Review: The Chuan Spa, London

It's all been getting rather stressful lately, what with arranging dates for Afternoon Teas and travelling to Prague and Paris. It was high time I had a chance to relax and unwind and I was definitely in need of a Spa day!

Where better then, than Europe's first Chuan Spa, nestled at the heart of London in The Langham Hotel? After some careful research, this place came out on top as the treatment that we wanted was within our budget and the facilities were open to us for a nice amount of time. This sounds like a silly reason, given that we were going for a spa day and not just a treatment, but many of the other places I looked at only gave access to the facilities for a couple of hours. In my mind that definitely doesn't constitute a day!

Entrance and relaxation area

So after we'd stuffed ourselves suitably silly with Afternoon Tea, we headed over to Oxford Street and found the sanctuary of the Chuan Spa. Set across three levels, the spa was quiet, serene and everything you'd expect it to be. The Chinese decor was subtle and contemporary and really complimented the more modern glass staircase and contrasting, traditional high ceilings. 

Our therapists were lovely, but unfortunately I can't remember their names. They were professional, friendly and completely put me at ease right from the word go. We had a double treatment room as we'd booked the Chuan Body Detox for two, which was still a really nice touch. Even though in the same room, our therapists concentrated on us as individuals and really made sure that they connected with us personally, rather than as a pair.

First of all we were asked to choose whether we wanted a relaxing or rejuvenating massage. I instantly said relaxing whilst my friend chose rejuvenating. The therapist then brought over two pots of oil for me to smell and told me to choose which one I preferred. Again, the choice was instant and choosing the 'Earth' element meant that I was apparently a very busy person who was prone to worry and overthinking. Probably spot on to be honest!

I instantly liked that my treatment was personalised and felt somewhat prescriptive. Everyone likes to feel like an individual and as though they have a very special type of complaint that needs personally addressing. This doesn't change when you visit a spa!

Tea service for after your treatment

The hour and a half massage was heavenly, although the back, neck and shoulder part was sore in parts as the therapist skilfully worked out lots of knots and tension. Afterwards she explained what she had done and how I could avoid getting so tense in the future, which was another brilliant touch.

Once the treatment was over we were ushered into the relaxation area where a bespoke tea was waiting for each of us that complimented our treatments and was based on which element we'd originally chosen. There was also a card explaining the method behind the madness as well as a selection of fruit, but the best bit was that our therapists were also waiting to give us a little 'debrief', recommending products and techniques that were best for our skin types. 



We didn't manage to have a swim in the pool unfortunately as there were too many children in there for our liking, but we enjoyed the vitality pool and sauna no end.

Vitality Pool

Sauna

The changing room facilities were also good, with proper hairdryers and nice showers so that we could get ready to go out that evening!

Pool

I'd definitely return to this little corner of heaven. As soon as you walk in off of the busy street you instantly feel calm, which is what you need after any day in London. Overall, highly recommended and I'd love to return to try some of the more Chinese style treatments, although next time with a stay at The Langham too!

My friend and I enjoyed the Chuan Body Detox package which was £220 per couple and included a 1hr30min treatment as well as full use of the spa facilities.