A stone's throw from both Regents Park and Soho, The Langham takes pride of place in the heart of London's West End. Reputed to be Lady Gaga's favourite London abode, the prestigious hotel has been welcoming royalty, dignitaries and celebrities for over 150 years.
The delicious aroma from the huge floral displays hits you as soon as you enter the elegant marble reception area, and gilt mirrors, twinkling chandeliers and sumptuous furnishings create a opulent ambience. Service, as you would expect, is impeccable, with friendly, attentive staff serving guests' every whim.
The Spa
The Chuan Spa sits adjacent to the hotel and specialises in traditional Chinese treatments and medicine. The decor marries the high ceilings and features of the original bank building with calming neutral tones and a hint of The Orient.
Tranquil candlelit treatment rooms and a nail bar sit on the ground floor with a wonderful hydrotherapy area housed in the old bank vaults below. Facilities include a swimming pool, jet pool, steam rooms, a Himalayan rock salt sauna and a relaxation zone.
The Treatment
The Chuan Harmony Massage begins with a health and lifestyle consultation followed by a meditative chanting exercise to calm my mind and body. A relaxing foot cleansing ritual follows, then a wonderful acupressure point massage to open energy channels is combined with a 'freestyle' back massage to work on the areas of tension I'd discussed with my therapist.
Reflexology and stretching sessions complete the holistic ritual. I left feeling tension-free, calm and re-energised. Hypnotic Chinese music is played throughout treatments and each treatment room has its very own Buddha!
Other Treatments
Chuan Tao of Detox - A full body exfoliation to stimulate blood and lymph circulation is followed by a warm marine algae wrap infused with aromatherapy oils, to intensify the detox process. Then the body is rejuvenated using an acupressure massage to release energy blockage. The treatment ends with a Thalgo Prescriptive Facial - an intensive hydrating treatment which restores dehydrated skin leaving it deeply nourished.
Chinese Medicine, CND manicures, holistic & alternative treatments, reflexology, facials.
To Stay
380 elegant rooms and suites span the hotel combining Victorian charm with modern amenities.
We stayed in one of the six bedrooms in the incredible Sterling Suite. Complete with a personal butler and its own private elevator, the suite is dressed with bespoke furnishings and styled in honey hues, duck egg blues and sumptuous gold silks.
A beautiful art deco dressing area leads through to a huge marble bathroom featuring a tub, a monsoon shower and a generous offering of Asprey and Chuan Spa products.
Access to The Langham Club lounge is part and parcel of The Sterling Suite, with complementary Champagne, cocktails and canapés served throughout the day.
To Eat
Celebrated chefs Albert Roux and Michel Roux Jr head up the renowned Landau restaurant serving up classic French cuisine.
Head to Artesian for exotic Oriental delights, or the Palm Court for a delicious afternoon tea. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and evening canapés are also served in The Langham Club Lounge.
Words: Lisa Brown
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