The Grade II listed townhouse could literally be any building. A private dwelling or an office space, perhaps. It’s only a tiny gold plaque on the wall that gives away its secret.
Behind the Edwardian door of this abode is the home to Ushvani – a luxurious day spa that offers Malaysian treatments in a tranquil and private environment.
From the moment you walk in, you know you’re in the lap of exclusive luxury.
I was here to sample the delights of the spa together with a Balinese massage. After being let in through a buzzer, I was handed a cool cloth to freshen up while a tray arrived with slippers and my own shoes taken away.
I noticed that Malaysian wood carvings and decorative artwork sat alongside original Edwardian features in perfect harmony.
A huge statement wooden staircase behind the reception made the area look magnificent and made me feel I was somewhere very special.
The fact that I was in the Chelsea neighbourhood seemed surreal, with the whole building closed to the outdoor world thanks to the drawn-out curtains.
Although the spa is open to both men and women, the two are separated on different floors, thereby keeping in line with Malaysian culture.
The lower ground floor is for women only, while a men’s treatment room called the ‘Palace’ upstairs has its own shower and relaxation area. However, a couple’s room, the Asmara Suite (meaning ‘love’), is a huge private space kitted out with Malaysian dark wood furniture, two massage beds divided by screens and its own sunken stone bath.
Because the treatments here are timed so you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pool and steam room all to yourself, I was advised to come 45 minutes before my treatment. After a quick change into my bathing suit, I made full use of the facilities, finding the jets in the hydrotherapy pool firm and the temperature just right.
The steam room worked a treat on my aching muscles, and the tropical shower in the cold setting further helped blast away any tension. Having the place to myself before the treatment was a really nice touch about this place.
After having my fill in this sanctuary, I was whisked away to the treatment room by my therapist, Belinda. She explained that the massage is powerful, and if I wanted to, I could request the pressure to be eased at any time. After taking three deep breaths, Belinda began working on my body, one limb at a time, including the back, torso, and shoulders.
Not one inch of my body was missed and the deep pressure from her hands left me uplifted and recharged even though it didn’t feel like that at the time. But that is what the treatment, which originates from the Spice Islands of Indonesia is designed to do. It effectively balances the body and restores vitality by releasing tension in the body and boosting circulation.
Post-treatment, I was taken to a dimly lit relaxation room void of any magazines (to further relax your mind and body), and it was a joy to sit in and just reflect on the treatment I had just had. The hibiscus tea went down rather well as I relaxed and felt grateful to Belinda for giving me a massage that was much needed.
Ushvani really hits the spot if you’re after a thorough, good pampering closed away from the outside world. The treatment was exceptional, the atmosphere was total bliss, and the service was nothing short of excellent.
With just one trip, it was obvious why Oxford Educated owner Usha Arumugam shunned her lawyer life for her passion and knowledge of spas and the holistic well-being world.
Ushvani – Where and How?
Where?
Ushvani is located at 1 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London, UK. For more information on Ushvani, please visit www.ushvani.com, or for bookings, call 0207 7302 888.
How?
Ushvani offers the Balinese Massage for £180 for 90 minutes or £240 for 120 minutes. Facials start from £130, and massages start from £180.
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