Divine Detox at Espa Heathrow

It did seem a bit bizarre to go all the way to Heathrow when I wasn’t going on holiday just to get a facial. But it was worth it, in the end.

Getting there was a pain, it’s just further than you think it is, and the Piccadilly line takes ages. I had hoped to arrive early enough to enjoy the sauna facilities, meaning I was relaxed and detoxified for my treatment. Instead I was 15 minutes late, stressed and lost. The Sofitel Hotel is easily accessible from the Piccadilly line at terminal five – but it’s a long, slightly lonely walk down some creepy corridors.

The spa is situated in the basement of the hotel, and the heavy wood décor and lack of windows make it very claustrophobic. Maybe it’s just me, but spas make me think of green fields, and dew, and sunshine and fresh air – there was none of this to be seen. It was also deathly quiet. I could well have been the only person there.

Once I’d filled in a fairly involved questionnaire about my age, health, favourite foods, hopes and dreams etc, I was escorted by my very nice therapist into the treatment room. More low lighting and heavy wood, but it was spacious, luxurious and had a very exclusive feel to it.

The preliminary consultation with my therapist was a bit weird – I was asked to sit in a low-slung armchair with my feet up, while she stood above me, explaining in far too much detail what she was going to do, then doing it, and then telling me what she’d done. The concept was nice, and the entire thing was designed to ensure that she gave me the right treatment, but it just could have been done in a more relaxed way than her standing over me, repeating things in a rather robotic manner. I just felt a bit uncomfortable.

That said, the rest of the experience was amazing. I had a Skin Brightener Facial – just the thing when you’re feeling worn out and slightly ‘wonky’ in the run up to Christmas. It was a freezing day and as I was left alone to whip off my clothes I wondered whether I’d get cold, but climbing onto the heated treatment table it suddenly became clear that luxury was the order of the day.

Soft towels, delicious smelling cleansers and body oils, relaxing eye masks and the most sublime head and neck massage followed. It was informative too – my therapist spent time looking at my skin under a special lamp, identifying problem areas, adjusting the treatment accordingly and all the time explaining what she was doing. It felt totally bespoke, angled towards what I needed and what my skin would benefit from most.

There was no patronising overtone when they discovered my current facial routine is to stumble bleary eyed into the bathroom, throw water at myself, hunt for some form of soap and then stumble back to the bedroom. And the obligatory product sell at the end, although rather long winded, was clear and precise and targeted towards what I needed the most.

At £80 a pop these aren’t cheap facials, but they’re definitely value for money. I never once felt rushed, or processed. My skin looks and feels amazing and a week on it is still clear what good it’s done. I’ve appreciated the information about things I can do to help my skin, and the reasonably priced cleanser I bought is working wonders. If you’re flying from Heathrow this Christmas and have time, I’d definitely recommend saving your pennies and indulging in a relaxing Espa treatment. A perfect way to start a winter break.

The Spa
Sofitel London Heathrow
Terminal 5
London Heathrow Airport
TW6 2GD

Monday – Friday:  9am – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Sunday: 9am – 6pm

For reservations please contact the Spa Manager Carly Griffin on 0208 757 7742 or email H6214-TH@accor.com