The Dorchester Hotel: Channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor at The Spatisserie
Taking a well-deserved break from our hectic schedules, we at Your Coffee Break decided to escape the Autumn chill and blow off some steam at The Dorchester Hotel, indulging in a delectable combination of award-winning afternoon tea at the uniquely named Spatisserie and a sensational spa treatment to unwind and relax in an elegant and tranquil 5 star environment.
Situated in the heart of London’s Mayfair, on Park Lane, The Dorchester is rich in British History, having been built in 1931 on a site where British nobles had once resided during the 18th and 19th centuries. For almost 80 years, this luxurious hotel has played host to a catalogue of noble and noteworthy: from royals such as Prince Phillip to stars of the past and present including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Throughout the decades, The Dorchester has advocated its flawless reputation for integrating the allure, imagination and glamour of those that have passed through its doors, maintaining its stature as one of the world’s greatest hotels.
Just 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport, The Dorchester is ideally located, overlooking Hyde Park and is close to prestigious shops and the theatres of London’s vibrant West End. The Dorchester Spa now serves as the perfect destination for elite ladies seeking a haven of paradise away from the office. Refurbished in 2009, it will leave you looking great and feeling fantastic, as their spectacular therapists work their magic and ease you into a feeling of utter serenity.
As we entered through the depths of the deep blue passageway, we were surprised by the absence of a traditional reception desk. Rather, we were greeted by a light and comfortable seating area, encased in a white-gold backdrop of mirrored screens decorated by intricate reeds. The 1930s Art Deco elegance was complimented by a contemporary edge, featuring strong accents of gentian-blue and ivory, and beautifully upholstered in sumptuous velvet, silk, leather and satin materials. The relaxed, yet elegant ambience was assured through the low-level lighting.
We felt spoilt for choice as we perused The Dorchester Spa’s nine spacious and soundproof treatment rooms, including two double suites, with heated treatment beds and cosy duvet sheets for luxurious comfort, a manicure-pedicure suite, a sleek relaxation room, male and female aromatic steam rooms and male and female experience showers. You can look into Soundproofnation.com to learn about more soundproof options, which will help you to create a safe and quiet living environment. The Dorchester Spa also hosts three skincare product partners: Carol Joy London, Kerstin Florian and Aromatherapy Associates, each of which uses some of the world’s best beauty products to leave you feeling at your upmost inner and outer radiance.
We chose to push the boat out and decided on the Champagne Spa Experience, offering 3 hours and 40 minutes of pure tranquillity and champagne-fuelled indulgence. Surrounded by a sea of immaculate cleanliness, we began with the Aromatherapy Experience, which is so much more than just a massage. The carefully applied pressure and Swedish neuromuscular techniques fully stimulated the nervous system, leaving us feeling completely stress-free and relaxed. With 12 award-winning essential oils to choose from, each massage feels unique and catered to you, offering powerful therapeutic support; the treatment felt almost telepathic for us, after such a frenzied London Fashion Week schedule.
After our luxurious massage, we continued to rest on the gently heated couch, enjoying the Kerstin Florian Caviar Facial. Not only did it leave us feeling completely renewed and relaxed, but the expertise and high-quality products restored luminosity to our skin adding that extra glow. If that wasn’t quite enough, we were then treated to a Dorchester Manicure and Pedicure, having our choice of hundreds of different colours and styles to give our confidence that extra special boost. Sigh!
Feeling like a cross between Elizabeth Taylor and Kate Middleton, we floated from the spa to enjoy our delicious afternoon tea in The Spatisserie. If you are feeling ravenous this isn’t the place for you, as the choice of bite-size cakes, biscuits, and pastries, finger sandwiches and savoury nibbles all reinforce the ethos of “a little of what you love is good for you.” Nevertheless, the dainty selection of delectable treats, and outstanding list of teas was more than enough to satisfy us after such a wonderful morning of pampering.
You could be misled into believing you were still inside one of the treatment rooms, as the refined décor which emulates the pristine and radiant style of the spa, with liberal use of materials such as silk and mohair, magnificent bouquets of flowers and majestic silvered mirrors, create a calming ambience perfect for luncheon with the ladies.
Whether you are treating a special someone to a birthday treat, or simply want to escape the madness of city life with a pampering session, The Dorchester Spa is the perfect place to seek sanctuary. With outstanding service, an extensive selection of miracle treatments, and facilities which are second to none, we would highly recommend a getaway to The Dorchester.
