Annabel Noth

There are many wonderful things about being a newly wed and one of the nicest perks is that on your honeymoon every hotel you stay at offers you something. In this case it was a complimentary couples massage. The choice was either Thai, Balinese or Swedish. We went with the Balinese massage. Its an oil based massage that had an aromatherapy component. The room we were given was beautiful and serene and the experience commenced with a foot washing ceremony. The masseuses asked questions about our preferences and how we were feeling and tailored the massage to our answers. At the end of the 80 minute therapy I emerged relaxed with a huge smile on my face vowing that I had just had the best massage of my life. My husband thought he needed a little more massaging and a little less rubbing with oil, but for me it was perfect. Will have to find a reason to be in Bangkok soon!

I bought a ten pack of the Arasys zapper and just finished yesterday. I completed the 10 sessions in 5 double sessions, so 34 minutes each. The results? I lost 8 inches! With a whopping 3 inches of my waistline. Plus, I really do think I look more toned. All in all. Very happy with the result. Be aware that I do also exercise and eat a healthy diet. There are no truly quick fixes but I do recommend this as an add on.

I have a big event coming up and am desperate to fit into this one dress so as soon as I saw this Mob Deal on Wahanda I bought it and immediately booked it. I snuck off during my lunch break, turned out not so sneaky as I walked back into the office to announce that I had lost 1 inch!! Half an inch of my bum and a quarter inch off each thigh. The technician was great and guided me through the treatment and answered all my questions. With such quick results I booked a course. Will review again once the real results are in!

I bought the MobDeal voucher from Wahanda and decided to give sugaring a go. XIt is a small shop but the rooms are modern and clean and even have a closet to put your things which is more than I can say for most salons. My technician was very nice and explained the sugaring process since I was a first timer. It is slightly different from waxing but I think might be less painful. The whole process was efficient and well executed. When I reemerged after my treatment, I was told that all of my details were in the system, that I would not have to ask for the treatment over the phone (great for the office) if I was having the same treatment, as well as the time the treatment took and the price they had decided to charge me. I was blown away. What a well-oiled machine! I will most definitely return.

I went to hydrohealing for a facial and opted for the REN facial as they are organic products. When I arrived, I was offered a tea or water and asked to sit in the waiting area. When my facialist arrived, she led me downstairs to the treatment room. The first thing I noticed was a big duvet. I have had a lot of facials but never one where they wrap in a duvet. Amazing! They also have have a heated water mattress to lie on so the whole experience was very comfortable and warm. My facialist walked me through the process and warned me if there was going to be a change in light or if a product was cold. It was a truly relaxing facial which I very much enjoyed. There were no extractions, which I would have liked, but that would have taken away from the relaxation. Will definitely return!

I went to Murphy's to get a blow out for my engagement party. My stylist recommended that I go straight with a bit of a wave. I told him to do what he thought best. The salon itself is very contempory and the staff are extremely amenable. I was graciousluy offered a coffee or tea upon arrival. The end result? My hair looked great, everyone at the party suggested that I should do it like that all the time. Plus it lasted for days. Will definitely return.

I went to Scin to take advantage of the MobDeal I had purchased on Wahanda. I called at the last minute and they were able to squeeze me in and even allowed me to change my one hour pedicure into a 30 minute manicure and 30 minute pedicure. The setting is relaxed and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I got bored during the manicure and started asking about the products that lined the shelves and my technician was extremely familiar with all the products and gave me a proper rundown without being to pushy and trying to take advantage of my interest. Will definitely be back.

I happen to be blessed by minimal hair growth and spoiled by the cheapness of waxing services in my hometown of NYC. I was, however, curious about Strip as someone had recommended it to me especially because they sell in packages. I visited the Notting Hill branch where the actual store front resembles a lingerie store and the services are held in rooms downstairs. I explained my interest and also my concern regarding the price given my hair shortage. (Most waxing salons will only charge me for a bikini even though I take a Hollywood.) They agreed to assess the situation when in the room. The therapist then led me down to the treatment room. In the end, they charged me full price for a procedure that took less than half the time allotted. That said, the waxing wasn't painful.

This place should be called Hardcore instead! I went using the free session available on Wahanda and was not exactly sure of what the experience would be like. I have done a lot of pilates in my life but this was intense. I was close to giving up (I did cheat a little here and there) but there was a 5 month pregnant woman who was schooling me so I kept on. Heartcore basically pairs strength and endurance, circuit-like, training with pilates and boy oh boy is it a workout. I couldn't move for nearly a week. But I am going back for more.

As gyms go, Body Works West is a sanctuary. Upon entry, there are aromatherapy candles burning and a bright and light atmosphere. There is a host of different offerings from pilates (extra cost) to boxing circuits to yoga, plus one free personal training session a month. The facilities are state-of-the-art and the staff are friendly and helpful. There is also a pool and a sauna and lovely dressing rooms with nice products and amenities. I have never been so positive about going to a gym!

I went to Destination Skin as part of the Wahanda offer for a free facial. The spa itself is located in House of Fraser within the Westfield and having forgotten this I got completely lost and no one seemed to know where to direct me. That being said, the staff were gracious and didn't seem to mind my tardiness. The ambience is more akin to doctor's office than a spa and therefore was a bit cold for me for the purpose of a facial as I tend to like mine on the more relaxing side. The music from House of Fraser was also completely audible in the treatment room. If you are interested in a treatment which will help you solve more medical issues then relax you this is the place. The other services also seemed like fair value, I might return for laser hair removal.

I had decided to detoxify and thought as part of my program I would get a colonic. Hydrohealing is right around the corner from my house so I popped in to see what the deal was. Turned out they have a detox of their own (I think I will do that one next time) and recommend two colonics and a Hydroblitz. I was a bit nervous for the colonics but my practitioner talked me through the whole thing and made me extremely comfortable. You can choose to watch or not and I was put at ease immediately if there was any discomfort. As for the Hydroblitz, I am not sure. It wasnt particularly relaxing as I was cold most of time (my fault not theirs, I am always cold) and I am not sure if it made much of a difference. All in all, I was a good experience. They also have a nice selection of natural products to buy which I like.

I was in need of some waxing (bikini and eyebrow), they were able to take me on short notice and were very nice and pleasant upon arrival. They offered me something to drink while I waited (not long) and then we went down to the treatment room. The technician used hot wax rather than strip wax, which apparently most people prefer, but I wasn't given the option between the two and would probably have choosen strip since its quicker. Then we went upstairs for the polish change. It was perfectly good but they didnt have the color brands I am accustomed to which was a bit annoying. All in all it was a fine experience and the price points were right. Apparently the spa is being refitted so I will return to see what's new.

I needed a little relaxation therapy and my back was acting up. They were able to take me on short notice and the therapist met me at reception and spoke with me about what I needed/wanted. I gave her license to do what ever and she gave me a combination swedish/hot stone massage which was surprising but delightful. The only drawbacks I saw were that the room was very bright for a massage room and all the noise from the hallway and reception could be easily heard.

I recently became obsessed with essential oils so had been Neal's Yard a lot. I had recently seen a Naturopath on vacation and thought maybe it makes sense for real life too so I booked in with Neal's Yard once I learned they had this service. They first called me to reschedule with didnt work so well for me and then I was led into a basement in Notting Hill, kinda scary. But I then met Kim who was wonderful. She asked her questions artfully and when all was said and done she sent me full write up that I still follow (shameful considering I should be farther along in my process, I know!). Then I got yelled at for delaying the closing of the store since we ran over (not their best moment). I will, however, go back and will remember that in the end they are a store with some good practitioners, not the other way around.

Its not exactly the quick fix you are hoping for. Sometimes they have last minute availability, often they don't. I was hoping for more of a NY style waxing/mani/pedi joint but instead you cannot walk in and its pretty darned expensive. I had a bikini wax which, so far, has been the most expensive I've had in London. Another draw back is that they require a 50% deposit so if you get stuck at the office you are sunk. On the otherhand, if you cannot do without that treatment after work it is smack in the middle of the City.

We went to the Standard as a mini break to escape the cold temperatures but mostly to check out the spa. Walking into the hotel you feel as if you have warped back into the seventies, which is actually refreshing given all the beauties by the pool (someone for everyone I promise). The spa is very up-to-date with a cool mani/pedi room and amazing wooden hallway leading to the Hamam. On the first day I had a Rub and Scrub where I laid on the hot stone of the Hamam and was scrubed and massaged by a massage therapist and then took a milk and honey bath. If I had any misgivings about bathing and lounging in this kind of environment just walking into the Hamam makes you want to stay forever. I also had the Hurt So Good which had been recommended by a friend and was well worth it. The yoga was disappointing as it promised mediation but maybe that just means I am bad at meditation. Finally, the staff can range from extremely helpful and knowledgeable to extreme dingbats. Don't let that put you off, the Hamam alone is worth the trip.

The hotel and the grounds are beautiful. I went as part of a ski/spa weekend and found that spa area including pools (heated indoor and outdoor, artic plunge), steam, sauna, gym and treatment rooms were well designed and modern with an emphasis towards DIY spa. I also had a facial which, while perfectly fine, was in a very small room given the size of the property and located ajacent to the reception giving it a neither the personal nor private touch I had hoped for. That being said, the staff were friendly (in multiple languages) and if you are more interested in the lounging, bathing version of a spa rather than the treatment route this place should suit you just fine.

There is nothing flashy about Power Plate. Its just you and three other people on vibrating machines with an instructor in a basement. That being said the system works and although you want to die while doing it, if you do it twice a week for about a month you'll start to notice a difference. Give it longer than that and others will notice. This is a chain of facilities, however, and I am sure that you can find somewhere with a nicer ambiance that will pick up the phone and have a more user friendly webite. That being said, it gets the job done.

The first thing that struck me about Charym is that the space is beautiful and intelligently thought-out with clean lines and an artistic flair. Once inside, sipping cucumber water, I was able to forget the world outside, the passing cars and settle into my treatments. I had the Charym Anti-aging Facial featuring an intense cinnamon peel which left my skin noticeably brighter for a couple of weeks and the Signature Ayurvedic Massage where they used their own branded oils. The staff were friendly, professional and knowledgeable without being pushy. It was almost difficult to leave the peacefulness of Charym behind but needless to say I will be back.

Until I found Kinesis my overall experience with Pilates studios in London was less than satisfactory. I had been used to using pilates as excercise not as physio for geriatric patients. Located in a beautiful studio with attentive staff, Kinesis offers classes for all levels and needs whether on a one-to-one basis or in a group, often catering to a wide range of levels and needs within one class seemlessly. I was impressed by the group classes in that I am a very self-centered person who needs attention and I have never once felt neglected during group studio sessions. The classes are kept dynamic to your skill level and change day to day so as not to get routine. I was well on my way to pilates stardom when I, at the age of 30, became the dreaded aforementioned 'geriatric patient' in need of physio. Kinesis' physiotherapist is fantastic, not only does she have a keen understanding her trade but she uses alternative therapies such as acupuncture. She is far better than the other physios I have tried at hospitals and clinics. Furthermore, through working with her my information and needs are passed to the pilates instructors so that they can structure my rehab accordingly. The only downside is that they don't accept credit cards, which would make it easier to top-up my ten-pack of classes.

With very little notice and the request of a late hour (7:45pm) I secured a spot with Perfectly at Home for a Mani/Pedi. The techinician was prompt, well-presented, fully equiped and very capable. This service is the ideal solution for those who either enjoy being pampered in the comfort of their own home or are simply to busy to either plan ahead to book an appointment or hold odd hours (I fall into all three categories). I will definitely use Perfectly at Home again and will most likely try other treatments as well. If you think for a second the experience of having salon treatments at home is at all awkward, just stop now, the professionalism and technique of the service and their technicians leaves many top-notch salons wanting. And as for ambience, maybe I am flattering myself, but I thought it was great!

The cowshed provided a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere which is well-designed and clean without being antiseptic. The staff are courteous but not intrusive and their technique for the pedicure is one that I have only seen at this location. In addition, the "cafe" and waiting area allow plenty of distraction whilst waiting for your appointment and even provide incentive to show up early.


The availability of appointments is lacking and unless you are the type of person who knows three weeks out that you will want a pedicure this might be an impediment.