ESPA Life at Corinthia, next generation SPA

Between the glass-and-steel skyscrapers, the energy of the East End with Brick Lane and designers, art exhibitions and an increasingly interesting gastronomic quality, London still remains a city where books are read on the subway-the paper kind. Just as with books, the tradition of afternoon tea, possibly accompanied by a stop at a spa, remains a must-do for Londoners. Photos by RICHARD POWERS and JACK HARDY.

Marina Citterio

1 December 2022

A short walk from Trafalgar Square, inside the 5-star Corinthia Hotel, is the ESPA Life at Corinthia , London’s most hailed wellness space.

Four floors, 17 treatment rooms, swimming pools, a glass-walled sauna , semi-private rooms for resting, and 12 fireplaces arranged around the spa. Just to give an idea of the place. But the real heart of the spa is the Thermal Suite, with a steel pool, steam room, sensory showers and heated lounges.

ESPA Life, wellness icon

Treatments reflect a holistic attitude and range from naturopathy to acupuncture, osteopathic treatments to sound therapies. New at ESPA Life is a collaboration with Barbara Sturm, the doctor of aesthetic medicine known for anti-aging treatments based on non-surgical interventions and natural products such as Purlsane extracts, an ingredient clinically studied for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Purlsane stimulates the enzyme “fountain of youth,” as they say at Harvard University, with antioxidant and skin-nourishing effects. There are six new treatments to be tested, including the Super Anti-Ageing Facial, which promotes the skin’s natural defenses, reduces wrinkles and includes mesotherapy, the Brithtening Facial, to treat hyperpigmentation while combating oxidative stress that causes premature aging, and the Brightening Serum To brighten the skin. To cleanse, nourish and awaken the skin, Instant Glow Facial treatment imparts radiance with Glow Drops, pigment-based drops that reflect light.

One of London’s most iconic spas

Four floors and 3300 square meters for one of London’s most sought-after spas, designed by GA Studio in a monochromatic labyrinth between Italian marbles and a silver-hued pool, a team of professionals working with a holistic approach.

To relax after the day at the office, ESPA LIFE offers SPA After Work with admission after 4 p.m., a one-hour personalized massage, 30-minute facial, access to the gym, swimming pool, jet pool, sauna with 360-degree views, and ice fountain. Conclude with deep relaxation in the sleep pods. Interesting option for workaholic tourists, but not only.

A treatment to be happy? Back, Face and Sc alp Treatment with aromatherapy oil massage, exfoliation, hot stone massage, facial treatment. Two hours of pure well-being.