The Sanctuary Spa, nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, London provides a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.  The entrance on floral takes you through the shop bursting with wonderful smelling and beautifully displayed products and gives a hint of the treats to come.  Stairs flanked by generously billowing fabric lead you to a delightful reception area rather like that of a boutique hotel and not at all clinical. This area has been thoughtfully designed; girly enough to make you feel like you are in a very feminine environment but not at all twee.


I was given a very hearty, warm welcome by the team of receptionists, who checked me in and then handed me a bulging information pack.  It contained a timetable of my treatments and multiple other pieces of paper. At this point I felt slightly over-whelmed, the staff seemed to realise this and offered to show me to the changing rooms.  The changing area is spotless, lockers are dark wood and lighting is forgiving, each guest has a robe ready for them in the locker and towels and products are widely available for all to use.

I had a short time before my first treatment and was given a tour of the spa. Being mid-week it was fairly quiet and so I was happy enough being on my own. One of the best things about The Sanctuary is the amount of space for just sitting, which is remarkable given its central location. There are two main chilling areas the Lounge or the Koi Carp Lounge; both are roomy with cushions, blankets and good supply of magazines.  For me, the best part of a spa visit is the chance to sit and loose time, this is one thing that the Sanctuary does very well. There is so much space that it would be easy to be in group – and know that your conversation would not disturb anyone. There are good refreshment choices from the more formal White Orchid Restaurant to snacks and drinks in the Koi Carp lounge and I was cheered to see ladies enjoying champagne in both which made me feel this was simply a great place to just ‘be’.