Opportunities to be pampered should never be rejected out of hand and so when a chance arose for me to be on the receiving end of some intensive relaxation I grabbed it with both hands. I was to attend the Red Door spa in London, the only UK salon operated by US cosmetics giant, Elizabeth Arden, nestled in the heart of London's Mayfair district.
***BOOKING***
Not being one to hang around I decided that I just had to go that very day and so at 10:30 on a Sunday morning I found myself on the telephone to the salon where a very friendly and attentive lady told me a little about the spa and the treatments on offer.
The fact that it was 10:30 on a Sunday morning is relevant. The spa doesn't open until 11am on a Sunday and so I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was the telephone answered, but that it was answered in a cheery manner by a member of staff who could actually help.
The booking process was a doddle. I had printed off a list of available treatments from the web and already had a rough idea of what I wanted. The assistant who took the booking made sure that I understood exactly what each of the treatments involved and also engaged in a little bit of upselling to "better" treatments. This was done without being pushy and always leaving the choice with me.
There was no problem getting same day treatments, although I suspect that this was due to it being a Sunday.
***LOCATION***
The salon is situated in the heart of London's Mayfair in Davies Street. The nearest tube is Bond Street although I suspect that most of the clientele will arrive by car. Stepping out of the tube station onto Oxford Street it is but a short distance to Davies Street where the hustle and bustle of the shopping district is left behind for the quiet, reserved elegance of huge Edwardian white-stone buildings housing all manner of exclusive and expensive businesses along with the odd residential building. It feels exclusive and I'm not even there yet.
***ARRIVAL***
True to its name, the Red Door salon has… a red door. Bright pillar box red. From the street you can also see into the hair salon.
Enter through the red door and you find yourself in an understated reception area. Stands of Elizabeth Arden products are sited here and directly in front of you is the reception desk. Despite attending to another guest, the receptionist still managed to catch my eye and let me know that she would be with me in a minute. It felt most welcoming.
Once free, I gave my name to the receptionist and it turned out that she was the person I had spoken to earlier to make the booking. She recalled exactly what I was having done and, whilst booking me in, arranged for me to have a brief tour of the facilities.
The tour was conducted in a somewhat hurried manner by a young girl who seemed at odds with the surroundings and, once complete, I was introduced to the staff who would be pampering me and shown to a changing room to get undressed.
***WHAT'S PROVIDED*** You really could turn up to the salon with nothing but your day clothes on. Fluffy white robes and foam slippers are provided for your use. Towels are kept in a warmer and there were enough toiletries in the bathrooms to open up a new branch of Boots. Quality glossy magazines were available and all looked untouched.
***AND RELAX***
Having donned the robe and slippers off I went to the tiny waiting area from where I would be collected for the first treatment. The waiting area was a small room containing a sofa with loads of fluffy cushions, a round table set for two, and a slightly larger table with four chairs. Fresh fruit was present in abundance together with iced water and fruit juices. Soft music played in the dimly lit room. I could feel myself unwind.
My first treatment was a Signature Facial. I was led to a private room containing a couch, sink and trolleys packed full of products. My therapist talked me through what was involved and then said that she would leave the room whilst I disrobed and got onto the couch covering myself with a soft duvet and towels.
The facial itself was excellent and I was shamed as I was asked to describe my normal routine and what products I used. Apparently soap and water were not good enough! This was all done in a friendly manner however, and at no time did I feel uncomfortable. Laying there with my eyes closed I have no idea just what was put on my face, but suffice to say it all smelled wonderful. Whilst this was being done, my lips were enjoying an intensive olive oil treatment and, much to my surprise, my hands and lower arms were enjoying being encased in heated gloves whilst a cocoa butter softening treatment was applied. Since when hands have formed part of a facial I don't know but I wasn't complaining!
It was then that the steam machine was turned on and the accupressure massage began. I was in heaven. How I did not fall asleep as the therapist applied pressure all over the face, neck and upper back I do not know! Maybe, however, it was to soften me up for what was to come….
The penultimate part of the facial was known as "extraction". I call it zit-zapping! Firm but gentle pressure was applied to rid the pores of all of the grime and blackheads that had been loosened by a combination of the facial and the steam. I'm so glad that I couldn't see what was going on! Yuck was all I could think!
Finally, the zit-zapping over with, a cooling serum was applied to the face and left whilst my hands were freed from their warm cocoons and the remaining cream worked into the skin.
I had the option of complimentary make up being applied but declined on the basis that I wanted to enjoy my deeply cleansed skin "au naturel".
I was left for a few minutes to collect my thoughts, to get up in my own time and then to return to the waiting area for my next session. Incredibly relaxed after just 50 minutes.
The second thing I booked to have done was a hair cut. The hairdresser that was due to serve me was running a little late. It turned out that this was because the salon had agreed to colour the hair of a strict Muslim woman who could not be seen in the communal area for religious reasons. The salon agreed to accommodate her in a private area and were the only salon in the area to offer this. As compensation for the small wait I would have to endure, I was offered a complimentary deep conditioning treatment which I gladly accepted.
Not much to say about the salon - the cut was good and the staff professional. Good sanitation procedures were in place and seemed to be observed at all times. I was very pleased with the result.
***SERVICE***
Service levels were incredibly high throughout. Lots of attention was paid to guest comfort at all times and it was clear that the salon had "regulars" who were shown much respect.
The salon was incredibly clean and tidy. Service women refreshed fruit, water and juices constantly, cleared towels and robes and ensured that the towel warmer was fully stocked. Nothing was too much trouble.
***ANY NEGATIVES?***
Just a couple. The changing area was mixed sex. You were told of this but with only a linen curtain between you and the world when actually disrobing some may be uncomfortable.
The second was the placing of a television in the waiting area. I had not noticed this at first but upon returning to the waiting area a male guest was watching football. I did not find this relaxing at all! I feel that the salon should just stick to the soft music and let people escape.
Finally there's no pool or jacuzzi - that would have been the icing on the cake!
***AFTER THOUGHTS***
I left the salon with a real spring in my step. I work hard and rarely have any me-time. This was pure, unadulterated indulgence. Just over 3 hours in this place made me feel young and vibrant and left me with such an incredibly good buzz - priceless.
My skin felt soft and nourished and radiated a glow that I rarely see. My new hair-style fell with a previously undiscovered bounce and movement.
Longer term my skin stayed clear and blemish free for a good 4 weeks. It probably would have been longer had work not got so hectic and the stress levels risen so much. As for the hair, the style is growing out well and I haven't had my hair cut since (now over 3 months ago).
Compared to other spas I have been to (including Champneys and Madonna's favourite, Agua at The Sanderson) this was miles above the rest. Attentiveness and service were second to none and I definitely received the best facial I have ever had.
It's perhaps not the place to go for a day and no longer packages are available. I did not sample the food but the menu looked impressive. I would see it purely as a treatment spa, perhaps booking one or two treatments for intensive relaxation.
Clientele was mixed both in terms of gender, age and race. It did not feel snooty and at no time was there any sense of "them and us" about the place.
***AND THE COST***
Not as much as I thought.
The haircut actually cost me less than my normal salon, £42. The facial was £67 but for me was worth every penny. It's not cheap but the feelings that I left with were priceless.
***USEFUL INFORMATION***
All manner of treatments are available at the spa from facials and massage to nail treatments and reflexology. The spa also offers packages, half day, day and speciality which would make suitable gifts. All are listed at http://www.reddoorspas.com/pricing/spapackageslondon.pdf
The spa is open weekdays from 10am to 7pm (9am to 9pm on some days) and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
The spa operates a "preferred program" which is basically a loyalty card entitling you to a certain amount back for every large amount spent. A little bonus but nothing more.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
