The best spa hotels in London for 2025, reviewed by experts

Right in the heart of London’s West End, Hotel Café Royal is less of a hotel and more of an a storied institution; imagine an opulent fusion of heritage glamour and contemporary sophistication. Once a lively extension of the legendary Café Royal, this Grade II-listed landmark has been transformed into a five-star urban sanctuary, where ornate period features grace the public spaces and sleek modern elegance defines the guest suites.

Head below street level and you’ll find Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, one of London’s most impressive spa retreats. Hidden beneath Regent Street’s bustle lies a tranquil, low-lit oasis with an 18-metre lap pool, a Watsu hydrotherapy pool, hammam, sauna, steam room and bubbling Jacuzzis—essentially everything you need to fully unwind.

Akasha is about more than indulgence—it’s genuinely holistic. Nine serene treatment rooms (including a spacious double suite) sit alongside a well-equipped gym, yoga and meditation studios, and a treatment menu that blends Eastern traditions with cutting-edge techniques. Expect Reiki, nutrition consultations, Pilates, revitalising facials, and massages featuring brands like Valmont, Sundãri, MarocMaroc and U Beauty.

Upstairs, service is faultless and dining inventive. You can linger over a Champagne-laced afternoon tea in the gilded Oscar Wilde Room, then retreat to a suite so pristine you’d struggle to spot a single speck of dust. Televisions are suitably oversized, the mini-fridge is generously stocked, and the only quibble is that the “double” bed is actually two singles pushed together. Still, Hotel Café Royal delivers a rare kind of luxury: the freedom to explore London’s cultural heart by day, and return to pure serenity beneath your feet by night.

Time Out tip: Go the whole hog and book a royal treats spa day, complete with champagne afternoon tea in the Grill Room. 

Address: 68 Regent Street, London W1B 4DY

Price: Starting from approximately £790 per night

Nearest transport: Piccadilly Circus is a two-minute walk

Bordering Oxford Circus, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a little pocket of calm on one of London’s busiest corners – and its spa is its most serene spot. Inside, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners you’ll find a world of sleek marble, muted golds and soothing blues, and rooms are seriously zen, decked out in shades of blue and white. But the crowning jewel of this hotel is its spa, which is incredibly dark and quiet, like you’re being led into a little cocoon. Every detail is thought through here, from the green marble detailing to the dark wood changing room. 

Signature treatments here are based on traditional Chinese medicine, and therapists are incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The vibe isn’t turbocharged face gyms but more focussed on sleep, relaxation and finding ultimate calm – during your treatment, your therapist will likely stick on the hotel’s bespoke sleep soundtrack to soothe you. You may fall asleep. 

But don’t just book a treatment while you’re here – put aside (at least) an entire afternoon to spend time across the whole space. As part of the spa area there’s also a 25-metre pool, which is illuminated by twinkly lights, along with three ‘vitality pools’, a sauna, steam room and jacuzzis. There’s also a gym with a personal trainer studio, a reformer pilates machine, crosstrainers and all that jazz. 

To go all out, you can book onto ‘The Ultimate City Sleep Retreat,’ with a two-hour treatment, a yoga session by BodySpace, some sort of pre-sleep supplement and a turn-down tea service (£620). 

Time Out tip: Want to complete your day of indulgence? Buy something expensive from Liberty afterwards, and finish with the very famous afternoon tea at Claridge’s. 

Address: 22 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1S 1JP

Price: Rooms start from £1,000 per night

Nearest transport: Bond Street is the nearest station. London Heathrow Airport is a 45-minute journey via the Elizabeth Line

Despite its grandeur and 264 rooms, Rosewood London feels surprisingly welcoming. The hotel is full of quiet luxury touches, from marble bathrooms with Votary products to beds personalised with your initials stitched into the pillows (a fun, slightly surreal flourish). While there’s no pool, there’s plenty to indulge in elsewhere, including the Holborn Dining Room – a majestic British brasserie famed for its award-winning pies made in the charming Pie Room. Across the courtyard, Scarfes Bar delivers mood-lit cocktails with live jazz, while the elegant Mirror Room hosts an opulent afternoon tea.

But tucked away in its basement lies the tranquil Sense spa – a cocoon of slate walls, bamboo panelling and plush furnishings that feels worlds away from the buzz of High Holborn above. Though it’s a bit of a trek to find (past long, striped corridors), once you’re inside it’s all about calm. Treatments here blend traditional techniques with modern wellness trends, including the Epsom Salt Detoxifying Body Ritual and the British Rose Massage. The menu features high-end skincare from Votary and cult LA brand Face Place, known for their red carpet facials (treatments use products from Hollywood specialist Face Place and natural skincare brand Votary). 

After your treatment, you can wind down in the serene relaxation lounge with herbal tea and healthy snacks – emerging noticeably more zen than when you arrived. In fact, the corridor that felt long and uninviting seems much more peaceful after you emerge – hopefully you’ll feel the same heading back out to bustling Holborn. 

Time Out tip: Feeling like a bit of indulgence after your facial? Head down to the Holborn Dining Room for a handmade pie – the Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and wild mushrooms is a standout. 

Located conveniently along the Southbank, Sea Containers has one of the best locations in the city. And with interiors conceived by Tom Dixon – you know, he of all the glorious shiny things that you want to fill your home with – it’s also kitted out with one of the sleekest looks in town, inside and out. Beautiful, yes, but also functional. 

Perched right on the Thames, the hotel offers stunning views of London’s skyline — think the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, and beyond — which you can soak up from the stylish rooftop 12th Knot bar. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, surrounded by slick interiors and buzzing atmosphere.

Inside, Tom Dixon’s signature maritime-inspired design is everywhere. From gleaming copper walls and porthole mirrors in the lobby to elegant touches throughout the rooms, the whole place feels like stepping aboard a glamorous 1920s ocean liner — but with all the modern luxuries you want. The bedrooms are a cosy yet sophisticated retreat, with plush beds and plenty of thoughtful touches to make your stay effortless.

Food and drink at Sea Containers don’t disappoint. The all-day Sea Containers Restaurant serves seasonal British dishes that hit the spot whether you’re after a full meal or a light bite. For something a little different, Lyaness on the ground floor offers innovative cocktails with prime river views, making it a brilliant spot to start or end your evening.

If relaxation is your game, the Agua Spa is the place to be. The white and gold interiors are a serene oasis, and the treatment menu is packed with options from deep tissues massages or refreshing facials (we highly reccommend the 60-minute personalised therapeutic agua Advanced Bodywork treatment).  The whole experience is fantastic for the mind, body and soul, and best of all it is pretty Instagrammable. 

Time Out tip: Book the signature mud cure treatment for a full-body exfoliation in a traditional Turkish bath.

Address: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD

Price: Prices start at £200 a night

Closest Transport: Southwark Station is a three-minute walk

The Dorchester has got a bit of a reputation, to say the least. Its name is recognised the world over, synonymous with old-school glamour, impeccable service and a guest list that reads like a who’s who of royalty, Hollywood and high society. Since opening in 1931, this Park Lane grande dame has played host to countless star-studded soirées and discreet high-powered meetings, all beneath its iconic, chandelier-studded ceilings. And okay, yes, it’s expensive—but if you’ve got the cash to splash, a stay here is the kind you’ll never forget.

Overlooking Hyde Park, you’re right in the heart of London, with the capital’s landmarks, shopping districts and theatres on your doorstep. Inside, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to where to lay your head: 180 rooms, 57 suites, two penthouse suites, a rooftop suite and even a royal suite, each blending classic elegance with modern comfort. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, you’ve got more than enough choice: The Dorchester’s dining scene is as glamorous as its guestrooms, from the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse’s serene French fine dining to Tom Booton’s contemporary British plates at The Grill (don’t miss the beef wellington). Add in decadent afternoon tea at The Promenade, glitzy Cantonese at China Tang, and cocktails in the stylish Vesper or Artist’s Bar, and you’ve got a line-up worth dressing up for.

And for proper relaxation, the spa is an absolute must. Scented with Dorchester roses, and offering indulgences like Natura Bissé diamond facials, Dr Uliana Gout’s ‘Celebrity’ treatments and a blissful relaxation room, it is an underground retreat. Guests can also swim or hit the gym at sister hotel 45 Park Lane, just across the road.

Address: 53 Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA

Price: Prices start at £880 per room

Nearest transport: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Green Park are all within a 10-minute walk

Welcome to the tallest spa in London. Found on level 34-52 of The Shard, the Shangri-La Hotel has become one of the most iconic places to stay in the UK. Apart from its three dining and drinking venues, impeccable service and sweeping views from every window, it is famed for its spa; it boasts the highest infinity sky pool in Western Europe, plus a sauna with panoramic views, a 24-hour gym and the classic spa treatments we’re all familiar with. There are ELEMIS facials and massages, as well as manicures, pedicures, and expert hairdressing services which are all available too. Finish with a rose-petal bath and a glass at champagne. At that height, it all might feel a little like heaven.

Dressed in modern decor, the Shangri-La is the picture of sleek sophistication. Asian touches are there in every room: think wooden headboards and glorious artworks. Fresh flowers bring the outside world, inside, and staff greet you with a smile at every desk. The Ting restaurant describes itself as a “harmonious bend of East and West” with chicken satay, crispy glazed aubergines, noodles and rice dominating the menu. Don’t skip the cucumber salad; it is a flawless blend of zingy and fresh flavours.

The hotel has activities aplenty: there are guided tours you can sign up for to immerse yourself in all that London has to offer, plus plenty of exercise classes to enjoy. If you’re after a truly unforgettable experience, why not try Dine in the Sky? Enjoy a specially prepared three-course meal while taking in breathtaking views of London’s skyline, a dining experience you’re sure not to forget.

Time Out tip: Opt for the buffet breakfast – it's absolutely epic. 

Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU

Price: Prices start at £770

Nearest transport: London Bridge is a one-minute walk

The Bamford Wellness Spa, the city sister to the original in the Cotswolds, crowns the top of Knightsbridge’s Berkeley Hotel and is a destination in its own right (have you seen the rooftop pool? It’s like a Wes Anderson movie crossed with a perfume advert). Factor in green tea-infused body wraps and sweeping views over Hyde Park, and you’ve got the makings of a seriously luxurious day trip. There’s even a secret garden on the roof (yep, you heard that right).

You’ll find plenty on offer here, from the chic bar and terrace to the well-equipped fitness centre – if that’s more your bag. The treatment menu covers all the essentials, including the 90-minute full-body massage that blends shiatsu techniques with Swedish massage, Oskia facials, hand and foot treatments, and full-day packages (including one tailored specifically for a girls’ day out). With rooms scented in lavender, chamomile and rosemary, the whole experience feels like stepping into a serene botanical bubble.

Elsewhere, the hotel boasts the Michelin-starred restaurant Marcus, run by Marcus Wareing, where à la carte menus start at £90pp and tasting menus from £115. Rooms are designed with tranquillity in mind: walls painted in neutral tones, occasional exposed wood beams for warmth, and beds so vast you can stretch out like royalty.

Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, guests are perfectly placed to explore London’s most exclusive shopping and cultural attractions. Harrods and Harvey Nichols are a few steps away, while the V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum are a short stroll in the other direction. After a day of retail therapy or gallery hopping, you’ll be itching to return to The Berkeley – and that shimmering rooftop pool will be waiting for you.

Time Out tip: Style-conscious visitors should book in for the afternoon tea – it's fashion-themed.

Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL

Price: Rooms start at £1020 per night

Nearest transport: The Berkeley is a five-minute walk from Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner stations.

This swish Victorian hotel has had everyone from Oscar Wilde to Princess Diana sleeping in its super-high-thread-count sheets (though not at the same time, of course). It’s undoubtedly one of the most iconic hotels in the capital – known as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’ – but it's also one of the best. Partly because it hosts the equally swanky Chuan Spa. The underlying philosophy of this place is based on Chinese medicine, which has been around forever, and what's more, there's a well-equipped gym, sunken swimming pool, heated lounge chairs and a Himalayan rock salt sauna that glows with a warm amber hue. It's a one-stop shop for all your health and wellbeing needs.

The restored Palm Court continues its tradition of serving daily afternoon tea (the tea and scones are just heavenly – a practice it pioneered in 1865 and not one to miss). Situated just a few minutes’ walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Street, there is plenty around the hotel to keep you busy: in the summer, why not take a trip to the nearby Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre?

But, if you’re looking to wash away life’s concerns, then it is the Chuan Spa you’ll want to visit. Signature treatments include the Chuan Harmony massage and The Lavender Dream, designed to relax and rejuvenate. The whole vibe is one of pure, unfiltered peace. Music gently hums beneath the surface on arrival and spa wear is handed over, without a second to waste. Mobile phones are completely banned, so prepare to slip away into a disconnected oasis. Afterwards, the heated lounge chairs are the ideal place to slip into a state of rest.

Time Out tip: Be sure to do the Five Elements questionnaire before booking your treatment, to ensure you're matched with the perfect products to suit your body.

Address: 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA

Nearest transport: Oxford Circus is a four-minute walk away.

Price: A one-night stay starts at £650

One of the swishest hotels in the capital, with its American art deco vibe throughout, The Beaumont exudes the hedonistic and sophisticated essence of the roaring '20s. Dimly lit bars, acres of maple furniture and a gallery’s worth of art – it’s smart, unpretentious and positively plush. It's high-end Gatsby mixed with all the regality of old London. But that’s not all: It also boasts one of the few Moroccan hammams in London. There's also a gym, steam room and sauna that guests can use too. The hotel rooms themselves are just as blissfully designed and kitted out.

It is all done with creative New York inspired style: there are big booths to sit in with tiny glowing mals and oil paintings lining the hotel’s impeccably designed walls. It is basically an art-decor dream: there are cheuquerboard floors and velvet furnishings. Anthony Gormley has even designed his own suite, ROOM, which plush sofas and rich creative features. A complimentary limousine is on hand to drive you wherever you like (and you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity). Elsewhere each room comes with a Chromecast, a free movie selection, snacks and a minibar bursting with on-the-house drinks.

The small but perfectly formed spa in the basement of the chic hotel makes for a very fancy central London chill-out spot. The boutique space offers an ideal escape, with striking black and white tile decor and treatment rooms perfect for slipping away into relaxation. For a refreshing cooldown, the plunge pool is simply to die for. Plus, an onsite barber is available for a full makeover during your stay, adding the finishing touch to your indulgent visit.

Time Out tip: Try the sausage sandwich at breakfast. You won't regret it.

Address: Brown Hart Gardens, Balderton Street, W1K 6TF

Price: £945 a night

Nearest transport: Bond Street Station is a four-minute walk

Hint: if your therapist asks how you’d like the curtains at the Four Seasons Hotel spa, the correct answer is ‘open’. Each treatment room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with killer views over Hyde Park and as far as Battersea Power Station. Of course, what’s inside counts too. Don a fluffy robe and squishy flip-flops, then pad toward the heat therapy rooms complete with sauna and pool. Its wide range of treatments includes massages, facials, wraps, scrubs and nail care, each using high-end products from brands like ESPA and The Organic Pharmacy. Our recommendation? The the anti-pollution facial, done with jasmine-infused oil and acupressure massage.

The spa manages to feel both cocoon-like and expansive all at once. Don’t forget to try out the pool and the saunas; both will send you into a state of bliss. There are also a range of pilates, yoga and exercise classes you can sign up to. 

Since opening its doors in 1970, the Four Seasons Hotel has been ruling the roost when it comes to luxury stays in London. It serves a blend of old-school glamour and modern polish, with service so attentive it borders on telepathy. The interiors are a masterclass in timelessness; there is the gleaming white-streaked black-marble lobby and the prints that are fresh from the Vogue archives. The Italian restaurant on the ground floor, Amaranto, which serves an array of expertly designed pasta dishes is an absolute must. If you’re lucky, the roaming Negroni trolly will roll up to your table and make you one of the best cocktails you’ve ever tasted.

Time Out tip: Spend some time in one of the dimly lit relaxation pods, where you can savour a steaming cuppa and nibbles, while you stick on a pair of headphones and let the calming effects sink in.

Address: Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7DR

Price: Starts at £740

Nearest transport: Knightsbridge station is a 12 minute walk away. 

Believe it or not, the grand building that now houses the swanky Corinthia Hotel in London once served as a government office before its transformation into one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The Corinthia’s rich history is matched only by its elegant design and top-notch facilities, making it a standout in the grand-hotel tradition.

Step inside the expansive lobby, and you’re greeted by a colossal Baccarat chandelier boasting 1,000 clear crystal globes and one distinctive red globe hanging beneath a magnificent central dome. This dazzling centerpiece sets the tone for the rest of the hotel — opulent but never stuffy. The rooms are a study in refined comfort, with walls covered in dark wood and silk fabric. Bathrooms have pool-like oval baths that you can more than easily sink into. 

But the standout features of the Corinthia is its award-winning ESPA Life spa, a true sanctuary tucked away beneath the bustling city. It offers a serene escape from London’s noise and chaos — ideal for a romantic break or simply a chance to unwind. The spa spans two floors and includes 17 circular pod treatment rooms, an amphitheatre sauna, an ice fountain, heated marble loungers, private sleep pods, and a 30 metre pools. It also houses a nail bar and the Daniel Galvin hair salon, ensuring every pampering need is met in one elegant location.

When it’s time to eat or drink, the hotel offers a variety of sophisticated spots. Afternoon tea is served in the stylish lobby, perfect for a leisurely afternoon treat. For evening drinks, the Bassoon bar provides an intimate, after-dark retreat, while the Northall restaurant impresses with its dramatic circular dining room, has a menu focused on refined British cuisine. With such a wealth of amenities, the Corinthia truly offers a lavish retreat in the heart of London.

Time Out tip: Do not leave without enjoying a meal at onsite restaurant Kerridge's, run by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge.

Address: Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD

Price: Rooms start from £925 per night 

Nearest transport: Piccadilly Circus is a four-minute walk away 

Looking for a four-star hotel in London with a spa? We've got you covered. The Leonardo has so much to offer, from indoor pools and fitness clubs to lavish rooms vand bathrooms (complete with designer toiletries), this spa hotel has everything you need for a weekend of R&R. There's also a full buffet breakfast on offer. Now all that's left to do is put your feet up and plan your spa day from the luxury of your very own room.

The hotel combines modern elegance with comprehensive wellness facilities, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway without ever leaving the city. And, the centre of its wellness offerings is the Rena Spa; a tranquil haven offering a range of treatments to help you unwind. The spa boasts a 25-metre Romanesque-style indoor pool, perfect for leisurely swims or breathing out after a day of sightseeing. There are also pools, steam rooms, aromatherapy suites, and a sauna, all crafted to soothe both body and mind.

For those seeking pampering, Rena Spa has a range of treatments using Ishga products, including facials, massages, and body rituals. The spa's four treatment rooms are on hand for personalized attention. The staff are all friendly, and will point you in the right direction of the best treatments.

Beyond the spa, the hotel features a well-equipped gym and offers complimentary access to the health club and pool for guests. Accommodations are spacious and comfortable, with many rooms having gorgeous views of iconic landmarks like St Pauls and the Thames. A full buffet breakfast is served in the morning, giving guests a hearty start to your day.

Time Out tip: Jet lagged? Leo's, the onsite bar and restaurant, is open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Address: 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ

Price: From £180 a night

Nearest Transport: St Pauls tube is a nine-minute walk.

Holidays don’t get much more British than a stay at the Connaught. Settled amongst the leafy streets that dominate the top of the Monopoly board and date back to 1897, this grand hotel comes with old-time butlers – who are also trained to wax and polish shoes by John Lobb bootmakers – original artwork by the likes of UK legends Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst, and little treats for little guests, including a mini umbrella, bathrobe and slippers, and a nanny service (at extra cost). But perks aside, we haven’t even touched on the best bit yet: Aman Spa. Not only does it offer holistic massages, a black granite pool and meditation classes, but a full waterfall. Cor. Treatments here are therapeutically minded, designed to calm and heal those stresses – both physical and mental. The practices hail from across China, Thailand, India and the Americas and all of them are bound to send your body into a state of calm. Signature treatments are given names like “Grounding”, “Purifying” and “Nourishing” while there are more standard facials, body massages, osteopath work, scalp treatments and deep tissue techniques. One thing is for sure, you can expect to leave properly transformed. 

Elsewhere, there’s no shortage of places to feast. The Connaught Grill, a contemporary reinvention of the iconic 1955 Grill – favoured by Bond author Ian Fleming – serves caviar and oysters that will send your taste buds into a frenzy. With its seasonally inspired menu, you really can’t go wrong. After you’re done, head on down to the The Connaught Bar (by David Collins Studio) to drink the night away. Their iconic Martini trolley makes it one of the best drinking spots in all of London.

Time Out tip: The treatments at this spa really are god-tier. So make sure you sign up for at least one.

Address: Carlos Place, W1K 2AL

Price: Rooms start at £1,200 a night.

Nearest transport: Bond Street station is about a five-minute walk away