Treat of the month: Ajala Spa
Friday 22 October 2010
As the nights get darker and the days colder, you can’t help but feel a little depressed. And, with the way our summer went this year, I think we have the right to shed a little angry face as the winter season well and truly sets in.
But, like with any negative there must come a silver lining – and this year's said silver lining comes in the form of the Ajala Spa.
Set amongst the gorgeous scenery of St Paul’s Cathedral, this five-star spa is luxury in the finest form. Positioned beneath the Grange Hotel, Ajala boasts the right amount of exclusivity and secrecy, without making you feel not-good-enough.
Upon entering the spa, you instantly forget that you are right in the heart of the city – the warm and calm atmosphere resembles that of a tropical paradise, with the friendly therapists only adding to the ambience.
I was welcomed with a stint in their relaxation room, which offers complimentary drinks and nibbles (of the posh sort) until my therapist showed me to my treatment room.
I was booked in for a hot stone massage, which was a completely new experience for me (I’m not normally one for being pampered!) and I can’t have asked for a better treatment for my aching limbs. Being hunched over a keyboard all day is not great for the back, I’ll tell you.
The dim light and relaxing music, along with my very professional therapist ensured I was instantly relaxed. And then the massage began.
She started the massage with her hands, which was divine enough, until she began massaging me with two hot stones. The heat was surprisingly very soothing – I had to resist the temptation of falling into a deep sleep a couple of times. The massage lasted 1 hour and was extremely relaxing; I felt 100% better as I came back to full consciousness.
I was able to come out of the treatment room in my own time as my therapist prepared the Sunlight Room for me.
The Sunlight Room is a fantastic way to keep away that dreaded SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.)
The only commercial one of its kind in Britain, the Sunlight Room recreates the natural sunlight found in hot countries but with a reduced UV. So, there is no need to worry about harmful rays!
Once inside this therapeutic room, which can seat up to four, you can programme the room to create the bright midday sun of Miami, the sunrise and sunset of Barley or the relaxing mood of Mauritius.
I was told that being inside the Sunlight Room could help my blood circulation; it could reduce muscle and joint pain and promotes the production of D3 vitamins.
After being offered a vast selection of different teas, I opted for the unusual rosebud (made with real rosebuds), which was delicious. The refreshments came with a selection of fruit and chocolate – all with gorgeous presentation, naturally!
My 45 minutes in the Sunlight Room was pure paradise. The tea, the refreshments and the soothing music teamed with the ‘sunlight’ made me feel happy on the inside and out, literally! I didn’t want it to end if I’m honest.
I finished my afternoon off with a sneaky peak around the rest of the spa – which has a very impressive wet area, including sauna, steam room and jacuzzi as well as a stunning swimming pool.
All in all, I had a fantastic time at the Ajala Spa and would recommend it to anyone that is in some real need of a little TLC. Just a shame I had to get on a crowded tube straight after…
By Kelby McNally
Ajala Spa are offering a fab discount for Closeronline readers too.
The hot stone massages normally retails at £155
Closer reader offer:
30 minutes: £55
1 hour: £95
To book an appointment or for more information visit www.grangehotels.com or call 02070741000