Corinthia London has been a top choice for VIPs and celebs for some time, and with good reason: It has restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs and some of the largest suites as well as the largest hotel spa in the city (35,000 square feet over four floors). As if that wasn’t enough, Corinthia London’s latest effort is an exclusive new partnership at ESPA Life at Corinthia with Dr. Barbara Sturm, one of the most sought-after skin doctors in the world. Offering an aesthetic alternative to drastic and invasive surgery, she is often booked by her long roster of VIP clients a year or more in advance for her anti-aging treatments. Corinthia is now making Dr. Sturm’s cutting-edge proprietary techniques more accessible, offering a new series of facials and products. Insider access was granted to London correspondent Emily Goldfischer.
First, a word about the ESPA Life at Corinthia: It’s stunning—set over four floors going from light to dark, a heavenly descent from polished white to ever-darker marbles in spaces with ambient fireplaces and mood lighting; the effect is tranquil and soothing. We loved the thermal area complete with a swimming pool, vitality pool, glass amphitheater sauna, steam room, ice showers, heated marble loungers and the cocoon-like feel of the 17 oval treatment pods. There’s also a full floor of the latest LifeFitness machines, Powerplate 6, free weights with a staff of buff, knowledgeable and helpful physical trainers roaming about and a healthy restaurant, plus the availability of any manner of grooming, waxing, polishing and hair care in the Daniel Galvin salon.
There’s much excitement about the debut of Dr. Sturm’s anti-aging products and services in London; treatments last from 60 to 90 minutes and range from the signature Instant Glow Facial to more specialized treatments for those with acne or darker skin tones to a men’s facial which soothes irritation from daily shaving and helps with wrinkles and under-eye puffiness.
We opted for the 90-minute Super Anti-Aging Facial, which promises to “replenish moisture reservoirs resulting in a smoother and more youthful complexion.” Upon arrival, we were welcomed into our floaty white treatment pod by esthetician Laura O’Mahoney, who explained the products and process before starting. The Dr. Sturm products are all-natural and cruelty-free, designed using cutting-edge science (for example, the use of an extract of Purslane, an anti-aging ingredient, which Dr. Sturm decrees as the “fountain of youth” enzyme).
O’Mahoney began with a cleaning of my face and shoulders; she then examined my skin noting that my cheeks were dry and showing some fine lines. She steamed my face and did some extractions, followed by Mesotherapy, the use of a small electric pen, which has fine needles that create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin to trigger collagen and elastin. O’Mahoney said it was going to hurt, but it didn’t, and felt more like getting a good scrub. There was scrub, too, then a mask, during which she massaged my hands and feet, followed by the generous use of Dr. Sturm’s serums and moisturizers. All in all, it was very relaxing, and I left with a fabulous glow and very soft, smooth skin. Even after a few days, my skin is still dewy and dare we say it—more youthful?
For more information, travel advisors can contact spa director Aysun Mut at aysun.mut@corinthia.com. Treatments can be booked via ESPA Life at Corinthia at +44-(0)-20-7321-3050 or espalife.london@corinthia.com
For VIPs, the seven Penthouse Suites are definitely the guestrooms to book. Each suite is spread over two floors with large outdoor terraces overlooking the Thames, generous living space, dining and bar areas, and everything runs smoothly with butler service (including unpacking and packing of luggage), and complementary local car service. Penthouse suites range in size from 1,000 square feet (Actors Penthouse) to over 4,000 square feet, (Royal Penthouse, which also has 180-degree views over London’s South Bank.) The decor is slightly themed—some with more vibrant color schemes, some with subdued palates, but all are super luxurious with large bathrooms with separate soaking tubs, rain showers, double vanities and oodles of closet space.
For Penthouse Suite bookings travel advisors should contact Marianne Kassapian at marianne.kassapian@corinthia.com. Corinthia London also offers a range of packages that include spa access for stays of four nights or more, and day spa bundles that include Time for Tea, Spa After Work and more.
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