Treatment Review

 

SPC DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, BAGLIONI SPA, LONDON

Tested by Louise Emma Clarke

What it promises: Using luxurious SPC products, this massage consists of deep tissue and remedial techniques and is strongly recommended for those with aches, pains, muscle tension and stress.

What happens: It was the moment when the door of my taxi was opened by a uniformed hotel porter, who then guided me through the grand hotel reception to the reception of the Baglioni Spa, that I realised I was in for a treat. I wasn’t wrong… This is no regular spa experience – booking in for a 55-minute massage gave me access to a luxurious changing room (complete with sauna and steam room) and my own locker, containing a cosy gown and slippers. After filling in the necessary forms, I was collected by my therapist and lead to our treatment room, which was decorated in cosy shades of mocha brown and cream. I had indicated that I was suffering from back pain, so the therapist decided to concentrate specifically on my back for the hour-long treatment (the signature treatment would work on my whole body). I asked for a deep pressure, which would ensure results – and after taking a few deep breaths, whilst the therapist felt areas of my back, she honed in on the exact area that was causing me pain (I was astonished she had discovered it so quickly). After a good 15-minutes on this one area, the muscle loosened and she moved on to the rest of my back, shoulders, neck, and head. My back was not in good shape (due to hours bent over the computer…), so the massage was sometimes slightly uncomfortable – but I also found it very relaxing and even dropped off to sleep towards the end of the treatment. As an added bonus, the SPC massage oil was beautifully scented and left my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. After a cup of relaxing tea, I was ready to head out the hotel, past the porter, and take on High Street Kensington towards my commute home…

The Results: I’m no stranger to deep tissue massages – but this treatment was in a different league to anything I’ve tried before. The therapist understood my back pain within minutes of arriving on her treatment bed – and worked relentlessly to ease my pain, whilst making the experience as relaxing and soothing as possible. I was incredibly impressed and will definitely be heading back. As I walked out of the spa, I felt far surprisingly taller and completely ache-free. It might be a little corny to say that I had ‘a spring in my step’ – but I genuinely did.

Price: £95 for 55 minutes

Location: Baglioni Hotel, 60 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5BB. 0207 3685923. www.baglionihotels.com