Five of the best spas in and around London

BEST FOR ORGANIC blends

Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa, Bedfordshire
Fans of organic produce will love the new Spa at Luton Hoo product range, a specially blended range that has taken inspiration from the country estate's historic gardens. Treatments, created in association with skincare experts Circaroma, use ingredients such as lemon, bay, rosemary, fennel and chamomile. In the spa itself, the Luton Hoo Spa 5 Senses Body Signature Treatment is a must for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation. It starts with a consultation with a therapist and a relaxing foot soak, followed by a full-body massage with a choice of oils and then a scalp massage and some reflexology. Housed in the former stables, the spa offers a sauna, steam room, gym, and there is an 18-metre pool situated in an oak-framed barn. The hotel's 144 rooms and suites are spread across the original Mansion House, and the more contemporary Parkland Wing, Adams Wing and Flower Garden Wing, while an additional 84 rooms will become available this year after the opening of Warren Weir - a self-contained private function and conference complex. Elite Hotels opened Luton Hoo as a luxury property in late 2007 after a £60m investment.

BEST FOR EXCLUSIVITY

The Spa at Pennyhill Park, Surrey
With its own VIP Suite available for groups of up to 15, The Spa at Pennyhill Park, near Ascot in Surrey, is ideal for small groups looking for exclusivity. The VIP suite has its own treatment rooms and lounge - and private dining can be organised if required. However, with a total of 21 treatment rooms, the luxury spa is also well equipped to deal with larger groups. It boasts eight indoor and outdoor swimming pools - including one with underwater music - hot tubs, hydrotherapy, herbal saunas, an ice cave and aromatic schnapps steam room.
Treatments range from the Kodo massage inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques, to the Paudi Scalp Massage and Champagne and Mandarin manicures and pedicures. The Spa is open to residents and day guests, with a range of day packages available including the Terrake Hydrating Ritual, which includes several treatments, full use of the facilities and a two-course lunch at the spa's Themis restaurant. Overnight packages are also available - the hotel has 123 luxury rooms, 23 meeting spaces, as well as fine dining and a host of other facilities.
Web: www.thespa.uk.com

BEST FOR CITY VIEWS

Spa at The Berkeley, London
Soak up the panoramic views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge in The Berkeley's heated rooftop pool. Complete with a retractable roof for fine weather, it is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Like Luton Hoo, The Berkeley has taken a more organic approach to treatments, recently introducing three new exclusive organic product ranges - Neom Luxury Organics, French organic facial range Doux Me, and Voya. Neom treatments include Top to Toe Indulgence, a complete luxury organic experience combining reflexology, Thai and Swedish massage, aromatherapy, crystal therapy and relaxation techniques, while Voya offers body wraps using organic products derived from kelp sourced in Northern Ireland. The hotel itself offers 214 luxury rooms and suites, and enjoys a prime location on the corner of Knightsbridge, close to the shopping havens of Harvey Nichols and Harrods.
Web: www.the-berkeley.co.uk

BEST FOR URBAN calm

The Spa at Chancery Court, Renaissance Chancery Court, London
Situated in Holborn, The Spa at Chancery Court is a true urban retreat. The Asian-influenced spa has six individual treatment rooms, a Couples VIP Suite, Finishing Touches Suite and a gold leaf Relaxation Room. Facilities include a dry heat sauna, Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, and a 'lifestyle' shower that provides scented water treatments. A comprehensive menu of treatments using Espa products, as well as Ayurvedic and holistic treatments based on both Eastern and Western philosophies, are on offer.
Among its noteworthy treatments is the Chancery Court Freestyle Back Massage, which comprises an hour of rejuvenating and relaxing back therapy, with the use of hot stones if desired. Staff can also offer informed advice on exercises that delegates can carry out at home.
Group packages include exclusive hire for four hours, or non-exclusive hire for groups of up to eight. If business is on the agenda, the 356-room Renaissance Chancery Court offers 13 meeting rooms across 4,630m2 that can hold between ten and 50 delegates. It also has a 4,200m2 ballroom with capacity for 435.
Web www.spachancerycourt.com

BEST FOR COUNTRY CHIC

Sequoia at The Grove, Hertfordshire
The Grove in Hertfordshire bills itself as 'London's Country Estate' and, although it is less than an hour from the capital, it really does feel like a world away. The property's Sequoia spa features one double and 12 single treatment rooms with heated beds, along with a comprehensive range of bespoke Espa treatments. Men and women can kick back in their own well appointed relaxation rooms, and there is a beauty suite. The juice bar offers snacks including bento boxes, while drinks range from smoothies to champagne.
Other facilities include a black-tiled pool, along with a vitality pool and steam room, top fitness facilities and changing areas connected to saunas and scented 'lifestyle showers'. A range of day and overnight spa packages are available including the Sequoia Signature Ritual, which starts with a Grove honey wrap (sourced from bees on the estate), a full body Balinese massage and a facial. The Grove has 227 guest rooms and event space for groups from five to 750.
Web: www.thegrove.co.uk