too much – something I’ve definitely been prone to and I find that the more regularly I have a massage, the less uncomfortable the knot-releasing process can be, which makes the massage itself more and more relaxing. Oh, and in case you’re wondering why I’m chattering on about spa and massages it’s because it’s lastminute.com spa fortnight
On Friday last week I headed West to visit the K West Spa and Hotel. I’ve been there before back in 2010 so was familiar with the facilities, but was really interested to see again as really randomly I remember getting something in my eye when on my way to visit the spa and it really was a nightmare as I just couldn’t get it out at all and remember spending most of the time there laying down with my eyes closed willing whatever grain of dirt or whatever was in my eye to get out. I know, very random memory – but I was keen to return and replace this with some new and perhaps more relaxing memories this time around.
The spa is part of the wider hotel, which does look quite unusual on a mostly residential street a stones throw from both Westfield Shepherds Bush and the tube station. So it’s a very easy to get to location, but the stark modern building definitely stands out amongst the rows of Victorian Terrace houses. Once inside I headed to the spa where I waited to be taken to my appointment. I had a spa packages of a 30min back neck and shoulder massage, followed by a 30min dry floatation experience and a 20 min ‘sun meadow’ experience.
The massage was really lovely, exactly the sort of thing I would opt for for a ‘regular’ massage – that 30mins of releasing the tension on the shoulders especially is well worth it. I can’t help but feel 30mins does feel quite short for a pampering massage, but for a regular one it it very much worth it. Then I went straight from the massage to the ‘dry floatation’ experience. This was a bit surreal – basically it’s a large waterbed/cocoon type of thing, where you feel like you’re surrounded by a large warm duvet on a waterbed. It’s quite odd, very cosy and relaxing though and I’m pretty sure I nodded off after just a few moments! The expression ‘snug as a bug in a rug’ comes to mind for this.
Following this I was given a quick tour of the facilities and given the option of when I wanted to go for the ‘sun meadow’ experience. To be honest, I had no idea what this would be (am I meant to lie in a field?!) – it’s basically a room, with some relaxing nature sounds playing, and a double bed sized area on the floor. Then you have some protective UV filter goggle type things and a light comes on and feels lovely and warm on the skin. The therapist did say to be that it was ‘UV light to help the body produce vitamin D’, personally I do wish there was a little more information available on this as having looked on the website the information is basic at best and to me it felt a little bit too close to a low-powered sun-bed experience (which is basically what it is – which is why I think they should be a little more informative with this on the website). But it was very nice and relaxing to just chill out for a while.
I then headed to spend around an hour or so in the wet spa area where I tried to make use of most facilities – starting with the foot bath where they have little sinks you can fill with water and add some soaking salts. I opted for the warm option, but you can go cold as you please too. Speaking of cold, I did chicken out of the ‘snow paradise’ experience – where there’s a small room that’s essentially the opposite of a sauna as it’s kept deep in the minus temperatures and meant as a destination post-hot experience to rev-up your circulation (aka make your body totally freak out with the temperature change). I did almost go in, but decided against it when I opened the door as it was very dark and lots of icy air spilling out made me change my mind! But if you’re a braver girl/boy than me let me know what it’s like!
I did make use of the steam room, chill out pods and sauna – all very relaxing and lovely and then headed back to the extensive changing rooms to get ready to go back to real life! One thing well worth a mention is that the Spa uses Aromatherapy Associates products, one of my all time favourites so this made getting ready with the products available in the changing rooms a joy. Lovely stuff.
All in all, a lovely way to start a Friday morning – I wish every week was like that! Definitely a destination to head to if you’re looking for some affordable, accessible pampering that’s an upgrade on the essentials but not so pricey you wince at the cost. If you book a package through lastminute.com you can also bag a two for one bargain on the experience I’ve reviewed above! Or enter the competition below to win a spa experience for yourself.
WIN: Lonon Spa Day for Two
For more of the deals available in the lastminute.com Spa Fortnight offers see the lastminute.com website
Sponsored post.
This sounds absolutely lovely and in such a good location!
I need a spa day because…”to relax after university, & boyfriend for putting up with me!”
http://ninegrandstudent.co.uk/
I have never been to a spa before! I would love to go to one 🙂
I would love to treat my hardworking Mum!
I need a spa day because I have just graduated and am starting my Masters in September, so the relaxation would be soooooo appreciated!
241 sounds good! i’d love to do this, but always scared of the cost! http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/holiday-outfits.html
Because I’ve never ever had one!
A dream day for me & my mom!
I need a treat after breaking my hip last year.
I wish I lived in London right now, this looks amazing!
Madeleine, The Daily Mark
This looks lush! Just what I need right about now!
http://www.britishbeautyaddict.com
So stunning, what a fantastic day
To escape the stress and pressures of everyday life.
Looks luxurious. I’ve just started my own business up at http://www.pookledo.com and I might actually treat myself to some time off if I won.
I get married in 12 weeks and need to relax!
Ah it looks lovely. I don’t deserve a spa day but my best friend who gave birth 3 months ago certainly does so i’d love to be able to take her for a treat!
i would to win to have a little bit of a relax instead of rushing everywhere and also to treat the hubby thankyou
I want to help my friend’s depression to lift
I hardly see my best friends anymore as everyone is so busy with work and university and also skint, would be lovely to spend a day relaxing and catching up at this beautiful spa xx
to chill, rewind, relax, chilax in beautiful surroundings.
My boyfriend won’t rub my tired feet 🙁
I would love to win this! i am in need of pampering
Overworked, underpaid, mum to 3, need i say more?
Am overworked, underpaid & unappreciated, so in need of TLC.
Me & my Mum deserve a treat! Perfect TLC day for us!
Was ill on my last spa day, need proper one!
No holiday this year so spa day would be perfect.
it would be great to relax and be pampered
I would love a spa day because in between taking care of my own family plus looking after my friend’s 2 children mon-fri I never get a chance for any ‘me-time’
Been working hard or set up my own business and could really do with a day of pampering xx
looks very inviting, luxurious and I want to go!!!!
I would love this. I am absolutely dead on my feet after a very stressful year!
This mummy needs some time out & a real pamper xxxx
My rickity old body needs real rest and relaxation
Really in need of some pampering, just recovering from an illness and in need of a treat, would love to take my daughter, she’s never been on a spa day before, this would be amazing to win!
To escape, refresh, revive, relax and some peace!
Nice relaxing break after working hard!!
To relax and chill out and recharge.
Because I’m more scummy than yummy mummy!
I’m absolutely exhausted and stressed this would be a brilliant to help me unwind!
I want to come to London to look for wedding shoes and this would make the weekend an experience to remember.
It really is the only time when I do nothing except relax!
All work and no play at the moment
A great chance to relax
would love a spa day with my daughter, we both deserve it!
I NEED to de-stress!
Some me time with my cousin who lives in London!
After 6 weeks school holidays will need to relax
De-Stress and Recharge the Batteries after the school holidays
After finishing my degree I’m in desperate need of relaxation
I’d love an escape from everyday life and the kids!
I work very hard and thoroughly deserve to be totally pampered
A pre-baby treat for my mum and me!
I’ve had a very stressful year and a lovely spa getaway would be perfect