With the exception of shaving, we don’t get taught how to look after our skin, nails or hair as boys. Which is why it makes sense to turn to the experts at some of London’s best spas. Whether it’s a stressed mind, problematic skin or aching muscles, there’s a wood-panelled room somewhere in the capital in which it can be remedied. Who knows, you may even learn a thing or two.

Cowshed At The Ned

A cool, casual spa with locations littered throughout London, Cowshed (pictured above) is the Soho House version of good grooming (it was created by the same man, after all). The crown jewel exists at The Ned, with moody interiors and a vague vetiver scent that lends it a distinct gentlemanly quality. While it offers plenty of skin treatments, the real speciality is the beard and nail work. Don’t worry, the nail area is all navy leather and grey towels, packed with city blokes who shake a lot of hands after having The Ultimate Cowshed Manicure. 

Take It Home

If you’re feeling up to the task, a nail file and gritty face scrub can get your hands looking up to scratch. For something simpler, let Heath’s Hand Salve do the heavy lifting – formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and Pollustop, an invisible matrix that protects the skin from the ageing effects of pollution.

Mandarin Oriental 

An iconic hotel overlooking Hyde Park, a visit to the Mandarin Oriental is the easiest way to get abroad without leaving the city. Head to the Moroccan-inspired spa and take part in its Digital Wellness Escape where you'll swap electronics for a traditional shungite bath that claims to neutralise frequencies you absorb from those devices and a massage that focuses on the areas we stress out using them. Finish with some nourishing, energising tea, and you’ll feel like a new man. 

Take It Home 

Feeling burnt out? Supplements can help rebalance the gut (where most of the body’s serotonin is made), particularly if it’s Patchology’s blend of caffeine, green tea and vitamin D. Switch off anything with an ‘i’ in front of it and pop one on your tongue. 

 

The Corinthia

Found in the lower levels of its namesake hotel, The Corinthia ESPA Life spa is the ultimate relaxation hub. The calming scent and monochromatic interior lend it a sleek serenity, with 17 treatment rooms that do everything from nails and massages to acupuncture. A highlight is that the hotel houses the only Dr Barbara Sturm spa space in London. Try the men’s facial, which works to purge pores and clear the complexion. Following that, take advantage of the vitality pool, sleep pods and thermal floors. 

Take It Home 

Dr Barbara Sturm offers a Clarifying Mask that allows you to replicate many of the facial’s effects at home. The mask is made up of several actives: Kaolin clay to absorb excess sebum, Zinc to regulate it and a host of nourishing oils that soften, nourish and moisturise lacklustre skin.

KX Life 

Famous for its well-heeled clientele (we are talking royalty here), KX is a lifestyle space that features a gym, spa and restaurant. While the workout area remains members only, anyone can book from the options in its lengthy spa menu. Although the list includes botox, hypnotherapy and colonics, steer your focus to the physiotherapy, facials and massages – particularly the signature sports massage, which tackles tiredness and inflammation with deep tissue work and targeted techniques. 

Take It Home 

While massages are efficacious experiences at a spa, they aren’t too difficult to recreate at home. Grown Alchemist’s Mandarin & Rosemary Leaf Body Cream is packed with a variety of calming, nourishing and moisturising oils, allowing you to release muscle tension with slow strokes and direct deep pressure. 

 

 

The Bulgari 

The Bulgari Hotel has mixed money and meditation to produce a spa so luxe that you almost feel like you should show up in a suit. The treatment menu is as welcoming as the staff, but the real focus is the 111SKIN spa-in-spa. It offers a £1,300 ‘Lunar 28 Facial’ that works to resurface the skin and sends you home with a 28-day post-treatment program. That’s a full service, but you’d expect nothing less.

Take It Home 

Reach for The Grey’s Exfoliating Toning Pads, which blend smoothing agents like retinol and glycolic acid to slough away dead skin and blur out any unsightly pores. Leave it on – much like a facial – for 20 minutes your skin will feel softer, smoother and be infinitely more supple.

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