Spa review - Ushvani Spa, Chelsea, London

Review: "From the moment I walked in, I was treated like a VIP. On arrival, you are shown to the main reception, where your coat and shoes are whisked away from you to be replaced by comfy flip-flop sandals.

"There is an instant calm serenity about the spa, with the sound of water flowing softly in the background (as traditional in Malaysian homes) and chocolate brown décor complimented with a luscious orange, and hibiscus flowers carved and placed in almost every corner.

"Before my treatment, I was offered a tour around this wonderful Asian themed building. The upstairs plays host to a spacious studio, where Pilates, yoga and baby massage classes all take place. Across the hall is the men’s only treatment room, decorated in the Malaysian masculine turquoise blue – a shower room and massage bed, along with sauna and sofa await.

"Downstairs is the couple’s treatment room. Susanne, the spa manager, tells me that husbands and wives, best friends, mothers and daughters all come here for a double spa day. All you need is in this huge room – from a sauna, changing facilities, relaxation sofa and massage beds.

"I'm then led to my treatment room. The changing area has everything I need, and is very similar to a hotel room. There are two showers, a restroom and changing room, with body creams, shower gels, shampoo and conditioner, hairdryers and gorgeously lit candles in each available space.

"Susanne tells me that at Ushvani appointments to the spa are staggered so that guests are able to enjoy the experience alone or just with the friends they booked with.

"I change into my swimwear and head into the spa area. Here there is a beautiful spa pool, with a waterfall feature against the wall. You can turn the bubble jets on as you please, and bask in the relaxing aura of the room. After enjoying the pool, you can steam your skin in the sauna and then wash away the troubles of the outside world in the ‘experience shower.’

"The shower has three settings; Cold Wave, lighting up in serene green with refreshing cool water. Warm Monsoon, giving red coloured lights and misty warm splashes and lastly Tropical Fusion, brightening the shower in yellow and blue with warmer water sprays. The ‘experience shower,’ when turned on, also lets out a soft peppermint scent from the water jets to put you in pure tranquility ahead of your massage treatment.

"A while after returning to the changing room to get ready for my massage, I was called by my masseuse and led into a room filled with scented candles and softly played Malaysian music. Attention to detail is excellent in Ushvani. I especially liked the glass panel on the floor below the massage pillow (where you look to as you lie face down on the massage bed) as it's filled with beautiful red flowers and bubble-like decorations.

"After a brief consultation, where I'm asked about any muscle stresses or tensed areas, my masseuse advises that I'll have a 'Malay Massage.'

"Described as ‘long kneading strokes, it's considered to be one of the gentler approaches amongst the Asian therapies, and its benefits are more soothing and toning. I lie face down on the massage bed and fall into a deep relaxation.

"This massage works on the shoulders, hands, back, legs and feet. I then turn over, face-up, where the massage solely concentrates on the digestive system – pressuring on points of the stomach and releasing toxins to help with your metabolism. The last part of the massage, where optional oil is applied, you get a stunning facial and scalp massage.

"After the massage ends, you're given a glass of water to re-hydrate your body while the masseuse talks you through the massage you have just had, and advises on where your muscles felt most tense and how to ease this in the future.

"I head back to the changing room to refresh and change. The spa then serves Asian tea in the tearoom, which is a perfect end to a perfect spa.

"As I leave the Ushvani spa, I take the relaxation, tranquility and peace of the Malaysian world with me."

Details

Price: £180 (90 minute massage), £240 (120 minutes), Pregnancy massage is £150 for 75 minutes. Spa facilities included in the price.

Any specific packages to highlight: The couple’s package in the Asmara suite is £620 for 180 minutes. Again, spa facilities included. There are also body scrub and wrap treatments at £60 for 30 minutes, scalp and Bespoke foot treatments, £60 for 30 minutes, along with a signature facial which is £130 for 90 minutes.

Website: www.ushvani.com

Contact: 0207 730 2888 or reservations@ushvani.com