Last week, I finally got around to using my Wahanda spa vouchers, which I'd been looking longingly at every day for a few hectic weeks when I was too busy to take a much needed day off. But after one late night too many, I decided enough was enough and after researching spa days until my head span, I headed over to City Point Club in Moorgage, armed with my vouchers. I chose their Retreat Spa Day package; an option I felt would be a particularly treat for an impending birthday I wish wasn't happening...
On arrival, the very friendly receptionist gave me a tour around the spa. As tours went, it was pretty good: she showed me everything I needed, while acknowledging that as a bit of a spa-addict I pretty much 'knew the drill' and would want to get on and explore. My first impression of the club was that it looked a lot like a fantasy world from a sci-fi series: dark, muted colours and mood lighting in the corridors help shake off the stresses of the outside world from the minute you arrive, and essential oils set the mood for relaxation. On the other side of the main entrance it's a different story: the large gym is a hive of activity with personal trainers on hand to help you out.
Read on for my verdict on the Spa
One thing to bear in mind about this spa (which is really more of a 'health club') is that it's always open to members, who come and go throughout the day. This makes the overall atmosphere marginally less relaxing than some, if what you're looking for is a completely pampering break from reality, as reality does keep coming through the door in the form of besuited city-types! I was initially a bit put off by this as I like to retreat into my own world on a spa day. But once I'd got used to that idea it didn't bother me: I just took full advantage of the health club elements of the spa, which include a very well equipped gym, complete with every type of fitness machine you can imagine. While I'm not normally a gym bunny myself, it was good to be able to pass the time getting some much-needed exercise, and it made me far keener to seek out spas with decent gyms again in future.
The spa facilities themselves, however, are great, and are everything you'd hope for in a large club. All seemed very clean and in full working order -- and I frequently found I had the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi to myself (muhahaha). My absolute highlight of the day had to be the relaxation room, which was so calming and comforting I managed to catch a few blissful moments of sleep, and from that point on was so chilled I never wanted to leave! My only criticism of the facilities in general was that I found the corridors a little bit cool for my liking: I feel the cold far more keenly than most people, so am probably not the best barometer for judging temperature, but I did find myself having to huddle up in my dressing gown a few times.
Treatment-wise, my 'mini massage', which was included as part of an £80 day package, was also exceptionally good: it lasted around 20 minutes, and was so thorough that it left me very curious to know what I would have got in a full massage that wasn't included here! While some spas focus on fussy ritual and atmosphere in the massage parlour, this one just seems to employ really well-trained therapists who obviously know what they're doing - mine made my whole body tingle (in a good way) and completely unknotted the tension that had built up after a difficult week at work. The treatment rooms themselves were also pleasant and relaxing.
As I emerged from the spa into a wet and windy autumn evening, I felt sure I'd want to go back. Next time I need a full workout and want to get my head in shape afterwards, this will be my first port of call.
In summary: a great place to give your body and mind a treat in a location that's easy to reach for central Londoners: Perfect if you're the sort of easily-bored spa visitor who wants to both work out AND chill out.