December: K Spa
Saturday 1st December 2007 by Elizabeth Richards
Feeling in need of some R&R? Is a bit of 'me time' just what the doctor ordered? Or are you after a gift for someone who has everything?
A spa break, whether it's for an hour of an evening or a long weekend away, always does the trick so tune in monthly for our resident Spa Expert's pick of the very best spas selling their experiences online.
 For December, K Spa got our vote.
Where is it?
K West Hotel, Richmond Way, Shepherds Bush, London
W14 0AX
www.K-West.co.uk 
The line
A small but slick spa in the basement of media-magnet hotel K West.
The scene
K West without a doubt attracts London’s most trendy but the spa – tucked away on the lower floor – feels a world away from the bustle and business of the lobby upstairs. Decorated in rich chocolate tones with occasional flashes of colour, treatment rooms are small but perfectly formed with warm beds, low lighting and no windows for total escapism. Beyond the locker rooms is a sleek wet area with Jacuzzi, relaxation lounge and thermal suite while elsewhere there’s also a nail bar and state-of-the-art fitness studio (complete with the legendary Power Plate).
Who goes?
Media professionals from nearby recording and television studios, business players taking a break from meetings and visiting tourists with an eye for style.
The menu
The menu caters for men and women with skincare and body treatments including aromatherapy, microdermabrasion, dry flotation, hot stone, scrubs, wraps, waxing, tinting and brow shaping.
The names
Treatments are by ESPA or Ytsara with the latter scoring our vote here.
We tried
The signature treatment Ytsara Samunprai Thai Herbal Heat Energiser, £100 for 90 minutes. A welcome treat on a cold London morning, this tension-busting ritual started with a foot wash before moving on to take in a firm Thai massage. A hot herbal poultice was applied to open the pores and heat the muscles before an invigorating massage using sharp peppermint and mandarin oils loosened knots and unwound a tired mind.
The therapist – a terrifically friendly Australian with a background in osteopathy – was happy to chat and the room was warm, lit with candles and absolutely sound-proof. Afterwards I was served a cup of peppermint tea and given fifteen minutes to myself in the relaxation area.
The results
Muscles and joints immediately felt warmer and more flexible while improvements to posture and neck tension were also noted.
Special mention
K Spa has the most user-friendly ladies locker room we’ve seen in ages with powerful showers and plenty of changing space plus a grooming area with sinks, hairdryers and straightening irons. Best of all: lockers were large enough to hold a winter coat and boots, handbag and gym kit without squeezing.
Gift vouchers
Vouchers for treatments and day packages are available online with seasonal offers making a fabulous gift idea for Christmas.
Visit www.K-West.co.uk
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