You don’t need to be an inbred royal nutjob in Imperial Rome to enjoy the lavish treatments they so took for granted.
Conveniently situated at the Bulgari Hotel and Residences in Knightsbridge, the Bulgari Spa is something very special indeed. Measuring an impressive 2,000 square metres, the two-story spa is one of the largest and most exclusive urban retreats in the city, and LUSSO are very much smitten.
Upon entering the hotel, I was shown down to what is by far the most elegant basement I have ever been in. A candlelit cave of a reception held jasmine tea, essential oils and welcoming smiles. Before indulging in a treatment, I took the time to fully experience what was referred to as “the facilities” but which I dub ‘heaven on earth’.
After changing and donning a rather fetching dressing gown, I headed through to the poolside. I selected a particularly inviting cabana (it was a tricky decision, given that I had the entire spa to myself) and swam a few lengths of the beautiful green glass Italian mosaic pool before retreating. I was brought tea and made frequent trips to the snack table, which bore almost every type of nut, perfectly green apples and jugs of brilliant orange-infused water that has somehow proved impossible to replicate. The gold leaf tiled vitality pool gave the impression of being in ancient Rome, and the saunas, steam rooms and hammam weren’t bad additions either!
Feeling like royalty, I sashayed my way through to reception and was lead up to the relaxation room where I was to await my therapist. A lovely young lady came and met me, taking me to our private treatment room (one of eleven). I opted for the 90 minute long ‘Body Radiance Treatment’, which promised to even my skin tone whilst hydrating, leaving the skin radiant and glowing. It did. Starting out with an incredible foot massage, I was given various fragrances to select from, which I inhaled from an aromatherapy bowl. I was then thoroughly exfoliated, smothered in a delectable moisturising mask and wrapped up in tin foil to bake, during which I had a great head massage. It was incredible. The highly skilled therapists use products by ESPA, a fully natural luxury skincare company. Other available treatments include a Renewing Enzyme Facial, Luxury Body Ice Polish, and a Luxury Medical Pedicure by principle podiatrist (try saying that quickly!), Margaret Dabbs. All treatments are designed exclusively for Bulgari.
If you’re so inclined (I obviously wasn’t), the spa also has an impressive gym and Bodyism studios, which have been highly commended by US Vogue, so are obviously rather fabulous. Another Bulgari bonus is the restaurant, Il Restaurante. Alongside a very tempting array of dishes is a Bodyism menu of recommended meals – meals to keep you ‘clean and lean’ – which sounds like a good deal.
It is worth noting that the staff are particularly brilliant – so kind and very attentive. I honestly can’t recommend the Bulgari Spa enough. For total relaxation and escapism from the real world, it is ideal.