TrendLife Tags

Aged 15, whilst clad in Jack Wills latest I-made-loads-of-effort-but-I’ll-pass-it-off-as-distinctly-casual clobber, armed with a barely slurped Starbucks caramel frappucino, a pay-as-you-go mobile phone with £2.21 credit and my mother’s pashmina, I set foot upon the King’s Road for the first time. It was as though I’d had an epiphany, I had found my calling – the KR had to become my playground.  As my posse of Surrey sisters and I roamed SW3’s highway to heaven, I longed to be more familiar with the territory, to be a young heart running free, and not because I’d missed the 211 bus back to Victoria, but to know the King’s Road so well that I’d assist lost Chinese tourists. I yearned for a haven on the KR that I could call a second home; I did try the King’s Road Sporting Club for a short period, but it was quite obvious I wasn’t there to buy a pair of trainers or a tennis racket. Six years after my sojourn to The King’s Road and I’ve found my much coveted sanctuary; The Chelsea Day Spa.

Tucked away from the main thoroughfare, a delightful two storey townhouse building is home to The Chelsea Day Spa. What is so striking upon entry into this central London oasis is its aura of complete tranquillity, homeliness and companionship; hustle, bustle, stress and spite are all left at the door; this is a Spa definitive of pleasantry and perfection.

Upon arrival, Front of House Manager Emma transcends much beyond a friendly face to greet visitors; so affable is she that I felt I could tell her my innermost woes as well as my most exciting pieces of news. As I took to my white leather armchair and reclined to tune in to Sex and The City, I almost felt as though I were at home relaxing after work before my mother bellows that my chicken casserole is on the kitchen table. Alas, I was not chez Basing-Lawson, but instead in the capable hands of Christina, whose adept professionalism meant that she absolutely nailed a first-rate luxury manicure.

As Christina and I chatted about beauty treatments and all things girly, memories of a ten year-old puppy fat ridden Claire, painting nails and chit-chatting with friends at a sleepover whilst watching Parent Trap on VHS or reading Girl Talk and Mizz magazine took over my thoughts. I only wish Christina had been with me 11 years ago, but instead, I hope she will accept my invitation to join me as I embark on womanhood and mature from a black glittery polish 21 year old client to a more refined red varnish as a 40 year old customer who’s inbetween the school run and food shop. 

With its four treatment rooms and a nail bar all exuding a pretty, feminine décor, The Chelsea Day Spa is the perfect retreat to attend with girlfriends. Treatments include waxing, massage and nail therapy, body treatments, spray-tanning and facials, which, alongside their superb Daily Deals means that there is a service fit for every Queen on The King’s Road. For those making a solo visit fear not, the amiable team and cosy interior mean that you’ll find it difficult to ever leave.

www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk or call 0207 351 0911 to find out more about their treatments and book an appointment at The Chelsea Day Spa.

The entrance to the spa was the Sanctuary Shop where I 'checked in' and filled in the normal medical forms.  Being inside a small shop, it didn't feel like The Sanctuary Spa we know and love, but then I was quickly shown upstairs where it emerges into a huge tardis of rooms where it felt much more spa-like. 

The changing rooms had great quality decor, providing good robes, flip flops and excellent showers.  Once changed, I waited for my therapist in the fantastic relaxation room which has demi-chaise chairs where you can put your feet up. read a mag and help yourself to teas and fresh fruits.

After ten minutes of chilling out, I was met by Zuli, my therapist, a friendly and attentive lady who took me up to the treatment room, relatively small but well decorated and very peaceful - I didn't once hear any surrounding noise or people passing by the door.

I was shown to the regular massage table where I was given lots of help to lay on my side and given a comfy supporting pillow for my ever-expanding bump and, once settled, Zuli began the treatment.  The quality of massage was superb, firm but relaxing, getting rid of many knots in my shoulders after a frantic last week before maternity leave.  I then had to switch sides to finish the back area before moving onto my back for the body mask - which covers bump and arms in a delicious smelling moisturiser.  Whilst that worked its magic Zuli massaged my feet and legs, also including a stone massage which was intended to stimulate circulation, ideal for those last few 'puffy' weeks of pregnancy.

After the treatment, Zuli showed me back to the relaxation room where I was encouraged to stay and take as long as I wanted, which I thought was a lovely touch.

Summary:

The number of treatments in the 50 minutes meant the experience was excellent value at £65 and very theraputic. However, I had to move three times into different positions for each different part of the treatment, which stopped the 'flow' and, although the quality of the massage was the best I have experienced, meant it wasn't quite as relaxing as other maternity massages I've had.

£65 for 50 minutes

Overall I give The Sanctuary Yummy Mummy massage 7.5/10