Review – We Check in to The Montcalm Mayfair & YĀTRĀ Spa by COCON
Tucked away in a pretty Georgian crescent just behind Marble Arch, The Montcalm Mayfair – Montcalm’s flagship hotel and part of The Autograph Collection – is creating a buzz as one of the capital’s newest botanical-inspired abodes.
On entering the hotel lobby, thoughts are lifted from the bustle of the city and a sense of calm ensues. In homage to Montcalm’s ‘Mark of the Garden’, initiative, the fresh, uplifting décor of soft greens and natural textures, offset by potted plants and joyful splashes of colour, brings the outside in – creating a space that feels both invigorating and serene.
A signature soundscape curated by London studio MindFidelity reflects the sounds of British woodlands and forests, while the Montcalm signature scent – a bespoke blend of rose and tobacco – lingers in the air and grounds the senses. Staff are warm, friendly, and wonderfully attentive, adding to the sense that this is a place where quiet luxury has been considered with care.
The serenity flows through to the accommodation, and our Salon King Room offers comfort with a flourish. A generous king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linens is inviting, and fresh fruit and a delicate sweet treat on arrival is a thoughtful touch. The room is well-appointed with a Nespresso machine, complimentary water, and luxe Penhaligon’s bath products.
But the soul of The Montcalm Mayfair lies in its YĀTRĀ Signature Spa by COCON, an urban retreat designed by Studio Est. Drawn from the Sanskrit word for ‘journey’, YĀTRĀ is inspired by the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda. The space is a gentle cocoon of sandy and earthy tones, brought to life with calming recycled artworks.
Signature treatments include bespoke Ayurvedic therapies that blend time-honoured rituals with sustainable, natural products developed in collaboration with holistic spa brand Mauli Rituals, while results-driven facials are provided by the medi-spa brand QMS.
The boutique spa features four treatment rooms – complete with soft lighting, ambient music and comfy couches. Facilities include a small infrared sauna, a traditional sauna, steam room, plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, and day beds. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a well-equipped gym and yoga studio offering both group and individual sessions.
Spa journeys begin with a pre-treatment consultation, ensuring each therapy is aligned with your body’s needs. My first treatment, the YĀTRĀ Signature Ritual, was an intuitive blend of Ayurveda and deep relaxation. After a pink Himalayan foot scrub, I was invited to select one of three Mauli Ritual oils – Pitta, Vata, or Kapha. While I typically gravitate towards Kapha, my body intuitively chose Pitta – a soothing blend of rose, jojoba, and spearmint oils designed to cool, calm, and detoxify. What followed was an exceptional full-body massage – therapist Sarah’s intuitive kneading and sweeping movements melted away tension, particularly around the scapula, where I carry stress. A pressure point hand and foot massage, followed by a blissful Indian head massage, left me in a deeply restorative, if slightly hypnotic, state.
The following day, I booked in for the QMS Medical Collagen Facial, a high-performance treatment tailored to achieve instant results. A thorough double cleanse and exfoliation was followed by a refreshing toner, and then the hero moment – a thick, cooling algae mask that peeled away to reveal fresh, rosy skin. The facial concluded with a lifting collagen oil massage and a brightening eye gel, leaving my skin plumped, dewy, and visibly rejuvenated.
Dinner was courtesy of Lilli by Akira Back – where the cocktail list pays homage to the four seasons with an array of botanical-inspired apéritifs. We sipped on a delicate Spring cocktail – a light, aromatic blend of Beesou honey, raspberry and orange blossom soda. The menu, crafted by Chef Akira and overseen by Italian-born Head Chef Alessandro, offers a colourful fusion of ingredients: highlights included beetroot-infused salmon, succulent tiger prawns with soy citrus and wasabi, and perfectly executed halibut with yellow courgettes. Maître d’ Alena brings a personal warmth and knowledge to the dining room, elevating the experience even further.
The Montcalm Mayfair is a modern city retreat that nourishes body and soul. With its garden-inspired aesthetic, eco-conscious design, and a spa that delivers with depth and authenticity, it’s a perfect escape for those seeking peace and tranquility in the heart of London.