Tipped

Mayfair prices

June 09, 2009

I've been to Elemis twice. Altough I've booked for multiple treatments with each visit, I've never been taken to a dressing room or lounge. I've just waited in the street level shop holding my coat and handbag.

On my first visit, in 2003, my massage began with a milk bath. Sounds nice doesn't it? Well, the room was freezing cold and the bath tepid. I was brought into the room, fully clothed, and told to undress and climb into the bath. Only after leaving my clothes on a chair and climbing into the bath did I realize I was freezing. No one came to check on me for 20 minutes. Not relaxing. Following this I had a mediocre 90 minute massage. I didn't relax because the whole time I was thinking I should just ask her to stop so I could leave!

My recent massage and facial were a gift. I thought that if Elemis were still in business they must have improved. I was wrong. The massage table was cold and when I asked to turn up the heat I was told that it was turned up to high - only after I had asked three times did the therapist realize that the heat wasn't even turned on. My facial was nice and the massage okay. I can say my skin was calmed and even the next day I could tell the facial had improved my complexion.

I felt the entire experience was overshadowed, however, by the persistent pressure to buy Elemis products. From the minute she began the facial there was a sales pitch for every bottle and tube she picked up. Even after the massage, while I was trapped naked on the massage table, she went through every product AGAIN trying to convince me to buy something. When I checked out a new sales person continued to pitch the products until my credit card was in my wallet and my tush was out the door.

Needless to say I will not return to Elemis again.

One word: Relaxation

October 10, 2007

If you’re looking for a way to decompress from hectic London city life, Elemis is your place. A day spa where you breathe a sigh of relief just walking into the door. Hidden away on Lanchashire Court, you’d never think tranquillity would be a few steps off of the bustling New Bond Street. But it is. And it does the trick.

I spent 2 hours there getting both a tri-enzyme facial (as recommended by the other Tipped review) and full body massage. The massage was first and they start by dry brushing your body and gently massaging your feet. Then they get the oil out and start working on the kinks. Although I’m a toughy and asked the nice gal to go hard, she did her best and resorted to what she thought was “hard” pressure. It wasn’t hard enough but I was too relaxed to keep making a fuss. She spent most of the time on my upper back and neck which cause me the post pain and it was really nice.

The Tri-enzyme facial is all about anti-aging and helping to diminish fine lines and pigmentations. It was bliss. No extractions like typical facials, just lots of masks that make your skin tingle. Again, totally relaxing.

I felt like I had meditated for 2 hours when I finished (even though I’ve never meditated for more than 5 minutes) and my skin is absolutely glowing. Too bad London public transportation stuck the grime back on it on the way home.

I’m going back again next week.

Keywords: spa, facial, massage, skincare

Tri-enzyme facial

September 25, 2007

The Elemis tri-enzyme facial is wicked and the actual spa is ridiculously relaxing. With the facial, you can actually leave the spa without makeup. Also, they've got a great private waiting space. Couples can book and do simultaneous massages in sister rooms. Genius.

Keywords: Elemis, Day Spa, Tri-enzyme facial

Get muddy with a buddy

August 28, 2007

This is a great, centrally located day spa in Mayfair, with all the usual treatments (massage, facials etc). But the extra special treatment is the 'Exotic Steam Rasul' where you (and a partner) get to rub mud all over, sit in a steam room and then have it all washed off from a shower that feels like rain. Very nice... and a little bit naughty.

Keywords: day spa, romance