We Check in to the Berkeley Hotel & One of London’s Coolest Spas

Situated in London’s Knightsbridge, a hop and a skip from Harvey Nichols the recently revamped Berkeley Hotel is a favourite with fashionistas and the international jet set.

Overview

Home to Marcus Waring’s eaterie and the trendy Blue Bar, The Berkeley is one of the coolest haunts in the metropolis. Perched on the top of the building is the Bamford Haybarn Spa – it’s rapidly building a reputation as one of London’s trendiest spas and, with one of the London’s only rooftop pools, it’s easy to see why.

The Spa

The Bamford Haybarn Spa is a serene space spanning the top of the hotel. Decor is clean, airy and fresh with a natural ‘New England’ feel, coaxing uptight shoulders to drop the moment you step inside.

Facilities include: an indoor/outdoor rooftop pool, steam and sauna rooms, a nail bar and a beautiful relaxation terrace with comfy loungers, serving juices, snacks and cocktails.

The Treatment

The Bamford Body Signature Treatment begins with a soothing foot bath ritual. A Swedish, Meridian and Shiatsu combination massage follows to relax tired muscles and open energy channels. A touch of reflexology to detoxify organs is followed by a pressure point head, neck and shoulder massage to deepen the relaxation. The treatment concludes with assisted yogic breathing to refresh the lungs and help revitalise the whole body.

I was left feeling completely relaxed, stress-free and energised – a fantastic full-body overhaul.

Other treatments include Oskia Eye Wonder: An anti-ageing eye treatment designed to reduce puffiness and strengthen the eye contour using lymphatic drainage, massage and stone therapy.

To Eat

The Collins Room (formerly the Caramel Room) is a defining element of the newly-renovated Berkeley: a light-filled, contemporary and charming dining room that welcomes guests at flexible times for a light breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

We love Prêt-Portea, the hotel’s legendary afternoon tea, which serves delicacies inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu changes every 6 months to reflect the new season trends. Who knew that afternoon tea could be so fashionable? Simply divine.

To Stay

We stayed in 704 – a contemporary Balcony Room with city views and a muted soothing décor of silvers and greys.

Facilities include: a king-size bed and spacious dressing area with a mirrored vanity table, a marble bathroom with a power shower, an extensive mini bar, flat-screen TV, Nespresso machine and Bamford toiletry products.

There’s also a lovely assortment of high-end glossies for bath and bedtime reading and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Berkeley is also home to three exceptional conservatory suites with distinctive features such as personal saunas and some of the largest roof terraces in London.

Don’t Miss

The Rooftop Winter Cinema, where the terrace is transformed into a pine-filled forest cinema showing Christmas movie classics, accompanied by hot chocolate and mince pies.

Guests staying in a suite category above and including the Chelsea Suite are able to request the fashion trunk for an evening with the compliments of the hotel. Curated by the Vestiaire Collective it contains an exquisite collection of rare accessories and clothing from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s from designers such as Christian Dior, Chanel and Hermes. And if you simply cannot leave without that Chanel handbag, you can purchase it upon check out. How fabulous is that?