Tucked away on South Audley Street among pretty tea and antique shops, this spa is the flagship spa for the French spa brands Decleor and Cartia, launched by the founder of Decleor some years ago.
The initial impression of the spa as you walk towards it, is it looks beautiful. Set on a corner, with large floor to ceiling windows, decorated with huge promotional images from both of it's brands. The building looks grand and full of character. I can hardly wait to see inside.
On entering the spa you are met with the most gorgeous aroma, inviting, comforting and luxurious. I later learned from my therapist Gemma, that the scent arises from the spa's two steam rooms. It's delightful, and really sets you in a relaxed mindset before you have even stepped through the main part of the spa. The reception is gorgeous too. Displaying Decleor and Carita products in large display cabinets, with a Sheshido make up stand, full of various goodies to sample.
The reception staff are immaculately dressed, polite, friendly and welcoming. So far I am impressed. I'm shown to the main waiting area of the spa, which is down a small flight of tiled stairs, these are lit with tiny little lights and instantly create a soothing ambiance. I take a seat in the comfy chair, am offered a drink and I am then asked to fill in a short consultation form.
Soon after my therapist Gemma comes to meet me. She is young, well groomed and has a very professional manner. I had booked to have a Decleor Aroma Expert Facial and Full Body Massage, and I am really looking forward to having some well over due chill out time. Once in the treatment room (which is fairly small, but more than adequate for the treatments I am having), Gemma leaves me to disrobe and I get snuggled on the couch. The room is clean, warm and darkly lit, perfect.
I can only described the next two hours as totally blissful! Gemma was excellent in every way, she was clearly very knowledgeable, explained what she was going to be doing during my time on the couch, she was friendly, yet knew when to stop talking to allow me to relax. Her touch was firm and soft, and her massage techniques were nothing short of superb. Now I am a hard one to please when it comes to massage, being trained extensively in massage myself. I like a firm pressure, but I don't expect to be in pain during a regular massage treatment. Gemma had it just right. She managed to get in all my niggles and knots effectively, without making me wince once! I loved every second of the treatment.
The products themselves felt and smelt divine, and at one point during the facial I think I may have actually drifted off (absolutely unheard of for me!). My skin wasn't left feeling oily or sticky either, which is so often the case following a treatment. I had made a point of explaining to Gemma that I was going for dinner after my visit and unbelievably my hair looked untouched when I got off the treatment couch. Perfect, no frantic re-styling before heading off to the restaurant!
I was left to take my time to re-dress and I took this as an opportunity to inspect my skin. Truthfully, it looked amazing, really hydrated, smooth and much plumper. Fabulous.
I left the spa with two bags full of Decleor goodies to sample, after a lovely chat with the spa manager.
Now being a fairly large spa situated in swanky Mayfair, this is obviously a spa that has very high overheads and therefore the treatment prices are reflective of this. A 75 min Decleor Facial will set you back a pretty hefty £115.00 and a 60 min Massage is £90.00, I do however feel this is reasonable for a Central London spa.
Would I return? Yes I would, it is a luxurious treat but one that I feel is well worth the money!
For more details of other treatments and services on offer at Spa Illuminata you can visit their website.
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