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Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre

wellness spaces•
London
London

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre

Hotel Café Royal, 10 Air Street, London W1B 5AB, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away beneath the iconic Hotel Café Royal on Regent Street, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre offers something genuinely rare in London - a complete escape from urban chaos without leaving the city centre. This isn't just another hotel spa; it's a 1,200 square metre subterranean wellness sanctuary that's earned the title of England's Best Hotel Spa 2023.

Akasha: London's Award-Winning Subterranean Spa Sanctuary

England's Best Hotel Spa lies hidden beneath Regent Street's bustle

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you descend via private lift into this subterranean oasis, the city simply vanishes. Akasha achieves what few London venues manage - genuine tranquillity through thoughtful design rather than gimmicks. The space unfolds across four elemental zones, each with its own distinct character. The marble hammam exudes classical luxury, whilst the 18-metre pool feels surprisingly expansive for an underground space. Dim lighting, carefully curated restorative sounds, and uplifting aromas create an atmosphere that genuinely makes you forget you're beneath one of London's busiest streets. The Carrara marble treatment rooms elevate the sophistication factor considerably, whilst the meditation studio and mood-lit gym cater to different wellness needs. The Watsu pool adds an element of uniqueness that sets Akasha apart from standard hotel spas. It's cocoon-like without feeling claustrophobic, achieving that delicate balance between urban sanctuary and luxury retreat.

Food & Drink

The Four Elements menu at Akasha café focuses on wellness-oriented offerings designed by nutritionists. Expect herbal teas, cold-pressed juices, and energizing drinks that complement the spa experience rather than overshadow it. The hotel itself houses an impressive dining collection including Alex Dilling's fine dining restaurant, Albert Adrià's Cakes & Bubbles for desserts and champagne, The Gallery for afternoon tea, Green Bar for cocktails, and The Ten Room for all-day dining. However, specific details about food quality and menu specifics aren't available, so I can't provide a detailed assessment of the culinary offerings beyond their wellness-focused approach.

Service & Experience

The service experience begins with that private lift arrival - a nice touch that immediately signals you're entering something special. The wellness journey includes heated beds and bespoke consultations, suggesting a personalised approach rather than cookie-cutter treatments. The post-treatment experience includes product cards and a champagne finish, which adds a luxurious conclusion to the spa journey. With nine treatment rooms utilising premium products from Valmont, Aromatherapy Associates, and Sundãri, the service appears comprehensive and well-appointed, though specific staff interaction details aren't available.

Value for Money

This is unquestionably premium pricing territory, with day packages ranging from £195 to £840, single treatments from £189 to £369, and couples retreats from £369 to £840. At price level 4/4, Akasha positions itself firmly in the luxury segment. Given the England's Best Hotel Spa 2023 award, the extensive facilities including that 18-metre pool and marble hammam, plus the prime Regent Street location, the pricing reflects the premium positioning. Whether it represents value depends entirely on your wellness budget and expectations - this is clearly positioned as a special occasion or serious splurge rather than regular self-care.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the 9am slot on weekdays for maximum tranquillity - you'll essentially have the 18-metre pool to yourself before the daily rush begins. The spa operates daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, giving plenty of flexibility for scheduling.

What to Focus On

Focus on the award-winning treatments using Valmont products, which likely contributed to their England's Best Hotel Spa recognition. The Watsu pool experience appears to be a unique offering worth prioritising, and don't miss the marble hammam - it's clearly a signature feature of the four elemental zones.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The private lift arrival isn't just for show - it genuinely helps transition your mindset from city chaos to spa serenityThe subterranean location means no natural light, but this actually enhances the cocooning sanctuary effect rather than detracting from itPost-treatment product cards and champagne finish are included, so factor this into your timing rather than rushing off immediately

The Final Verdict

Akasha delivers on its promise of being an urban sanctuary, achieving genuine escape in the heart of London's retail district. The combination of extensive facilities, award-winning recognition, and that rare sense of complete disconnection from city life justifies its premium positioning. Yes, the pricing is substantial, but the 1,200 square metre space, unique features like the Watsu pool, and sophisticated marble finishes create an experience that feels genuinely special rather than just expensive. The England's Best Hotel Spa 2023 award appears well-deserved based on the comprehensive offering and attention to the complete wellness journey from arrival to champagne finish.

Christoff's Rating:
8.7/10

Perfect For:

Special occasion spa experiences and milestone celebrationsSerious wellness enthusiasts with premium budgetsAnyone seeking genuine urban escape without leaving central London

Quick Details

1

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre

⭐️ Elemental zones
⭐️ Marble hammam
⭐️ Watsu therapy
⭐️ Award winning
⭐️ Nutritionist designed

The 1,200 square meter subterranean maze beneath Hotel Café Royal creates London's most elemental spa experience through four distinct zones representing earth, water, fire, and air. The marble hammam delivers authentic Turkish bathing rituals while the 18-meter pool provides lap swimming that feels more like aquatic meditation. Valmont treatments using Swiss cellular technology justify the £189-£369 investment, while the Watsu pool offers therapeutic floating experiences unavailable elsewhere in central London. The Four Elements menu designed by nutritionists provides post-treatment integration through herbal teas and cold-pressed juices that actually enhance rather than diminish your therapeutic state. The award recognition as England's Best Hotel Spa reflects genuine excellence, though the premium pricing ensures this remains a special occasion destination for most Londoners.

What's Great

✓ Unique four-element design with marble hammam and Watsu pool

✓ Award-winning status with nutritionist-designed post-treatment menu

Keep in Mind

× Premium pricing £189-£840 makes regular visits financially challenging

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book the 9am slot on weekdays for max chill - you'll have the 18m pool basically to yourself before the rush hits!

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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM"
📍Hotel Café Royal, 10 Air Street, London W1B 5AB, United Kingdom
💷£££££
📞+44 20 7406 3333
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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