Forget clinical white walls, bamboo screens and the obligatory Buddha statue — London’s wellness scene has had a rather fabulous makeover. Think sumptuous materials, sculptural furniture, flattering lighting and even a touch of 1970s glamour.
Meanwhile, saunas, ice baths and recovery rooms are becoming as much about socialising as switching off. The good news? You do not need a swimming pool, private sauna or enormous budget to borrow some of their best ideas.
From lighting tricks to the bathroom finishes designers swear by, there is plenty to take home.
Raffles at the OWO
If there is one thing the designers behind London’s most luxurious spas agree on, it is that lighting can completely transform a room.
At Raffles London at The OWO, interior design studio Goddard Littlefair has created the atmospheric Pillar spa and wellbeing space within the former Old War Office. The building’s sweeping arches informed the scheme, while digitally carved stone panels and an etched glass frieze by Peascod Studio above the swimming pool add a decorative flourish.
“Our intention was to create a seamless intervention in the heart of a historic building, something that felt as though it had always been there,” says Jo Littlefair, co-founder of Goddard Littlefair. Her first piece of advice for recreating that five-star feeling at home is to layer your lighting: “Layered, dimmable light at different heights changes the mood of a room more than anything else, and warm tones are far more restful than a single bright overhead source.”
Architect Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio and author of the practice’s Wellbeing by Design paper, agrees. “I would argue that light has the greatest influence on our sense of wellbeing,” he says. “It has an extraordinary ability to shape our mood, energy levels and perception of a space.” He recommends lighting that becomes warmer as it dims, mimicking the transition from daylight to evening. Invest in discreet LED strips beneath a vanity, wall lights beside a mirror and dimmer switches.
Let the architecture lead
Six Senses London
At the new Six Senses Spa London, designed by AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects, the 2,300 sq m space takes its cues from London’s underground architecture.
Guests descend a restored heritage staircase to find a shallow reflecting pool beneath a sculptural installation by Ula Saniawa of Unit 89. Handmade porcelain petals appear to float above the water, while a reception desk crafted from blackened timber provides a striking contrast.
The journey continues across a bridge, between sculptural eucalyptus trees, towards an Alchemy Bar rooted in traditional European herbalism. Elsewhere, tactile materials soften the more high-tech elements, which include a Biohack Recovery Lounge, magnesium pool and data-driven longevity and precision medicine clinic HUM2N.
You may not be able to recreate the magnesium pool, but a sculptural pendant, tactile timber furniture or a beautifully made ceramic piece can bring a similarly soothing vibe into your home, while a homemade body scrub will never offend.
In west London’s Askew Village, Yoke co-founder Emma Ilori has embraced the building’s industrial past, retaining original wooden floors, dark beams and a steel door. Chalky whites, sheer curtains and a giant paper lantern soften the space, while a burnt terracotta bathroom provides a welcome surprise. A chunky oak dining table encourages people to linger over tea.
Meanwhile, Zynk Design has transformed a three-storey office building in Clapham into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studio ARMA, with a calming terracotta and green palette.
Bring warmth with materials
Tramp Health
At the newly revamped Tramp Health, designer Tommaso Franchi of Tomèf Design has taken a glamorous approach to wellbeing.
The interiors combine natural materials with what Franchi describes as “a sensual, urban 1970s touch reminiscent of Tramp”.
There is plaster by Clayworks, bespoke metalwork by Cox London, furniture by Marta Sala and Bonacina and decorative draped walling by Fortuny. It is rather more country house meets members’ club than conventional gym. “The aim is to create a setting where people feel at ease, connected, and able to turn their focus inward,” Franchi tells me.
The newly transformed spa at The Landmark London, designed by Alex Kravetz Design, features muted organic tones and soft lighting alongside marble loungers, a sauna and vitality pool. For a more decorative take on spa culture, look to The Lanesborough Club & Spa. Designed by 1508 London, the interiors feature a contemporary spin on the hotel’s classical style.
Layered, dimmable light at different heights changes the mood of a room more than anything else
Bringing the spa look home does not have to take on a minimalist approach. Beautifully framed mirrors, warm metallic finishes and statement stone can work well.
Littlefair recommends polished plaster and timber materials, while Rutt is particularly keen on Tadelakt, a seamless waterproof plaster finish.
For a more affordable alternative, he suggests large-format tiles with minimal grout lines and a consistent colour palette.“Creating a spa-like bathroom is less about having an enormous space or investing in expensive fittings and more about establishing a sense of calm through thoughtful design,” says Rutt.
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Surrenne Belgravia
Not every wellness makeover requires a builder. At Meanwhile at MASAJ, an immersive pop-up in Shoreditch running until December, 6, the massage specialists have collaborated with Scale Creative on a sensory experience using candlelight, colour, scent and surround sound.
Eight intimate treatment rooms made from timber and woven canvas offer an escape from the busy streets outside. The clever use of drapery and fabric to divide the space shows how you can create a luxurious feel and define different zones without making any structural changes. Perfect for renters.
Nearby, The Dream Of’s Vickie Biggs has opened a standalone studio in a restored heritage stable. Co-designed with artist and furniture designer Robin Lambert, its muted woods and soft cream tones provide a backdrop for reiki, massage and cacao ceremonies.
At Surrenne Belgravia, beneath The Emory, wellness extends beyond treatments and thermal experiences. Its City Circadian Reset programme even considers bedroom temperature and lighting.
Paul Firmin and Niko Dafkos, founders of Earl of East, think scent is the quickest way to change the feeling of a bathroom. “Light a candle or some incense, add bath salts to the water and let the steam carry the fragrance through the room,” they advise.
Their Onsen Bath Salts with peppermint, eucalyptus and mandarin, make a lovely starting point. For those without a bath, the Mezame Shower Spray offers a similarly fragrant experience. “Dim the lights, leave your phone outside and even a 20-minute soak can be enough to switch off,” they add.
Janna Larma, founder of buzzy Madrid wellness club Meri, which has plans to come to London, says: “We believe the environment is just as important as the experience itself, creating a space where people can slow down, connect and feel good.” She has achieved this through thoughtful Nordic design.
At Backstage Chelsea, Ukrainian interior designer Tetiana Gryshkova has created a light-filled beauty destination with a sociable salon upstairs and more intimate treatment spaces below.
It is a reminder that getting ready can be part of the fun. A dressing table with a comfortable chair, flattering mirror lighting and a pretty tray for your favourite beauty products can make an everyday routine feel special.
Elsewhere in Chelsea, eyeam has transformed a three-storey listed building, once the home of the Earl of Cadogan, into a wellness club complete with a seven-room spa, recovery facilities and a café with a hydroponic living wall. Crown mouldings and marble fireplaces make a grand backdrop to splashes of neon and a glowing green dry flotation room. Treatments range from lymphatic massage to red-light therapy.
You will leave with a few bold decorating ideas, too.
The rise of the home sauna
Arc Canary Wharf
For those with more ambitious renovation plans, contrast therapy is making its way into domestic design. At Arc Canary Wharf, designed by Cake Architecture, a vast sauna seats 65 people. Installed by specialist Finnmark, it features contrasting Nordic timbers, three tiers of seating and a ceiling dotted with star-like lights. Believe it or not, you can recreate this at home with your very own Finnmark sauna.
Rutt points to Vidalux and Hekla as other examples of brands bringing heat and recovery experiences into homes.
There is more to come. At St Clement, the new riverside hotel from Nick Jones, a three-level health club and spa is taking shape. The hotel, designed by Eagle + Hodges, favours a relaxed, residential feel, with vintage furniture, bespoke pieces and a restrained palette. Its wellness facilities will include a 25-metre swimming pool overlooking the Thames, banya saunas, steam rooms and cold-water therapy by Rebase.
Sonara, opening on the King’s Road early next year, will feature an oak-lined banya, cold plunges and private bathing suites. Meanwhile, Ohas with interiors by DesignTheory is preparing to open its preventative healthcare clinic in Westbourne Grove in January.
Self-care with a side of interiors inspiration? We can make time for that.
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