'I tried one of the best one-day spas in the UK - but it is not all what it seems'

Spa
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Chloe Dobinson))


When you're in need of some tender loving care, nothing beats a spa day to soothe both body and mind. So, I decided to indulge myself with something a bit more luxurious than your average poolside lounging.

I headed to the Sofitel Hotel in St James, London, just a stone's throw away from Pall Mall and Waterloo Gardens. The hotel offers a package called 'Spa and Spritz', which includes a 60-minute massage, a three-course meal at Bistrot at Wild Honey, and a Spritz cocktail at Bistrot on the Terrace.

Sounds pretty tempting for £130 per person, doesn't it? Upon arrival, we were given private access to the sauna and steam room for 30 minutes each, reports the Express.

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Not only did we sweat out toxins in the steam room, but our skin also felt significantly more hydrated. Having private use of the sauna was much more comfortable, avoiding any awkward encounters with strangers while half-naked.

After our sauna and steam session, it was time for the massage. I opted for a deep tissue massage, which helped me relax and eased the knots in my back.

The hour flew by, leaving me feeling much more relaxed and less tense. The Sofitel certainly lived up to its five-star reputation, going above and beyond in terms of friendliness and customer service.

Every staff member we encountered at the hotel was eager to assist, and we were met with a warm welcome each time, which significantly enhanced our overall experience and made it unforgettable.

Next on our itinerary was lunch at Bistrot at Wild Honey, where we had the opportunity to select from an al-a-carte menu. The service was top-notch, and the restaurant's ambience gave us the feeling of being on a weekend getaway in Paris.

We began our meal with pig's head and courgette flowers, which turned out to be the highlight of our dining experience. While the idea of eating a pig's head might seem squeamish to some, it tasted like pork belly, with the meat melting in your mouth.

The courgette flowers, on the other hand, offered enough crunch and flavour to keep us coming back for more. For our main course, we chose Cornish Plaice and a smashed burger. Despite being packed with flavour, we both felt somewhat disappointed by the second course.

The fish was served with a sauce that had a slight barbecue taste, which seemed a little out of place with the dish. Similarly, the burger had a jam-like texture that made it taste slightly peculiar.

To conclude our meal, we shared a chocolate tart for dessert, which was so irresistible that we found ourselves wanting more.

Post-lunch, we moved to the outdoor terrace for a spritz cocktail, with classic Aperol and Hugo available. Thankfully, the British weather was beautiful, allowing us to soak up the sun while sipping our cocktails.

All in all, the Sip and Spritz package was worth every penny, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated and relaxed after a day of indulgence.