The Connaught Hotel’s London Aman Spa – Ultimate pampering with care. Greetings from the Aman Spa. I visited the spa to calm and cleanse my body and mind, prior to a long-distance flight. Whether you need to travel physically or emotionally the power of switching off, being cleansed, and pampered is not only lovely but truly nurturing. I was not let down, experiencing a truly powerful experience.
With my flight approaching I had decided to not work right up to departure but to switch off 24 hours before. I am prone to anxiety, and you might be surprised how even seasoned travellers can find flying a little stressful.
I had tidied up my diary, left my apartment in good order, been to my lovely friends at Four London Luxury Hair, Manicure & Pedicure at Mayfair’s FOUR London Hair Salon to have my hair coiffed and had a super luxe manicure and pedicure in two shades of pink, yes men can wear pink and with a tan it looks great.
I was now ready to stop.
The Aman Spa is inside The Connaught Hotel in a part of Mayfair I find most conducive with its old school charm, understanding its role as the heart of London’s luxury quarter whilst still bringing you warmth and charm.
I have visited The Connaught Hotel on several occasions for meetings, perfume launches, Remy Martin experiences and a wonderful Mixology Masterclass – The Connaught luxury cocktails Masterclass where I experienced the skills behind the cocktail bar.
This charm had been experienced to its full when I had earlier visited the hotel for dinner for an old friend catchup The Connaught Grill welcomes two old friends for a conversation, so yes I am a fan but I had never experienced their spa so what better time to put that right.
Through the door at lunchtime, meeting a member of staff I knew which is always a good start, I was kindly escorted by a member of hotel staff downstairs to The Aman Spa reception.
Into the changing room, empty, calming, impeccably tidy and chic and super luxe.
Then to the pool to do some exercise, yes you heard that correctly. I try to swim three times a week which means lengths.
The pool is sublimely tranquil and beautiful with its waterfall wall and Moroccan style light coming through the trellis but its also a good size pool in both dimensions and depth which means you can do proper lengths, worth noting for a central London swimming pool.
Then some childlike play, a good shower and relax whilst enjoying some dates with a honey and ginger tea.
Nikki my professional and nurturing Greek therapist came to escort me to my room and the Spa Ritual Journey started with a
A Foot Cleanse
Whilst filling out a digital form. This was my one pet peeve. Its usual to have to fill forms but I really do not like spoiling my ritual with form filling and think this should be done when one arrives at the spa. Hope this changes as it rattled me, though the therapists were super accommodating. This was the one blip in what was a truly beautifully luxury spa experience.
The Grounding Journey:
The Aman rituals are based on traditional healing methods, and are called grounding, purifying, and nourishing. Each one is designed to treat different emotional and physical conditions to help restore balance. Each journey last 3 hours, beginning with the Body Polish & Wrap, followed by the Massage, and ending with the Face Ritual.
The Body Exfoliation:
A key ingredient in this ritual is amethyst powder, known for its gently sedative energy that promotes peacefulness and emotional stability, while the cocooning wrap initiates a period of stillness. The feeling of natural products engulfing one’s body, warm and healing is one I find truly special and sensual and once one has a warm shower it’s a perfect way to start, cleansed, warm and dry. Now time to let go.
Ku Nye full-body massage:
The wrap is followed by a Ku Nye full-body massage using ancient Tibetan healing traditions to stimulate muscles. This massage incorporates cupping along meridian lines, acupressure, kneading, and deep-tissue techniques. I really properly zoned out and my therapist commented on how she could feel the stress. Proper therapists have a special sense as true massage is about the power of touch, and do not underestimate its healing power and the power of true natural sleep and rest where the body and mind properly lets go.
Facial using rose quartz crystals:
The journey ends with a facial using rose quartz crystals to promote healing, frankincense to aid rejuvenation, and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. Lymphatic and muscular massage techniques stimulate circulation and raise vibrational energy, while acupressure using heated Himalayan salt poultices leaves skin radiant.
The Butler says:
To conclude, I walked in visibly stressed, I felt it and the therapist also commented on this. Part of the reason for the visit was that I had a long-distance flight the next day and I have a history of working right up to departure which as a person running his own company is understandable but this time, I decided to experiment by switching off 24 hours before departure. I chose the ritual as a way of calming myself but also experiencing a mix of the holistic and aesthetic. When I am truly stressed, I can feel the point of nearly crying. I believe fundamentally in the powers of a true spa experience, a place where you have calm, are pampered, and cared for and where you are holistically looked after. Whether you are after the aesthetic or holistic you will not be disappointed as I had both. A beautiful hotel and a wonderful spa. Thank you and I look forward to returning soon.
Bon Voyage, love The Butler
