Reena Patel Heads Back to the Luxury Hotel as it re-brands
It’s been a while since I checked out London Syon Park – a grand hotel situated within the leafy grounds of Isleworth, south west of the capital. I was intrigued to see what changes have been made at the property as the hotel re-brands. So, Mr. Husband and I were invited to check out the spa again and its brand new dining facility – The Clubhouse. First off, we got to experience a session at the hotel’s expansive basement level, Kallima Spa. Last time the treatment was highly indulgent and we were delighted to see that this experience still holds the same charm as it did when it first opened.
There are a few adjustments to Kallima Spa since then but they were warmly welcomed by us, as our therapist escorted us down to the ‘double VIP’ room and started our massages with a foot cleansing ritual. The first notable (and welcome) change is that the hideaway spa now offers Comfort Zone as its brand of choice instead of the former, Ann Semonin.
The Comfort Zone Tranquility Cream was applied in firm sweeping strokes to perform the most tension-melting, Sunday soothing massages we had felt in a very long time. Made up with a base oil of jojoba and six essential oils of rose, palmerosa, rosewood, cedar wood, orange and vanilla, our senses were delicately cocooned by the wonderful scent. We floated out of our treatment room, straight into the cosy ‘snug room’ -dimly lit with lounge beds for a quiet moment of relaxation. The Kallima Spa still also hosts a somewhat small but perfectly formed and fully equipped gym space, plus sauna, steam and swim facilities but the main attraction is definitely the spa and we hear that a fresh new treatment menu is soon to launch to celebrate this aspect.
As we carried on gliding right out of the spa area, we moved on into The Clubhouse with an eclectic interior unlike any other, dressed in the style of what we could imagine to be a new-age American diner – think disco ball, leather booth-style seating, driver plates on walls and with dishes to suit. Tucked away within a separate wing of the hotel’s second floor, The Clubhouse serves up a casual, trendy mix of classic all-time favourites such as gourmet burgers, special hotdogs, original steaks, pizzas with avant-garde toppings, pastas and salads with an inspirational twist. Headed up by Executive Chef, Paula O’Neill, this space makes for an ideal alternative Sunday stop to your usual roast down at the local gastro pub and also for private hire.
Not quite up for a fatty, fried dish after such an indulgent body therapy, I opted for the seafood pasta, which was filled with large, perfectly cooked prawns and was delicious on the whole but next time, I would like to try The Easto Burger – a delicate balance of pork and mince with spicy seasoning, Mexican cheese lemon and lime chutney in a chilli beer brioche. Mr Husband couldn’t resist his usual favourite – New York Strip steak with curly fries instead of skin-on chips.
We also marveled at the desserts, which were presented in neat rows on a large wooden board and presented to the table like a cheese board – chocolate cupcakes with frosting, raspberry chocolate tortes and coconut cheesecakes to name just a few. We also thirsted over adult shakes (which are all the rage at the moment) of bourbon and walnut, chocolate and coffee and rum and cinnamon but managed to hold back – just in case we reversed the wonderful work of the spa treatment. What’s more, there’s a games room next door with a TV screen viewing sports channels, a mini bar area and foosball in prime position as you enter. You should also know that The Clubhouse is only open from Sunday to Thursday from 6pm until 10 pm and the venue can be hired for exclusive use, so reservations are advised. We think we’ve found the perfect weekday evening pitstop and a great place to entertain friends.
www.londonsyonpark.com
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