Oriental therapies come to cure London

Here at UJ we’re constantly lamenting the lack of decent spas in the city. We long for New York style manicure stations on every corner, where a touch up leaves you with change for lunch. We wish holidays in Asia were an everyday norm, complete with massages on the beach and therapists who aren’t afraid of digging in.

Thankfully we’re getting wind of a couple of oriental imports that are promising to realign our hectic lives. If you don’t want to spend spend spend, check out the recently launched Lemongrass Boutique Spa in Portman Village. With massages starting at £39 per hour and manicures at £25, this Thai–staffed space is open 7 days a week until 11pm – perfect for whacked out workaholics.

Then there’s a new launch that promises Chinese medicine therapies to cure London of its (many) ills in the super swish surrounds of the Langham Hotel. The Chuan Spa’s five rooms are all named after a natural element, with treatments taking into account Ying, Yang, energy flows, elemental forces, Jing (life force), Qi (vital energy) and Sheng (mind & spirit). Yes, it sounds like a winning scrabble board combination, but will it take the stress out of your soul? With a calming Chinese garden for a reception, a vitality pool and salt sauna at guests’ disposal, we’re feeling tranquil just typing this. Then there’s the acupuncture, Ho Guan (cupping) and moxibustion (the burning of mugwort herb) as well as traditional facials, massages, wraps and scrubs. We’re liking the sound of the Anti–stress Cocoon and the Chuan Tao of Detox too – it’ll probably make a lot more sense than the Tao of Pooh, anyway.

Info
Lemongrass Boutique Spa is open now.
8A Seymour Place, W1H 7NB

Chuan Spa opens on Monday February 28th.
Treatments start from £70.
1c Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA