EMMA HILL

The following article is published in the April issue of Vogue Japan.  Here is an English version of the text.

London’s Biggest Spa Opens

Espa Life at the new Corinthia Hotel is London’s largest spa.   It is set over four floors, covers 3,000 square metres and has 27 treatment rooms.  It has been designed to achieve a sense of both opulence and intimacy.   Its ivory and black lacquer lined corridors are designed on a curve, and in spite of its size, private spaces and pods throughout create a feeling of privacy.

Luxurious spa treatments are inspired by traditional techniques from around the world and are tailored to suit the individual.  These run alongside complementary therapies.   There is a private spa suite, which offers treatments for two people – it starts with a Rasaul Healing Mud Ritual followed with a two-hour treatment of your choice (£525 for three hours for two people).

The thermal floor is one of the most outstanding in London.   The silver-lined swimming pool is reflected in the ceiling, so as you swim a length it ripples and the effect is magical.  The vitality pool is difficult to leave, it is at the perfect balmy temperature, and air and water massage jets positioned along its sides loosen up muscles prior to treatment.  The sauna is set in a low, glass-walled cubicle while the mosaic steam room has been designed with separate seated areas.

Even the changing rooms have their own heat facilities.  There is a steam room as well as heated loungers in front of an open fire.  The relaxation room has sleep pods, ideal for a snooze after a massage.  A day spa package includes use of all facilities as well as a glass of Champagne or freshly squeezed juice on arrival and a two-course lunch in the Spa Lounge (from £300 for Stress Eliminator, 2 hrs 25 minutes). There is also a fully equipped 24-hour gym run by personal trainer, Stephen Price and a Daniel Galvin salon, complete with private room for those seeking complete privacy.

ESPA Life at the Corinthia, Whitehall Place, London, tel: +44 20 7321 3050, espalifeatcorinthia.com.

Heeley L’Amandière Extrait de Parfum

James Heeley, the perfumer behind this scent is gathering a name for himself among beauty insiders, for creating unique, luxurious fragrances with a story.   L’Amandière (£147 for 50ml) was inspired by his fiancé.  The result is Spring like with almond blossom, bluebells, hyacinths, grass and lime blossom.   There’s jasmine and rose in there too.   It is part of a collection of three new scents.  Bubblegum Chic is a new interpretation of classic jasmine, which he has combined with a red fruit, strawberry note.  The third is Agarwood, which uses the woody, smoky notes of oud.

Heeley, a designer, was first inspired to explore perfumery by the late French perfumer, Annick Goutal in 1996.   He has learned his skill in Grasse alongside traditional perfumers.  His core collection comprises eleven Eau de Parfums, the first of which was Figuier (£98 for 100ml).  It combines the scent of fig with green grass, tea and rhubarb notes for a fresh, scent reminiscent of the Mediterranean.   There is also a Figuier Perfumed Candle, which forms part of a collection of twelve, including Cosmic Chocolate with the scent of dark chocolate and Menthe Fraîche, fresh mint and green tea.  Each candle is hand poured in France with a blend of slow burning soy and beeswax.  They burn for 45 minutes.

Heeley from Les Senteurs, 71 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9PJ, tel:  020 7730 2322). Perfumed Candles from: jamesheeley.com.