The UK wellness spas redefining holistic happiness

With longevity coming to the fore as the wellbeing buzzword of the moment, modern spas must offer far more than just an indulgent massage or soothing facial to stand out from the crowd. Now, mind, body and spirit must be considered alongside restorative treatments, reenergising products and regenerative programmes to capitalise on feel good — and look good — results.

So, what should we expect from our new wellness regime? These sensational spas and clinics may have the answer. From ancient Greek inspiration to high-tech massages and — crucially — highly personalised and individualised wellness plans to meet all your health, beauty or vitality goals, explore our pick of the remarkable spas redefining holistic happiness.GALEN | PHILOSOPHY OF BALANCE

Head to Marylebone to discover a luxurious new centre off Harley Street, a haven of contemporary calm in a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse. While many spas and clinics offer a holistic approach, Galen  is setting a new standard. Whether seeking to preserve vitality, age-proof and energise skin and body, reinforce the mind or target specific aches and pains, Galen has a range of options from classic facials to surgical solutions — as well as programmes geared towards improving mental health, such as meditation, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy-based NLP.

The centre is named for the prominent ancient Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher Claudius Galenus, whose focus on equilibrium in healing was influential for centuries and underpins what this namesake clinic stands for today. Blending contemporary medicine with ancient philosophies of balance and harmony, the addition of new scientific diagnostic tools also allows for comprehensive assessments. With renewed attention on self-healing, backed by scientific progress and a deep understanding of our bodies, Galen’s individualised treatment plans promise a happier, healthier whole.

galenhealth.co.ukTHE HVN | SENSATIONAL SELF-CARE

The HVN (pronounced ‘haven’) in Knightsbridge is the first sanctuary of its kind in the UK, bringing future-facing, evidence-based wellness technology that dares to ask: what if we were the architects of our own wellbeing?

With detailed personalised plans and consultations with in-house doctors, practitioners and experts, HVN aims to curate a one-of-a-kind spa experience curated to your needs. From hydro-bed massage (a British first) and Fotona non-surgical laser treatments, to fusing ancient therapies with modern sciences in a range of indulgent yet effective products, HVN offers unique treatments that focus on supporting a range of issues from hormonal imbalance to body posture and hair loss. HVN is, no pun intended, a haven for personalised wellness, curated to cultivate the most important relationship in our lives — our relationship with ourselves.

the-hvn.comWILDSMITH SKIN | BOTANICAL BRILLIANCE

Get ready to take natural wellness to a new extreme with Wildsmith Skin, whose philosophy is inspired by the great outdoors — and, more specifically, its namesake 19th-century horticulturalist William Walker Wildsmith. Wildsmith’s The Bothy spa at Hampshire’s Heckfield Estate offers a range of treatments designed to support recovery, repair and balance —  each inspired by the principles of the body’s circadian rhythm.

Perhaps the most impressive treatment is its pioneering Radical Botany Facial — a specially curated facial incorporating guided breathwork, gentle cleanse and exfoliation, myofascial release, acupressure, and a personally curated range of clinically proven skincare products. The key to the facial’s efficacy is moisture: Wildsmith’s research says that improvements in skin moisture measures 171% instantly, increasing to up to 194% after 24 hours, while skin smoothness instantly increases by up to 54%, rising to 65% after 48 hours.

Londoners can also experience this unique facial at Liberty London, following the success of May’s The Wildsmith House, an immersive treatment space that featured a tranquil woodland setting transplanted from Heckfield — including descendants of the original specimen trees planted by William in the 1860s. There, guests can also explore the indulgent Wildsmith Skin product range, to keep that in-spa glow at home.

wildsmithskin.comSURRENNE | LUXURY LONGEVITY

Stepping straight into the next gen of wellbeing, luxury hospitality group Maybourne — the force behind iconic London institutions Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley — has announced the launch of Surrenne in Knightsbridge. Described as a wellbeing and longevity member’s club, the concept, which is set to open in April alongside the group’s new London hotel, The Emory, goes beyond the traditional spa offering, taking an all-round approach to wellbeing, working alongside sector leaders to introduce holistic and cutting-edge treatments, all science-backed and evidence-based.

Set over four floors and across nearly 2,000 sqm, the space is home to a gym, 22m swimming pool with sound system for in-water meditation, and a global first longevity clinic in partnership with Virtusan — whose scientific advisory board includes the industry expertise of neurobiology and ophthalmology expert Dr Andrew Huberman, biologist and academic Dr David Sinclair and clinical psychologist Dr Shauna Shapiro — offering members diagnostics and bespoke programmes to ensure optimal performance and wellbeing. The club is also home to the UK’s first studio from A-list fitness expert Tracy Anderson, medical-grade skincare by leading surgeon and skin expert Dr Lara Devgan, and a menu devised by nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson at the Surrenne Café.

surrenne.com

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