Amazing I really had a great day afternoon tea was lovely. I actually really enjoyed going alone…read moreaswell. For your mental health maybe try to do things differently.

superb gym, very clean and nice staff ! Thank you Spencer for showing us around and motivating my…read moredad to join the gym soon (hopefully!)

The Shoreditch Spa at 167 Brick Lane is an absolute must when you are in the area. Since 2014, this…read moreboutique spa has offered a unique blend of relaxation, professionalism, and atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. The location is perfect, in the heart of Shoreditch, and the walk through the lively and historic Brick Lane neighborhood is a delight before or after your treatment. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed into a calm, stylish space where water and tea are offered, and only whispering voices are heard. The atmosphere immediately puts you at ease. Whether you want a social manicure or pedicure in one of the relaxing armchairs on the ground floor, complete with an entertainment tablet and even a glass of bubbly, or you prefer peace and tranquillity with a facial or massage in the quiet treatment rooms downstairs, the Shoreditch Spa caters beautifully to both experiences. I have personally enjoyed several treatments here, and I highly recommend requesting Myriam or Timandra. Timandra provided me with a manicure and pedicure using the electric foot file, and the results were flawless--my hands and feet felt renewed, cared for, and polished to perfection. On another visit, Myriam delivered an exceptional Swedish massage. She worked with precision and great depth, easing a stubborn knot in my right shoulder. As someone with double knee and hip replacements, and scar tissue, I was impressed by how attentive and on target she was, tailoring the massage to my exact needs while still ensuring full relaxation. The spa offers a wide range of treatments for both men and women, using only high-quality products such as Dermalogica, Aromatherapy Associates, and OPI. They are also proud to offer the HydraFacial experience, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether your goal is relaxation, rejuvenation, or results-driven skincare. The therapists are true professionals, trained to the highest standards, and they take the time to provide personalised treatments that feel indulgent and restorative. Pricing is in line with other quality London spas, and for the level of service and expertise you receive, it represents excellent value. The building itself is stylish and welcoming, and every detail--from booking to treatment to leaving--flows smoothly and professionally. The Shoreditch Spa is more than just a place to pamper yourself; it is a sanctuary in the heart of East London. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Book your appointment today, and when you do, ask for Myriam or Timandra to ensure an extraordinary experience.

I've been a regular for about 3 years now - it feels like my 2nd home now! My absolute favourite…read moreaesthetician is Danute - she's always done an excellent job with my facials, which is why I always ask for her. Recently, she was away and Yadilene did my facial and I also fell in love with her! Her massage basically sent me to sleep as did my pedicure (I was clearly exhausted already) so I left feeling the most relaxed I've felt in months! I also really appreciate Yadilene educating me a bit about what I need for my skin. They're all such a lovely bunch, even the receptionist Maricela! Highly recommend the spa, but especially Danute & Yadilene. Thank you ladies!

Been twice. it's only a small place but it does what it says on the tin. the Sauna and steam room…read moreare goo they a a 4 item gym room. I've found the staff very friendly along with the cliental. it is not busy all the time and it's good to get your kit of and feel not intimidated.

Quiet when I visited, but truly naturist unlike Rio's. Some of the facilities could do with a…read morelittle TLC - e.g. one of the two showers broken. Small exercise area, sauna and steam room. Jacuzzi now a freezing plunge pool, no doubt to save money. Could do better.

Went to the women's only Latvian witch ceremony Sauna thing! Was epic ! Hope to see more of these…read moreexperiences on the schedule !

Very good experience of sauna and spa. Nice service and great food. Massage is great. Feel great.read more

I had a wonderful spa day at Bannatyne's this week. I had a massage late in the afternoon, but a…read morespa day gives you access to all the facilities for the whole day. So, in the morning I went to the gym, which has a great range of equipment. It was nice and clean and bright, and I enjoyed my work out. The rest of the day I spent in the spa area, the pool was a good size, not really big enough for an exercise type swim, but fine for a relaxing one. The jacuzzi, steam room and sauna where all great, and the loungers round the pool were comfy. Before my massage I spent some time on the heated 'sunbeds' in the treatment area, they're very nice! They'll get your muscles nice and relaxed before your massage! I had the bamboo massage which was great. The therapist didn't check with me before hand so I almost ended up having a Swedish. The massage was great, nice and firm, and really relaxing. Therapist was always checking I was ok with the pressure which was good. Had an awesome day, will definitely be back.

I'm a fan of unusual & weird places and I would says that the New Docklands Steam Bath is…read moredefinitely high up on this list. I've first heard about this place when I was telling a friend about my wonderful experience at the Turkish "Hamam" in Dalston. My friend listened attentively to my story and then told me about this place in the docklands...I started doing some research about it the very same evening. Let me preface the following paragraphs by saying that I really like going to saunas: I treasure the whole spa-like experience that goes along with it. Yet, I'm not a fan of the high-end spas that have popped up everywhere these days. I prefer the down-to-earth saunas where locals go and where you don't have to save up for months for a single visit. The New Docklands Steam Baths fit this bill perfectly: upon my arrival I already sensed that I had discovered something unique. The bath is located in a very much deprecated area; many Londoners probably wouldn't set foot here. Outside the place I saw many black cabs parked as well quite a few Mercedes. Once inside I found my way to the café-area where the register is. I paid £14 plus a £10 deposit for the locker key. I went to change and dressed up in my bathrobe and my pechtemal (a traditional Turkish towel used in hamams) and then I ventured down into the baths. And let me tell you: it's gritty down there: not in a dirty and disgusting way though, but because of the kind of characters you find there and the way they interact with each other. I first walked around and familiarized myself with the localities: two dry saunas, and various steam rooms with varying degrees of humidity. While doing my online-research about this place I came across an article, in which the author talks about the two main sauna traditions being nurtured here: The Russian tradition of 'Venik' where you first heat up in the sauna and then beat yourself (or each other) with oak or birch branches that have been dried first and then soaked in water. And then there's the Jewish bathing ritual of "Schmeissing", where the men take turns in scrubbing each other down from top-to-bottom. This is done where one guy lays down on a bench in the very hot & steamy room and the other guy lavers him up, using what looks like cleaning mop and it works like a giant shaving brush. The "Schmeissing" seems to be a very ritualized and cliquish undertaking. I was talking to a regular, who mentioned that these guys are a club and meet regularly. According to my source, there's even a pecking order and it's quite hard to become part of this club. The Russians or Eastern Europeans seem to be less organized, but during my visit they would all arrive in pairs or small groups. They would all wear these funny felt hats, which protect the hat from the intense heat. (Note to myself: I need to get one of these!) When I arrived I was reading about the possibility of booking a massage. My inquiry with some of the locals resulted in the following answer: "Yeah, talk to Simon, the heavily-tattooed guy who's relaxing in the steam room over there." Non sooner advised than done. I went up to Simon and he told me that he'd be happy to give me a massage in about half-an-hours time. Deal! I made the best use of the 30 minutes and went into the hottest sauna and beat myself up with oak branches... Turns out that Simon had actually grown up in Germany and so we chatted in German for some time. Then he suggested that I should just relax and let him do his work. It was really a very nice massage and I felt great afterwards. I paid £15 for a thirty-minutes massage. (60 minutes would be £25.) Aside from the Jewish and Russian men, there's a third group of men here: the can drivers (my guess). They mostly sat in the common area, chatting and washing themselves ritually. It's really a funny bunch that hangs out here...including myself! All in all, I find this to be a wonderful oasis of some old-world London. I'm so glad that a place like this still exists. I might not become a regular, but I will certainly be back!

All I can say is avoid this place! It's situated in a rough area of London that appears to be a…read moregiant scrapyard - lovely! When you go in it's just as bad. People are rough, unfriendly and the place seems to be occupied by East End ruffians. It could be so good and the treatments could be superb. But nobody talks to you, nobody helps you on your first visit and nobody offers a massage. This place is terrible. Avoid at all costs!

Initially, I was all set to give this place only two stars. I was told to arrive about 15 minutes…read moreearly to fill out paperwork, which I did. Their first appointment is at noon, which was my appointment today, and when I arrived at about 11:45 the lights were mostly off. But they turned the lights on and gave me the paperwork to fill out. I was then told my massage therapist hadn't yet arrived. Hmmm, okay.... she arrived at about 12:10 and took me in right away - but I did get rather turned off by the lack of professionalism in terms of either offering me another massage therapist, keeping me updated on her whereabouts, making sure I wasn't in a rush to leave, etc. Marianne, my massage therapist, finally arrived and took me in immediately and filled with apologies. Anyway, once I was taken in, things started getting better. You leave your shoes by the waiting room, which is a nice touch - it adds to the spa like feel of the place, and minimises noise of people walking around. The rooms are lovely - well lit by candlelight, soft music playing, etc. I didn't love the fact that my body was covered with a smallish towel instead of a sheet, but once I got into the massage I forgot about it. I had booked a deep tissue massage and was a bit turned off by the light touch Marianne had at first, but she still somehow managed to get in there and loosen my muscles. At one point she pulled my shoulder blades out, which I've had done before and usually find myself gasping to not yell out, but with Marianne it just felt like a nice gentle stretch that left me feeling quite limber. I'm used to deep tissue massages being very strong and really working out my muscles, with me grunting from the pain (the good sort of pain, though!). That's not how Marianne did it - somehow, I received a deep tissue massage and managed to doze off! Afterwards she left me dozing in the room, and when I finally got up and got dressed, she met me in the waiting area with some tea and water, a stack of magazines, a blanket, and my choice of daybeds to curl up on and relax. I was told there was no rush for me to leave, and I truly felt that way. I'll be back.

I had my first massage here or as I like to call it "man-sage" last weekend. I am not a fan of…read moremassages, I generally find them pleasant but not something I'd pursue as some do. I generally find a good wet shave much nicer. I was cajoled into coming here and indeed I had originally suggested it to the cajoler due to reviews and proximity. Slightly worryingly the questionnaire described what one would normally describe as 'side effects' as a 'healing reaction'. It seems complimentary therapies are continuing to be good at rebranding. The place is certainly very clean and zen full of furniture from Lom Bok (I have just moved and studied furniture stores). The staff do a good job of putting you at ease. There was quiet music, soft smells and lots of places to meditate. The lady who looked after me was very good, very professional and and concentrated on my back where I get the most pain post swimming. The price wasn't bad at £65 for 45 mins and had a nice relaxing tea at the eng just outside a small garden. If my pain had gone or Id felt better this place would get five stars but Ive yet to find that place. I think I'll continue with my shaves but certainly I'd go back if I was gifted a session.

I go to this wonderful venue only once per month but have such a relaxing time I hope to increase…read moremy attendances. I like the steam room, good for my Asthma, I like all the pools, especially the one with the huge fish ready to impale someone (see picture) !! I chat to anyone who will chat back.... I spend three or four sessions in the steam room during the day, topping up my liquids with mango juice or water. I lie flat out in the main pool area and catch up on the news in the dailiies and monthlies available. At 1 pm I go for for lunch, usually the buffet which is superb. Then I have a kip and then after a shower I go back into the steam room for one last time. I go there early morning and leave about 4 pm, feeling good.

Sometimes I take for granted how relaxing this place really is, that is, until I walk outside and…read moreforget where we've left the car. That's partially to do with me going a bit nuts, but I always leave feeling rested, much lighter and incredibly happy. You don't get ultra modern neon-lit eternity pools, but a place where normal people (the ones that appreciate the nice environment that's been created there) can totally chill out. With a separate changing area for members and non-members, there's always a lot of space, secure lockers and hot showers on the way in. Once you get inside robes and sandals are encouraged as everything is quite spread out. My highlights include the giant tepidarium, containing 33 ceramic loungers heated to approx. 35 degrees to soothe the entire body. Each lounger has its own head phone socket, so you can bring your headphones and relax to your choice of music. There's also two large pool, a 49 seat spa pool with massage jets, a hydrotherapy flotation tank (with over 1.5 tonnes of salt in!) and an aromatherapy steam room. Additional things to consider are a fantastic cafe-style restaurant, where you can lounge about and eat. They do the best salads I've had anywhere outside of my home (I just like fresh ingredients and knowing what's gone into something). And the beauty salon does an exclusive range of body butters/scrubs/bath foams in ever changing varieties. I fell in love with the raspberry milkshake 'flavour' a few years ago, and I haven't been disappointed since. My last purchase was angel cake bath melt (a thick bubbling foam) and hot butter fudge shower gel. Oh my. There are three basic ways to go. One, buy a special experience pass (from £65 for entrance, a treatment and 'light supper', upwards). Second, a spa membership ranging from £9 a month for 3 visits a year up to £30 a month for 12 visits, all on top of a £99 joining fee. Or, a combined membership with the MASSIVE Pulse 8 gym across the way (literally a one minute from the spa). It's about £500 (sheesh) joining fee, then £80ish pounds for full come-any-time-you-like membership to gym and spa, then gets less as you strip away visiting at certain parts of the day. Just like most gyms and spas really. Either way, we joined at Christmas time a few years ago. It was on a special offer with no joining fee and one visit per month for £15. Bargain! It pops up at the same each year and often during Summer. I'd recommend holding out for that, because it's SO worth it.

I had never heard of The Cove Spa before, but after being given a voucher for my birthday, I…read moredecided to book myself in for a luxury pedicure. On entering the building, I was a little surprised. Most of the spas that I've been to in England have been bright, modern places that border on sterility, and the name makes me think of Maine or Cape Cod: nautical decor and seashells and lots of light and airy spaces. Instead, The Cove is a colourful, Indian-inspired place that is reminiscent of somewhere you might visit in Goa or Kerala. Peaceful Eastern music plays throughout the building, Asian artefacts and colour schemes dominate, and the overall effect is tranquil, comforting and welcoming. Rather than the reclining pedicure chairs with attached basins that I'm accustomed to, at The Cove you're seated on a banquette piled with cushions while you soak your feet in a wooden tub. It's very low-key and natural-feeling, unlike anything I've ever had done in England, and it made me feel sort of like I was on holiday. However, don't mistake low-key for low-quality - staff are well-trained and talented. Kayleigh, my pedicurist, described herself as "a perfectionist" and it shows in the job she did. My cuticles were perfectly trimmed, my nails were shaped well (or as well as they can be - years of ballet have left the toenails growing quite strangely), and everything was massaged, buffed and polished. The only bit we had some trouble with was the calluses on my heels - the combination of going barefoot year-round, and neglecting my foot care for the last 18 months, has left me with extremely thick skin that will probably require chemical peels to treat. However, my heels were considerably softer and smoother after my visit here than they've been in months. Overall I would say it's one of the best pedicures I've ever had. In addition to doing superb work, Kayleigh was both friendly and professional. She was happy to talk when I felt like it, but wasn't exceedingly chatty, which I appreciate more than I can state. As an introvert with a hectic lifestyle, I turn to spas and salons for relaxation. More often than not, I like peace and quiet when receiving a beauty treatment or massage, as it's one of the few times I actually sit down and do nothing. Until about five years ago, this peace and quiet was easy to find, but in recent years beauty therapists seem to have become much chattier, and I find the constant small talk overwhelming. Happily, I didn't have that issue at The Cove, and I left feeling chilled and rejuvenated. Five days after my treatment, I have no noticeable chips or other damage to the polish, which I'm quite happy about. Despite choosing to come here because I had a voucher, I actually forgot to use it, so I'll probably come back soon for a back massage. At £44, the luxury pedicure isn't cheap (particularly to a half-American girl used to US prices!), but it's not considerably more than other salons in St Albans. In addition, each month the spa runs a different offer, and this month (June 2015) the offer was on pedicures - buy four get one free, or buy six get two free, which saves quite a lot of money if you get your nails done regularly. Overall, I was very happy with my experience at The Cove Spa, and would absolutely return. Updated 17/12/2015 - On my second trip here, I'm still very happy with everything. Patricia is wonderful, and I have another lovely pedicure. I really must come and try the other services!

From the owner: The Cove Spa provides a vast range of Rituals & Packages, Holistic Therapies, Beauty and Cosmetic…read moreTreatments using world class products from the IIAA - International Institution of Anti Aging including ENVIRON, Jane Iredale and Advance Nutrition Programme in addition to CoolHerbals' products. We are known as a results driven skincare clinic, performing a number of anti-aging treatments inhouse.