Review by Penny McCormick
It’s incredible to think that Bamford Haybarn Spa has only been at The Berkeley Hotel for a year. It seems such a seamless part of the chic property and blends well with the overall ethos of this fashion-forward hotel for bespoke stays and unforgettable experiences.
Firstly, I love the purity of the interior design at Bamford Haybarn Spa – it’s light, airy and open – a real contrast to many spas that favour the darkness and moody hues, candlelit nooks and decidedly mysterious surroundings. Spencer Fung is the interior architect responsible for the design which might best be described as ‘Peace Personified’. (I want my kitchen to look like this – all white with sage accents and flooded with natural light). Secondly, its boutique is amazing – hie thee hither for some original gifts if you want to impress girlfriends. For connoisseurs of scented candles, Bamford make some of the best on the market.
But I digress. This month to celebrate its first anniversary the Haybarn Spa is offering a ‘View You’ package to banish the winter blues and help rejuvenate the body or face. On booking the package you will have access to the stunning roof top pool overlooking Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. What’s more, a 60 minute personal training session and lovely lunch are thrown in for good measure. What’s not to like as they say? It’s one way to kick start February in style!
Choosing which treatment to have will be your most difficult decision. Take your pick from a Laminara Body wrap which breaks down fat cells and minimises cellulite or a Green Tea Body Wrap that boosts the immune system and eliminates toxins – it’s a perfect pre-Valentine detox. Both were very tempting, but I decided instead on the Signature Oskia Glow Facial, which is also offered as part of the View You line up. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, Oskia is both a skincare label and spa having been founded in 2009, it has won no less than 22 beauty awards. Its forte is feeding the skin from within with vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids.
I was shown to the cubicle and the therapist explained the process before I settled down for 75 minutes of sheer bliss. Massage seems to be the key to the Signature Oskia Glow Facial with the therapist concentrating on the face, neck and decollete. Gentle cleansing, exfoliation and steaming precedes extraction and is then followed up with an indulgent facial and eye contour massage. The massage concentrates on lymph drainage and acupressure which helps clear, plump and brighten the skin. A shoulder and back massage is also given while the luxurious products work their magic and soak into the skin.
I rarely disengage during treatments (my mind seems to go into overdrive making ‘to do’ lists as I lie back on therapist’s couches!) but this session was different. I dozed off and woke up to a perfectly cleansed and radiant skin. I also loved the feel of the products which are light and absorbent rather than sticky and abrasive.
While it’s normally advised not to wear makeup for several hours post treatment, if at all, I went out later that evening…. And met a handsome stranger who complemented me on my complexion. Enough said! I shall be back.
