Jeremy McCarthy

This has always been one of the busiest spas in our group and is one of the best spas in London,” says Mandarin’s group director of spa and wellness Jeremy McCarthy. “The expansion has given us the opportunity to make it truly world class.”

Much anticipation has surrounded the spa’s reopening – it had a brief, soft launch in May last year but closed just days afterwards following a fire elsewhere in the hotel. It’s fresh elegant interiors come courtesy of preeminent hospitality designer Adam D Tihany who drew inspiration from Chinese fashion and symbolism. The calming colour of jade reflects the group’s Asian heritage and is balanced by a palette of wood-toned hues and precious metals such as dark bronze and striking gold accents. Original, floral wall features give reference to rebirth and the flow of energy.

“People go to a spa looking for a particular experience,” says Tihany. “Our job is to direct the attention and engage the senses in a way that will enrich that experience.” Meanwhile, a thoughtful – and extensive – curation of treatments and facilities, reflecting some of the latest industry trends, give the spa an edge.

A signature £195 (US$249, €216) Digital Wellness Escape provides 90-minutes of digital detoxing along with a foot steam to absorb negative energy, a massage focusing on the head, eyes, neck, shoulders and back and options for mindful colouring, Jenga or meditation before and after.

Two express rooms offer services such as a 25-minute, £60 (US$77, €66) on-the-go facial. There’s also a Bastien Gonzalez Pedi & Mani Cure Studio and McCarthy is “excited to bring this unique brand of pedicures to the London market.”

Much focus is placed on powerful anti-ageing treatments by Nescens and celebrated facialist Linda Meredith.

Meanwhile professor Ke, founder of Asante and one of Europe’s top Chinese doctors, will lead a team of doctors to share their expertise in traditional Chinese medicine.

Sodashi and Aromatherapy Associates complete the supplier line up. And a team of 48 therapists have faced 12 weeks of training to deliver services.

Barr + Wray and Dornbracht have worked on the new, standout Oriental Suite – one of 14 treatment rooms – with its two massage beds and a rasul ‘water temple’ which combines heat, steam and healing mud by Sommerhuber.

For relaxation, there’s a zen colour therapy room, amethyst crystal steamroom, sanarium and vitality pool. Or, for the more energetic, a Technogym fitness centre, Hollie Grant PT Studio and private pilates exercise room.

A curation of innovative treatments and facilities give the spa an edge

A curation of innovative treatments and facilities give the spa an edge

McCarthy says the London spa is one of the busiest in the Mandarin Oriental group

Elegant interiors come courtesy of Adam D Tihany who drew inspiration from Chinese symbols

There’s access to one of the world’s top beaches

Following an extensive 12-month renovation, Malaysia’s iconic Datai Langkawi resort has unveiled its new-look refurbished interiors and exteriors.

Designed by Paris-based architects DL2A, the newly-finished, 46-acre (19-hectare) getaway is situated in an equatorial forest alongside Langkawi Beach, a natural attraction which has been described by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Datai Langkawi’s US$60m (€52m, £47m) renovations include remodelled guestrooms, suites, and villas; a beachside health club; an education-focused Nature Centre supervised by naturalist Irshad Mobarak; additional spa treatment rooms; and a pedicure studio inspired by the podiatric philosophy of Bastien Gonzalez.

A spokesperson at the resort says: “The spa draws heavily on local traditions, and includes a treatment list based on the Malay concept of ​ramuan or ‘potions’ made by infusing oils with hand-picked medicinal foliage from the herb garden and surrounding rainforest.”

General manager Arnaud Girodon adds: “We’re confident the new incarnation of The Datai Langkawi will broaden its appeal across continents and generations while delighting our loyal repeat guests.”

Speaking on the project, Didier Lefort, principal at DL2A, says: “It was important to maintain a deep connection to the original vision of a luxurious retreat that’s seamlessly integrated into the 10-million-year-old virgin rainforest. The approach marries simplicity, modernity, and creativity with inspirations from the local environment, culture, and materials.

“Accommodation is refreshed with lighting enhancements and a warm colour palette, while the addition of the latest technology ensures the ultimate in contemporary comfort, with the signature Datai DNA still evident throughout.”

The redesigned resort is located amid a lush equatorial forest, and offers 121 luxury rooms, suites and villas

As well as striking spa suites, Datai Langkawi also offers facilities such as a golf course and atelier for art exhibitions

Spa treatments draw on local traditions, using hand-picked medicinal foliage from the surrounding rainforest

The new Salt hotel and spa brand has been created by the team behind Lux Resorts

The team behind Lux Resorts has opened its first Salt property, a sister brand, on the African island of Mauritius. The 59-bed Salt of Palmar has been conceived to champion sustainability, connect with the local community and introduce culturally curious travellers to the “real, unvarnished Mauritius,” the company says.

A salt relaxation room is a central offering at its Salt Equilibrium spa and a team of local therapists perform salt-based treatments to energise, relax, detoxify and rejuvenate.

Other wellness activities include a dawn photography tour, a Sunrise Run Club, a hike and bike programme and sessions at the local Brahma Kumari meditation centre.

The resort’s distinctive look is born out of collaboration between Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam of JFA Architects and French artist Camille Walala. Both have taken inspiration from the island’s brightly painted houses, seascapes, sunsets and verdant landscapes.

Adam says: “Everything about the hotel is designed to bring people together. From the communal tables in the bakery, restaurant and beach bar, to Mauritius’ first rooftop bar and the inviting spaces in the Salt equilibrium spa, it is all about gathering and sharing stories of travels and enjoyment of this incredible location.”

The new Salt hotel and spa brand has been created by the team behind Lux Resorts

The bright, distinctive design reflects the island’s culture

Waeyaert Ghislain

Spa consultancy and contract management company Deep Nature has created a wellbeing spa in the heart of a 435-hectare (1,075-acre) forested area at Three Forests Center Parcs in Moselle, France.

The 1,600sq m (17,222sq ft) nature-inspired spa is bathed in natural light from a large glass roof and themed areas include water and vegetation, air and steam, fire and ice, and wood and nature. Outdoors a circular sauna, whirlpool and heated swimming pool allow guests to enjoy the views of the woodland year-round.

Indoors, a range of saunas and cooling experiences such as a snow shower and ice cannon provide a course of alternating heat experiences. A pebble course, salt cabin, scrub room and saltwater pool are among other interesting features, as well as a separate family spa.

Spa treatments, such as the signature Bamboo Ritual, are offered in one of eight individual or two double cabins.

Deep Nature now operates over 50 spas around the world, including The Brando in French Polynesia. Global spa figure Ghislain Waeyaert joined the company in 2014 and is VP of development (see SB14/3 p32). Most recently, the company launched its own product brand (see SB18/3 p110).

Woodland views can be enjoyed year-round in the outdoor pool and circular sauna

The nature-inspired spa boasts a range of saunas

the signature bamboo ritual