Lava Shell Gentleman’s Massage at The Mandarin Oriental London
Take yourself back to the heady sunny days of early September….. Yes think hard …. London was sunny and 26 centigrade. I thought I would wait till it was cold and grey to upload this feature as everything about this reminds one of summer sun, warmth and luxury style, just what one needs in December.
As I jumped on the number 22 bus, the official Gentlemans Butler loveliest bus in London, from Putney Common, dressed in Daniel Craigesque style, linen trousers, flip flops, blue cotton shirts and sunglasses, life felt good, however it was just about to feel a lot better.
As the bus heads up Sloane Street I hop off pretty much at Knightsbridge Underground Station, opposite to Harvey Nichols on one side and Hyde Park on the other. The Mandarin Oriental is housed in an historic, Edwardian-style building, which originally opened its doors to the public as the Hyde Park Hotel in 1902. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental was earlier this year awarded the 5 star rating by Forbes Travel Guide 2013, as one of only two in London.
I was here to experience 2 very original spa brands, one being The Mandarin Oriental which opitimises the fusion of East and West and the other is Lava Shells from Shared Beauty Secrets who offer 2 treatments Aroma Shell Release and Aroma Shell Relax. Lava Shell treatments use natural, eco-friendly, marine tiger clam shells sourced from the South Pacific. The polished shells glide smoothly and are worked over all areas of the body during massage treatments.These are perfect treatments to relief executive stress and to relax.
As you enter the spa, your shoes are taken, flip flop sandals are given and suddenly there is calm. The Mandarin Oriental by the wording espouses eastern calm and this has been born out by the fact the spa has consistently been up on the top table of UK spas for many years. Normally I prefer to go to the spa later in the day but this year I have been several times in the morning and it certainly sets you up for the day. I left a good amount of time to get changed and use the lovely steam and pools which I had completely to myself. The black granite, with hot flowing and bubbling water already takes one to far off places. My therapist fetched me and took me through to the room which just works; no wiz bang gimmicks just quality, decent sized bed, sturdy, soft towels, warm room, qualified therapist and natural ingredients …. starts sounding like a food critique, well in a sense there are many similarities.
She talked through what was going to happen then the warmth, motion and relaxation took over. The feeling of the shells has a similarity to hot stones and I was really impressed. They not only feel lovely but I did feel a positive difference.
Aroma Shell Relax treatment (1hour 20minutes, GBP155), a complete calming massage. Warm tiger clam shells are worked over the body, focusing on pressure points that include the feet, legs, back and shoulders. Stress and muscle tension are eased and the body’s energy flow is restored, providing a sense of balance to the entire body and mind.
The lava shell is a 100% natural tiger clam shell. It is sourced in the Philipines and is collected from a a food waste product. This not only provides food but also jobs for the local industry on the island. The locals prepare the shell for use in massage by sand polishing them in to a smooth tool and glueing them back together.
You could also choose The Aroma Shell Release treatment (1hour 20minutes, GBP165) is a deep tissue massage, designed for those leading an active lifestyle to ease aches and tensions and allow more free movement.
Guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the philosophy of The Spa by relaxing within the separate male and female heat and water areas. These include the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, Sanarium, Vitality Pool and Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation Area.
To make a reservation please contact our reservations team directly on + 44 (0) 20 7838 9888 or via email [email protected]. For further information please visit www.mandarinoriental.com/london/luxury-spa/.
No question about it both Lava Shell and The Mandarin Oriental Spa is well worth a visit.
About Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Two award-winning restaurants including Bar Boulud, London and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the first London restaurant for one of the UK’s most renowned chefs
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group purchased the hotel in 1996 and conducted a complete renovation of the 198 rooms and suites, as well as a re-design of the restaurants and bar. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London re-opened in May 2000.