Claridge’s unveils first-ever spa inspired by Japanese temples and Zen gardens

Upmarket London hotel Claridge’s has opened the doors to a brand new subterranean spa retreat as part of a seven-year property-wide overhaul.

Found three floors below the Mayfair hotel, the softly-lit minimalistic spa has been designed by interior architect André Fu who drew inspiration from his visits to traditional Japanese temples and Zen gardens in Kyoto.

Fu has incorporated natural elements such as limestone, wood and water into the interiors to create a natural calming atmosphere.

This Japanese influence has also influenced the spa menu which pays homage to the art of ceremony in Japanese culture through the incorporation of opening and closing rituals during each treatment on the menu.

Guests can choose from a variety of treatments ranging from an authentic Japanese-inspired Bamboo and Silk body ritual to a selection of facials provided by Augustinus Bader or Facegym.

Facegym founder and spa consultant Inge Theron played an important role in bringing the new space to life thanks to her role as creative director of spa and wellness for Maybourne Hotel Group – Claridge's parent company*.

Theron conceptualised the new spa from start to finish and said: "We've created a spa here at Claridge’s where guests will find both holistic practices and results driven high-tech all under one roof.

"The Claridge’s Spa service style is inspired by and reflects this great, legendary hotel. The attention to detail that has been in place here for centuries – the way we steep our tea, the way we make our beds – is reflected in this new space, from handmade poultices made daily by our team with the seasonal ingredient, to the way our saunas are complete with star-like twinkling lights, and silk thimbles are used by our incredible therapists for exfoliation during facials.

"Claridge’s Spa is the very beginning of a new wellness journey for Maybourne Hotel Group."

Additional spa partners include British skincare and wellbeing brand La-Eva and spa and wellness equipment supplier Gharieni.

The heart of the spa is a thermal area that’s home to a heated pool surrounded by private relaxation cabanas and framed by a multi-vaulted ceiling and stone columns. Additional facilities include a selection of steamrooms, saunas and seven treatment rooms with private bathrooms.

Led by spa director Hattie David-Wilkinson, the spa team will keep the wellness offering fresh and current with a regularly updated schedule of visiting wellness masters including nail artist Harriet Westmoreland and acupuncturist Ross J Barr.

For those looking for a personalised experience, Claridge’s Spa has an in-house Spa Concierge who works with guests to craft treatments for a special occasion or devise a longer-term health plan.

Claridge's has completed the offering with appointment-only hair services by celebrity hairstylist Josh Wood as well as nail services, waxing and make-up services upon request.

Fitness enthusiasts can also get their fill at the spa thanks to its modern connected fitness studio equipped with Peloton, Pent and NOHrd equipment. In addition, private PT sessions are available on demand to work with guests either at the gym or in the privacy of their own room.

The addition of the new spa has been part of an extensive seven-year hotel-wide update which has seen the property’s footprint double thanks to a five-floor excavation underground and the addition of two new floors above ground.

*Claridge's is part of the luxury Maybourne Hotel Group which also includes London-based hotels The Connaught and The Berkeley, as well as The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and The Maybourne Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.