Lopo Champalimaud

I am pretty active but I was looking for a trainer to see once per week to help strengthen those areas of my body that I know are weaker. I started personal training with Alexis at NKD Ambition a few weeks ago and I am really loving it. The facility is right around the corner from the office so its super convenient. The facilities are compact but very good with everything you could possibly need and a nice changing room. I think the most important thing about personal training is finding a trainer that understands your body and what you need and can challenge you in this regard Alexis is great. I especially appreciate the way he takes the time beforehand to design the right session for me. Highly recommended.

Aromatherapy Associates have long made a name for themselves as one of the preeminent skincare brands and found in the most prestigious spas around the world. This small boutique in the heart of knightsbridge is the first time they have opened their own spa and its worth the wait.

Upstairs is a stylish shop filled with the latest from their skin, bath and aromatherapy lines. Downstairs are two beautifully designed treatment rooms and a comfortable waiting area. I had a facial which I loved. At the beginning of the session, the therapist took me through a set of diagnostic questions and then recommended the best aromatherapy oils for my skin and state of mind. The products are top quality and the therapists are very knowledgeable.

This is not a huge spa but the location is hard to beat and the treatments are really great -- especially if you are a fan of aromatherapy (which I am).

This is the best Thai Yoga Massage I have had outside of Thailand. What a find -- this place is a jewel!

If you are looking for a fancy spa experience this is definitely not the place. Its two small treatment rooms tucked on the lower ground floor of a tanning shop but once you are down there its a different world. Alicia and Mimi are warm and welcoming, the rooms are cozy and the service is impeccable. The beds are comfortable and they have taken the time to add a few really nice details to the treatment such as a warm foot bath.

The real highlight is the treatment - its the best Thai Massage I have had in years. I had hurt my back and Mimi tailored the massage for me which I really appreciated. I came away feeling nimble and revived and looking forward to my return visit. I think Metta is about to become a regular for me.

This is exactly the kind of place that Wahanda is great at helping you find.

I started going to Ten Pilates on weekends and have been really enjoying it. I am a complete beginner but the classes are not too crowded and the instructors are very good and take the time to give you some personal advice. If you buy a pack of classes its pretty cost effective too.

The location itself is super convenient and very central in an area (St. James's) where there are not that many Pilates options. The only downside is that its in a basement and has no natural light. That being said, they have done a great job with the space and it feels clean and airy.

All said, I would definitely recommend.

Amazing hotel in a beautiful location. There is a small but very nice hammam which I really enjoyed followed by a massage. The ambience was great but the massage was only ok -- It felt like the therapist was just going through the motions. Still, the hotel is pretty amazing and the hammam is really nice so worth going back to for that.

I was in Budapest for a conference and decided to check out the Omorovicza spa. I have heard a lot about the products and was keen to check out the spa where it all started and I have to say I was not disappointed -- it ranks as one of the best facials I have ever had and really should not be missed if you are ever in Budapest.

The Spa is part of the shop and is very well located on Andrassy Avenue which is the nicest shopping street in Budapest. Its not a big spa with only a couple of treatment rooms and very simply done but the service was first rate. My therapist was Bea and I I opted for the Deep Cleansing facial which was really superb -- she walked me through all the steps and the hungarian ingredients of the products. I have to say, my skin felt and looked amazing afterwards.

I ended up buying a few products at the end of the treatment which I really liked. Its not the cheapest facial or products but the quality is amazing and worth every penny.

I had a massage at the Royal Spa at the Corinthia Hotel in Budapest and thought it was fine. Not amazing, not bad but just fine. The facility itself is pretty comprehensive with a quite a big water area but it looks a bit dated at this point.

The staff were all very nice and the therapist was professional and took the time to ask me if there were any areas she should focus on but the treatment itself was only ok. Hard to point my finger on one single thing but given the price and the fact that its at a top hotel I would have expected a bit more.

The outside pool by the Bosporus is pretty darn cool. Its a big pool and you re right by the water and can catch the ship traffic go by... you really get a sense of the amazing location you are in. That being said the indoor spa facilities are a little less exciting. There is a good steam room and a small pool but nothing to get very excited about. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try any treatments but I did hear they were pretty good.

I went to Lifehouse as part of a company outing and had an amazing time. This is the first destination spa resort built in the UK in decades and its great. Only 90 mins from london, Lifehouse, is fresh, bright, airy and modern. The facilities are first rate and the treatments are great. The rooms are really comfortable, spacious and offer views of the gardens. One of the highlights for me was the food which was really exceptional -- it far exceeded all my expectations.

We only stayed for a night but I wish we had longer. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is looking for a spa break, a detox retreat or as we did a corporate event.

I had my first cross-fit session with Jennifer and was really impressed with the teaching and the results. Each session only lasts about 45mins and you focus on just a couple of exercises each time but the results are amazing... I promise you, you will really feel it. This is perfect for those people who are in a rush or just don't have a huge amount of time to spend exercising.

The teachers at Charym are all of the highest quality and you feel that you are well taken care of. The class size tends to be small and tthe facilities are great in a big open space with lots of light and all the right equipment. The only thing that is that there are no towels... not an issue for me as I prefer to go home to shower but might be an issue for some.

I was offered a Wahanda MobDeal voucher from my team as a birthday present at the Refinery for a shave. Since I have a beard, and had no intention of shaving it off, the spa was nice enough to exchange it for a 30 minute massage which I really enjoyed. My only regret was that it was not longer. The therapist was very good and the treatment rooms are comfortable and well appointed. My only comment is that the public areas probably need a bit of a refresh.

I am not a member of the Third Space gym but I have now used their medical offering on a couple of occasions and I am really impressed. They offer an impressive range of complementary and traditional medical services but most recently, I had a chiropractic session with Maryam after I injured my neck in a fall. She was able to see me within a few hours of calling, and sorted me out right away -- I felt better when I walked out the door. The space is clean and the treatment rooms are comfortable and they have great quality practitioners. Best of all, the price was reasonable given the Soho location. Highly recommended.

This one came as a complete surprise to me. The spa is part of the Xanadu hotel which really didn't work for me -- its one of those all inclusive hotels which is themed on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Kubla Khan including a reconstruction of the pleasure dome (with waterslide) around the main pool. I was there for a conference and it looked like most of the guests were enjoying it but its really not a place I would want to spend a holiday and not a place you typically find a great spa.

Which is why I was so surprised by the spa -- its a HUGE facility, tastefully done, featuring Babor products and with excellent amenities and a comprehensive list of treatments. I ended up having one of their signature treatments which incorporates 5 different massage techniques and it was bliss -- I fell asleep which I don't do often. The therapist was world-class and it was nice to be able to enjoy the pool, sauna and steam afterwards. Highly recommended.

I went to the bains de Kabira with a group of friends on a rainy day in Marrakech. Its was the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon. Kabira is not a particularly large or opulent Hammam as compared to ones I have been to elsewhere but its friendly and as a group we had it ourselves. We all chose the traditional hammam, body mask and massage package and the treatments were well done. Best of all it was excellent value for two hours of treatments.

I went to Bliss over the weekend for a Homme Improvement men's facial and was really impressed. The facial is very similar to the triple oxygen facial for women but is tailored more for the needs of men.

I went to the original bliss spa in NYC years ago when it was all the rage and I understand why it has managed to keep its high reputation years later. The quality of the treatment is exception and the attention to detail really impressive. The treatment includes a hand and foot massage which I wasn't expecting at all. Bliss has really thought through every detail of the treatment (I loved that they did not play spa music!) and my therapist, Renata was exceptionally good. She really took the time to examine my skin, give me some pointers and suggest some things I should be doing without be too pushy. My skin looks and feels amazing.

The only draw back is that the treatments are not cheap -- even by london standards. However, if you are looking for really top quality skincare delivered with real care then this might be the place for you.

My wife treated me to a thai yoga massage at the Dorchester and I loved it. I had last been to the spa before the renovation and was really impressed with what they had done. There are part of it that are over done for my personal taste but the ambience is fabulous and the facilities are really good. Most importantly, the treatments are excellent. If you are looking for a top quality spa in central london this one is really worth considering.

I arrived a bit early and made use of the steam which is fabulous. I had the place to myself and the changing rooms and locker areas are finished to a really high level. Filling in the usual treatment form was mercifully short and the therapist was super friendly. Thai massage is always tricky in london because (since few people have dedicated rooms) you need a treatment room that is big enough to push aside the massage table and lay the massage mats on the ground. It also means that since you are on the ground, the room needs to be pretty spotless. In both cases the Dorchester has done a really good job. The room is spacious, clean and airy -- I felt really comfortable.

The therapist was excellent. Thai Yoga Massage is necessarily physical as the therapist stretches you and massages you. It takes a therapist who is fairly strong and knows how to manipulate your body -- She Elisabeth did a great job.

After the massage I hung out in the chill-out room which is big, and feels more like a lounge which I really liked. The fresh lychee juice was a really nice touch.

Its not cheap but I would definitely go back to the Dorchester Spa. The facilities are excellent, the treatments are top quality and not at all crowded. Its a real little urban escape.

I really enjoyed my personal training session with Andrew at The 25 Club. He took the time to understand my goals and to assess what I was looking to accomplish and then make some really good recommendations. The workout was intense and he pushed me, but he also indentified areas of my body that were weak. The thing that most stood out for me, however, was the nature of the training. Most personal trainers focus a lot on machines and cardio work. Andrew really worked on movement based exercises which are not only more rewarding but also really make a big impact on the type of activities you do everyday. The only down side is that this kind of quality training, attention and facilities is not cheap but if you can afford it its well worth it. I would definitely go again.

I recently tried out Nyumba for the first time as Mamoru, who has been cutting my hair for years moved there. As always, Mamoru did a great job but it was fun to try a new place. Nyumba has a fun, lively feel with an african theme and a coffee/lunch area -- you would never think it all works but it does! The owner, Michael is charming and has built Nyumba into one of the top salons in the city catering to top celebrities and fashionistas.

My wife and I took advantage of the Wahanda MobDeal and had a 90 minute massage at home which was absolutely perfect. I loved being able to stay at home and have a therapist come to you -- what a perfect way to spend a saturday evening!

Lais, our therapist, arrived right on time and within a few minutes had set-up her massage table in our spare bedroom, and made the room feel like a spa with some music, and massage oils. The massage was excellent and actually fell asleep half way through. I especially liked the way she massaged my legs, feet and even did some stretches for me at the end of the massage. One thing that not many therapists do, which Lais did, is work on the forearms -- I spend a lot of time in front a computer typing and that part of my body does tend to get tight and is often ignored in massages. I later learned that Lais also teaches Yoga which may explain why she was in tune with muscle issues.

If you are looking for some quiet pampering at home, I would definitely recommend Return to Glory.

If you live or work in the Canary Wharf area then this could be a great place for you. Its a clean, spacious, contemporary spa and gym with excellent treatments. I was impressed but the quality of the facilities and the size of the treatment rooms -- you won't get this in central london.

The staff are very welcoming and my therapist, Kirsten, was superb. She really took the time to work through the knots on my back and was careful to vary the pressure of the massage depending based on my feedback -- you rarely get therapists who are that attentive.

Following the treatment I took some time to read the papers in the relaxation room. The views over the O2 were spectacular and the heated beds made me want to hang around for a while.

All in all a perfect way to escape the christmas rush.

I had never tried pilates before so I went to Kinesis for a beginners lesson and I have to say I was really impressed. I have quite a few friends and family who rave about this place and I can now understand why.

I had a 1:1 session with Lucy who really took the time to understand my body. Pilates is not like a regular exercise class as its really about isolating and focusing on key muscles one exercise at a time. At times you are not sure what impact it is having but afterwards you feel it and you really feel more connected with your body. Lucy was really knowledgeable and explained each exercise as we went along and point out how my body was reacting.

The studio is clean, airy and bright and you feel you are in good hands. If you are looking for a great Pilates studio in and around holland park, notting hill or Kensal rise then this could be the one for you. I am definitely looking forward to going back.

I was staying at the Meridien as part of a conference I was attending and was hoping to get a massage but it was fully booked so decided to simply try the pool and hydrotherapy services instead.

The facility is quite large with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, tepidarium and relaxation area but its all quite functional. The indoor pool is quite big but its circular and so hard to do laps in but good if you have kids or just want to wade around. The steam and hot tubs were all good and clean but the ambience was a bit functional. That being said, entrance was free as a hotel guest which was great.

I wouldn't go out of my way to visit for the spa facilities but if you are staying at the hotel and want some time to rest and relax its pretty good and the facilities are very comprehensive.

A friend of mine stayed with me for a few days and gave me a [[the-wahanda-gift-voucher/| Wahanda spa voucher]] as a thank you present -- pretty good gift! Since I am a big fan of thai massage, I did a quick search of Wahanda and saw that it was offered at the Peak Health Club and Spa at the Jumeirah hotel. The Peak Health Club is popular for its gym and pool and is famous for its amazing views over london so I was excited to check-it out but I was not sure what to expect from the spa. Well, I can now tell you it's great and quite a little find. Can't wait to go back. It doesn't have the most luxurious treatment rooms but the therapists are absolutely superb and take the time to walk you through the treatment in a way I have rarely seen. Better yet, the prices are reasonable given its Knightsbridge location especially if you figure that you get to use the pool and gym!

My experience started the day before my appointment when the spa called me to confirm my massage and facial appointments, and tell me what I needed to bring (in this case loose clothing for the Thai Massage). I really wish more places would do this -- it such a nice piece of customer service and really puts your mind at ease about your appointment. The lady on the phone was also nice enough to remind me that I could use the pool and gym as part of my treatment which is really a great bonus -- especially in central london.

I arrived a little early so had time to fill in the usual forms, have some lemon water, read the papers and enjoy the view which really was outstanding. My Thai massage treatment was with Ronaldo who took me up to the treatment room. Which was saw tucked away quietly behind the gym and while not the most amazing treatment room I had seen, it was perfectly acceptable and very peaceful. Ronaldo took the time to ask me what I was looking for if there was any areas to focus on. Again, a really important step which not enough spas tend to do.

I have had a lot of thai massages all around the world but I thought that this was among the better ones. As a runner, I tend to get very tight hamstrings and calves but Ronaldo applied just the right combination of stretching and pressure, and also pointed out the muscles that were particularly tight and even gave me some stretches that I could do at home to improve it.

I then had a short break before my facial which gave me some time to have a drink and enjoy the effects of the massage. [[pro/CZedda/details/| Carol was my therapist]] for the [[place/peak-health-club-and-spa-at-the-jumeirah-carlton-tower/menu-prices/| 75 minute Pevonia Facial]] and again started by talking to me about my skin and where I had problems and what I was looking for. She also took the time to check out my skin in detail and then tailor the treatment for my skin. For instance, most places just give you a mask for your whole face, but Carol recommended a different mask for my neck than my face which I thought was really incredible. I have to confess that I had a hard time keeping up with all the different things she applied to my skin but all I know is that when I came out my skin was looking and feeling great.

In the end I didn't get a chance to go swimming but am saving it for my next trip to the Peak. If you are looking for a no nonsense, great quality, and highly personalised spa treatment in central london then this may well be your place.

I'm really impressed with Charym -- Litchfield is not a big town but it has a great spa which is suprisingly affordable. I have been to Charym for Yoga a few times but this was my first visit to the spa and I had the Ayurvedic oil massage with Marleena which was amazing. Its not the largest spa and but the facilities are well designed and elegant and the treatments are amazing. Best of all the treatments are very well priced given and won't break the bank. Well worth the visit.

I went to Powertone for one of the Wahanda trial offers and had a great time. The facility is not that big and its in the basement but the location is great (just off Regent St) and Powertone have done a good job to make the space feel clean and airy. I really think that power plate is a great way to stay fit if you are looking for something you can do quickly in a convenient location and get real attention from an instructor. I am always amazed at how much you feel it in just 30 mins. Definitely going back.

If I had a complaint on this session it was that the studio was a bit short staffed when I was there so the instructor had to take care of a few different people including someone coming in for a treatment. I think this was an unusual circumstance and I have to say that I thought she did a great job in managing everything.

I had a chance to try out the Powertone studio in Fulham as part of the Wahanda Wellness event and I have to say I really liked it. The facility is clean, bright and has a great feeling. I had a half-hour session with Sebastian and was amazed and how much of a workout he was able to give me in such a short time. It seems like Powertone has put together a great team of trainers at this facility and I know they will tailor things to what works best for you -- I asked to get pushed and certainly got it!

If you have not tried power plate I really recommend that you try it -- you will be amazed at how effective it is. Given that the classes are always very small I also think its great value as you are essentially getting a personal training lesson for 50-70% less than what it would cost elsewhere. Best, of all Powertone has a bunch of other services at this location which seem worth trying.

My only complaint is that there is no shower but at least the changing room is roomy and comfortable.

I was playing tennis a couple of days ago and wrenched my back so badly I could hardly move. After lying flat on the ground for 3 days I decided it really was time to see a physiotherapist. I found Mike Squirrell on Wahanda and was really impressed with my first session.

The facilities are very basic -- really just a room with a table but I liked Mike's approach. He walked me through what he was thinking and why he was asking me certain questions. It really helped me understand what was wrong with me. Having diagnosed me he did some gentle re-alignment and massage to try and ease the tension in some of my muscles. I am still not 100% better but I have to say that a few hours later I feel a hell of a lot better than this morning.

I need to go see him again a few more times and he isn't cheap but the location is great. Most of all I trust him. He clearly likes his sports and seems to understand sports injuries very well. Best of all, he promised I would be skiing in a few weeks and I am holding him to that!

My wife and I just got back from Como Shambhala at the Metropolitan Hotel and I have to say it was great. I have been a big fan of the Como chain and find the quality of the therapists to be really amazing -- the Metropolitan didn't let me down.

The location is very central but be warned, the facility itself is really basic -- two simple treatment rooms on the ground floor of the hotel. But simple is not bad. There are comfortable robes, a good changing room, a warm and comfortable massage table, good music, and simple lighting.

I had the Como Shambhala massage with Theresa which is not a deep tissue massage but is extremely relaxing full body massage. The therapist offers you a choice of great oils each of which is tailored to give you different benefits. Afterwards, I took advantage of the steam room which is quite spacious and since there was no one else there you felt like you had the place to yourself which is always a treat.

Don't go here if you are looking to be wowed by design, overwhelmed by experience showers or just want to hang in fancy pool... this place is about great treatments plain and simple. I really wish more places would take a page out of Como and focus less on the decor and more on the treatments.

I recently had a session at the lifestyle institute with Jessica and loved it. The studio itself is quite small and with limited facilities (bathroom is in the hallway and shared by other businesses and the changing room is bit like those you find in a clothing shop) but it has a good vibe and the instructors are fantastic.

I was really impressed with Jessica's enthusiasm and knowledge and I think that may be the most important factor in places like this. I had an individual lesson, but the advantage of a small studio like this is that even the larger classes are only four people so you really get the kind of attention that you need to improve your fitness.

I had never tried power plate before and although I am fairly fit I was amazed at how hard it was. In just 30 minutes you really do feel like you have had a full work out -- its amazing. Jessica quickly figured out what areas i needed to work on and focused the lesson on that.

Whether in a group or individual, I think the lessons are great value. In just 30 minutes you walk away feeling like you have trained harder than you would at a traditional 60 minute personal training session that costs three times as much.

If you work in the city and are looking for a great way to get fit that you can work into your busy schedule without breaking the bank then this might just be the ticket.

I tried the new La Prairie spa at the Chateau Saint Martin last week and absolutely loved it! This is a state of the art new spa with top notch facilities and world-class treatments that make it the perfect place for a decadent wellness stay or a quick visit if you happen to be visiting the area.

The Chateau Saint Martin is owned by the same family that owns the legendary Hotel du Cap in Antibes and the hotel recently made a significant investment to create a spa that lives up to the hotel's reputation and quality. The look of the spa is contemporary (which contrasts nicely with the hotel) and soothing and with 5 treatment rooms, hammam, experience showers and relaxation area this spa has everything you need . The treatment rooms are really well thought out with mood lighting, heated beds and showers in every treatment room.

I had the signature body massage that used wonderful natural olive oil grown on the property. David, the massage therapist did a great job in working through the tension in my back and shoulders and I especially liked the fact that he took the time at the beginning of the massage to check on where I was feeling tension and then to check through the massage that he was using the right pressure.

My La Prairie facial was with Emilie and was completely decadent -- I actually fell asleep halfway through which I have never done before. My skin came away glowing, smooth and nourished and the neck, shoulder and head massage was a bonus.

If I have a complaint its the use of the public spaces in the spa. The reception area is small and just outside the treatment rooms so when things get busy you can hear people outside the door which is a shame given how well thought out the spa was. If you have some time between treatments or if you want to simply relax after your treatment, there is a very large and private relaxation area but its downstairs and just not as convenient. Instead, you tend to hang-out in the reception area which only increases the pressure on this small area and makes more noise for those people who are having a treatment.

We combined our spa weekend with a little gastronomic decadence -- something that should be done more often! The head chef, Yannick Franques, has worked with some of the top chefs in France (including Alain Ducasse) and created a menu that impressed even the foodies in the group.

This place is not cheap but its certainly is special and will be something I will remember for a long time to come.

I had been suffering from a stiff neck for two days and while walking down the street one saturday I happened to walk past Walk-in Backrub. The promise of a 10 minute massage that didn't break the bank and didn't involve getting changed and or having to wash off oils sounded perfect... and so it was.

Its not the smartest looking place I have been to but the sheer convenience of it -- no appointment, easy to choose 10 minute increments and inexpensive -- is perfect. Given the surroundings I wasn't expecting much, but as soon as I got into the massage chair I felt relaxed and I was really impressed with the therapist. He listened to where I was feeling pain and did a great job to relax that area. I walk-out a few minutes later feeling like a new man.

This place is near my office and I am definitely going to be visiting more regularly.

Based in the art deco basement of the Austin Reed shop on Regent st., this spa still looks like it could be the crowded art deco barbour shop that it once was. The decor is certainly original and fun but feels more functional than pampering. I went as part of a spa package which i received as a gift certificate and had a great therapist named Naheed who was very knowledgeable and did a really good job on the treatments while also keeping entertained with a good sense of humour. Overall I would recommend it for reasonably priced functional treatments such as pedicures and manicures rather than a pampering spa experience.

Ok, so its a bit far away and its not exactly cheap but this has to be one of the best spa experiences I have ever had. First, there is the country, Bhutan is a beautiful, inspiring place that has been remarkably untouched by the outside world. Then there is the setting -- a beautiful traditional Bhutanese building that has been converted into a luxurious, modern hotel without losing any of its traditional charm. Finally, there are the treatments... Wow! I am tempted to go back to Bhutan just for these! We were lucky enough to have been upgraded to a room with its own private treatment room which is such a treat. The thai massage was the best I have ever had anywhere (including thailand). I also had a deep tissue massage in which I had a particular area of my back that I wanted to work on and the therapist completely amazed my the way they were able to work through the knots, release the tension and generally relax me. Just thinking about it again now makes me want to go back.


The signature bhutanese hot bath and massage was not quite as good as my other treatments. I think the therapists were not as experienced as the others and while the bath was certainly relaxing I am not sure it wouldn't be better done as a single treatment.

The therapists are outstanding but it would have been nice to have more Bhutanese therapists but without a tradition in spas the hotel has had to fly most of the staff in from their other brilliant resorts. The hotel is being careful to build a local team of therapists which I think will be a great improvement.

Finally, the spa and hotel (never mind getting there) are not cheap but I have to say it was worth every penny. Go if you ever get a chance.

This busy little salon in the heart of mayfair is a real find. I have been going here to get my haircut for several years and could not recommend it more highly. Mamoru does an amazing job, is a really nice guy and is very reasonable. One of things I always look forward to is the relaxing head massage that they give you when washing your hair. All in all these are some of the best haircuts I have had anywhere.


It may not look as fancy as other places in the area but don't be put off.. its worth it.

This is a great men's only spa. It looks great with a men's club feel and is well located. I have been here a few times before but on this visit the therapist giving me a massage was not as good as others. I had some knots in my back that I wanted to work on but it was sometimes overly painful. I have had great treatments in the past but I get the feeling that the therapists that work on the weekend are often freelance and the quality can vary.