The Sanctuary

My mother’s birthday is going so near. She was about going 50th. And I surprise her to give her a spa certificate. The services are all in such as manicure, pedicure, foot and hand massage. They also put body massage as a reward for my mom. 

Just back from my half day visit to the Sanctuary - absolutely loved it!  I had a wonderful back and shoulder massage and a sleep retreat session.  The atmosphere was calm, peaceful and the staff were, without fail, friendly and helpful - always around but unobtrusive at the same time.   Had snacks to eat during the morning and one of the best cups of coffee I have had in a long time.  I will definitely return and bring friends along - it really is a sanctuary from everyday life!

I don't have the opportunity often enough to come to THE Sanctuary due to distance and work etc awwwe you cry. I do enjoy my annual visit though with my daughter, it is everything you could ever dream of in relaxation, you don't even have to think it is done for you.  It is a wee bit pricey but in my case worth every penny as I get quality me time, quality mother & daughter time only do what I want to do, get waited on hand & foot, amazing massage and wish A Happy Birthday to THE Sanctuary and looking forward to 30th of this month when I will be in your more than capable hands.  AS I'm a large lady can you please prepare a couple of large robes for my arrival.  See you soon, Margaret Stewart, Perth Scotland.

I had the sleep treatment here, it really made me relax and I even feel asleep. Worth every penny.

The name says is all – the Sanctuary in Covent Garden.a place to switch off, wind down, relax and let yourself accept the pleasure, the passion, the professional service and commitment the staff offers you.Chill in the spa, treat yourself to one of the many treatments that will rejuvenate you inside and out, then complete your day with a lovely meal.a day there, leave you satisfied and fulfil in many levels.A great treat to yourself and to a loved one.

First visit wasn’t so great, massage was poor but was offered another free session after contacting Sanctuary Spa about the problems. Second visit was much better!

Nothing compares to The Sanctuary. OK, admittedly it’s the only Spa I’ve been to but that’s not the point.

The first time I went I was treated to a Champagne Day for my birthday. I spent a full Sunday relaxing; I had an hour long massage, steamed myself wrinkly, fell asleep in the Sleep Retreat (and had to be woken up), swam, was offered champs and macaroons, slept some more, read my book, took a dip in the jacuzzi and slept a little bit more. I have never felt so relaxed!

I went again yesterday for a Mini Spa Indulgence- courtesy of the girls from work…because I “needed it”, but I cant say it was as relaxing. As the Mini Spa Indulgence package is only available Monday- Friday with three time slots to choose from, the only slot I could make was the evening one. I arrived just in time for my massage only to realise that I had forgotten my slippers- thank God they have a shop! The massage itself was very relaxing and much needed. However, by the time I was done, all I wanted to do was sit down and relax in the lounge. I had just about enough time to pay a visit to the Sleep Retreat…then it was over.

I do love The Sanctuary and would highly recommend it! The Staff are lovely, treatments are relaxing and the facilities are great, but if you’re looking for ultimate relaxation I would advise on picking a full day package, otherwise you will leave feeling slightly short-changed.

This was the very best spa experience I've had :)

I went to the Covent Garden spa last week and the weather was horrendous - wet and windy. I took refuge in the shop which was warm but not so hot it steamed up my glasses (always potentially embarrassing as I bumble about not being able to see) and was quickly directed up to the spa.

The hallway up wasn't so impressive - neutral and colourless - though there was a shimmering curtain at the bottom of the stairs. However I think that is just meant as a calming thing rather than lack of care because the rest of the place is beautifully decorated.

I spent a good few hours in the koi lounge relaxing on the amazing chairs, and had a sleep session too, which I didn't want to come around from! The pools and jacuzzis were lovely to relax in but I didn't get a chance to try the steam room that I think I saw.

All in all a very good spa experience. I'll probably go back with a friend so I can share it with someone.

I visited The Sanctuary in Covent Garden this weekend after literally years of wanting to go! Reading countless magazine reviews and looking at their website I really thought my frined and I were in for one of the best spa days ever (and we've had a few!) WHAT A SHOCKER! Its hard to know where to start so bear with me.....by the way, as a salon owner and manager and experienced beauty and holistic therapist, I feel fairly well qualified to comment here. Arrival was fine- noisy, busy and bustly but fine. Tour again, fine (it didn't take us too long to negotiate our way through this maze of a place!) The Koi Carp Lounge area- on first impression this looked exactly as in the pictures. Once we had to spend any time in there, it became very obvious it was not very well heated (I can see why there are piles of blankets everywhere!) There was NO relaxing music (you will only hear music in the treatment rooms and reception if you can make it out above the din!) The were very few comfortable places to sit any of the time (we spent an entire day there and struggled to get a seat other than 'benches' around the edge of the room). These were cold (plastic covered and many of them torn and tatty- if cameras wrere allowed in, I would've taken some pictures!) There is 1 sauna, 1 steam room, 2 jacuzzis and 2 pools (one an exercise pool) in the entire place and it was clearly well over subscribed. I was amazed they didn't have more of a limit on numbers bearing in mind all of the adverising makes it out to be so exclusive! Most areas were a bit neglected looking and with the exception of the changing rooms where there seemed to constantly be staff collecting towels and robes, there were sodden towels strewn all over the place which didn't help with the overall feeling of relaxation. The pool with the swing....yes, I was really looking forward to seeing this. UTTERLEY overated, i'd challenge anyone to actually swing on it without bashing themselves on the (very steep) steps behind it, that's if you can actually get it moving with your legs in water! Our lunch and afternoon tea was a different story and the only reason I gave 2 stars not 1 for this review. The food and service were excellent, although this does come at a price and a service charge that you have to have the nerve to opt out of if you don't want to pay it (again, doesn't really help the relaxation aspect). There are 'free workshops' etc, one of which we attended. I really thought we might be guided through a step by step process which quite interested me as a therapist but it was literally a half hour sales pitch. Although very nice, our 'teacher' literally tried to sell us every product in the shop. If they had called this 'product orientation' or something similar I wouldn't have minded but it was no more a 'workshop' than checking in! Finally (but probably most importantly) my treatment- again I expected that these therapists would be world class, and even hoped I may learn a thing or 2! Although my therapist explained my lava shell massage well to me, that was where the positive experience ended. I don't think I have ever been so disappointed with a treatment. t strated with entering my assigned waiting area and being ignored completely until my actual therapist came to collect me. The room was incredibly basic, no hint of nice lighting or smells, just an alcove lit in the wall full of.... you've gussed it more products to sell!My lava shell massage was AGONISING, the therapist worked over my bones and applied far too much pressure (I came home with a visibly marked shoulder), often with the sharp edges of the shell. The shells were often far too hot and I had to tell her so at various points (I am no stranger to hot stone masssages believe me, but this was horrendous). At no time was the treatment noise free- I heard the therapists shouting down the coriddor to eachother and doors constantly banging. My '50 minute' treatment lasted just over 35 minutes which in the end I was actually grateful for! I was given no time to relax afterwards and was told to dress whilst my therapist got me some water. She then came in whilst I was getting dressed and hovered with the water in my face until I took it off her and set it down on the side, then continued to get dressed in front of her. I forgot to mention- the black mascara smeared all across the face cushion/towel (not mine I assure you). Not at all the standard I expected here, in fact probably the worst treatment I have ever had. My advice is to ignore the hype (you're not misisng out on anythinhg I promise!) and steer clear. Go to a smaller day spa that can actually treat you like a person not a piece of meat and relax!

Spotless and exceptionally friendly staff. It's just up the road from the tube. You could visit the nearby quirky market and shops, have a wonderful cheap vegetarian meal at Food for Thought and being surrounded by high street shops before relaxing there.

It has two swimming pools including one with the famous swing, plus saunas and jacuzzis. They have a huge menu of treatments and loungers to relax on. The dressing rooms are devine with thoughtful touches such as cleanser and tissues. It gets crowded at closing time though. Pricey but relaxing.

It was my partners birthday and this weekend we visited the Sanctuary, it was a heavenle relaxing experience worth every penny it was not cheap but there were also many other spas offering the same treatments for more money.

We indulged in facials, massage and cleansing detox treatments, Iv got to say I did this on behalf of my partner but have to admit I was quite shocked at how much I indulged the pampering in such a tranquil surrounding.

Ohhhh I was treated to a day at the Sanctuary as a Christmas gift from my partner... I had a wonderful day! Treatments were amazing, everything was clean and well maintained and although I've never been to another spa for comparison purposes, I'd certainly go back again (if anyone wants to treat me! hint hint!!)
Food was lovely too and so many rooms and spaces you can find as much privacy as you need to just relax and read (well I found this to be the case but I did go on a weekday day time!)
It did get a little busier with the after work folk but i was leaving in a tranquil state so didnt really notice at that point!
Well worth a visit!

Dunno what the review below me is on about!

This spa is aptly named. I love the fact that it is a women only spa as it means you can truly relax without having to worry about men looking at you or doing any man-spotting yourself! The staff are all female too and are super friendly and are happy to help you out with anything you need.

The main room is full of lounge chairs, padded benches, bean bags, magazines and blankets to hang out on and it is really nice to just see all these women having a girly day out chatting, relaxing and even sleeping in a really calming atmosphere.

When I went with my friend we had a massage in the morning followed by a super tasty lunch in the restaurant. We weren't that hungry so we relieved to see that the portions are small and light meaning you don't spend the rest of the day with a heavy stomach.

I would definitely recommend this place to any girls who are looking for a girls day out, a classier hen party than feather boas and tequila slammers or even as a nice present to give your mum for her birthday or something similar. I went with my best friend and the atmosphere just totally relaxes you, we ended up chatting on the lounge chairs in our dressing gowns for a good 2 hours!

The worst experience in my life. I got a birthday present from my company - a day in The Sanctuary.
The facilities are pretty old. I was also shocked that it was women only place.... not really for me. My bathrobe was broken (wholes in it), towels were really old. I managed to have pretty relaxing time in the swimming pool, and their relaxation/sleeping area. At the time, they have just introduced colour relaxation. That was pretty good. So.. I was relaxing and enjoying from 10:30 - 15:00 when I had my ritual. It included body scrub, massage and moisturizing - all in 55 minutes. That was the most horrible experience. My masseur, was first of all, late. Then she just rushed all over my body. I am sure she was angry because at the end of the treatment I felt so angry like never before in my life. I felt I waisted whole morning relaxing and flowing energy and feeling great and in 55 minutes of that treatment I lost everything.
Definitely experience that I wouldn't like to repeat again. Also - I don't think I will ever go there again.

This is another one of my expired gift voucher stories. I actually went here on the same day I visited the Cowshed, and the experiences couldn't have been more different.
While the Cowshed was small and personal, the Sanctuary felt like a spa factory.
I am not a big fan of spas and am amazed at all the positive reviews. The few massages I have enjoyed over the years were far more enjoyable than the one I was given here. The waiting room felt like that of a private doctor's surgery - not what I would call relaxing. Noone talked, the treatments were done by the clock (the practicioners wear the same clip on watches a nurses), the music was uninspiring. The massage was OK, but nothing special - especially for the price.
My main gripe, however, is about the treatment we received from the reception staff.
Of course, I am grateful that they allowed me to redeem my voucher even though the 12-month limit had long expired. However, the administration and booking process took ages (lots of forms to fill in, includin full credit card details for "express checkout"). We weren't made feel very welcome. I lost count how many staff tended to us, but we spent a total hour just standing about and waiting. Eventually we booked our treatments (at an extra charge) and were pointed towards the changing rooms. More waiting around due to some breakdown of communication. Unfortunately, time ran out to give us the customary tour of the spa, so we did everything a bit back to front.
We had a quick snack and glass of champagne (in plastic glasses - understandable as everyone walks about barefoot, but it completely destroys the flavour) before our treatments.
We then went back to reception to request the promised tour, more waiting, then the descent into the floors below.
Perhaps you need to be more experienced at spas in order not to laugh out loud at the main pool area. Women lounge about in their dressing gowns, noone's actually in the pool - or using the oversized swing above one of the pools. We felt as if we had just walked onto the set of a 70's soft porn movie.
This was the nicest area of the pool section, though, with its original stone floors. Moving on from there the place felt like any old hotel spa with tiled walls and characterless pool and jacuzzi in the last room.
We managed to spend a good few hours here in the end and even forget the disapointing check-in procedure - just to be reminded again when it came to leaving.
It took more than half an hour and more than three staff to explain their invoicing, as they never quite got round to fully setting up our accounts.
I suppose if you book your stay well in advance you may avoid some of the bureaucratic hassle, but this really is a treatment factory rather than a sanctuary in the true sense.

I've been to the Sanctuary twice now, and few spas can match it for ambience. Its distinctive character is due in part to its location, but also the decor, generous size and the amount of natural light it enjoys.

I've done the Sanctuary's day spa package both alone and with a friend and found both experiences equally pleasuarable. Patrons seem to respect the areas reserved for quiet contemplation but let their hair down a lot more in the pools and communal hydrotherapy pools - which makes for a relaxed atmosphere all round.

My absolute favourite part of the spa has got to be the koi karp pool; a lovely area in the centre of the spa where you can relax and watch the fish playing. Just be careful not to drop crumbs of food in, or they go crazy!

I've had a massage and a dry floatation here: both were done well by helpful and unintrusive staff.

The spa's restaurant is always worth making time for, and I've really enjoyed the food I've had here. It's healthy and very very tasty.

I'll probably keep going back to this place for as long as I'm able to do get in a swimsuit!

I visited the Sanctury Spa recently for the second time, the previous being a year ago. It is an expensive Spa but they often have some good deals in, I had a day pass for £99 which included access from 9.30am to 6pm, one 25 minute treatment, afternoon tea and a free gift. So I think this was good value. I had two treatments but in hindsight would have perhaps gone for more because as I was visting on my own I did get a little restless!

There is a lot to do however. There is an excercise pool on the lower floor which is a decent size but is for eercising rather than lounging so lenths only. There is also a hot tub, sauna and steam room here. On the second floor there is another pool which is a lounging pool to relax in and has a swing. This is overlooked by the Koi lounge where you can relax, however, both times I have been I have found this lounge a bit to busy and noisy so have opted for the lounge upstairs which is much quieter and nicer. There is another hot tub between these two floors and a small sauna.

I had two treatments, a back, neck and shoulder massage and pedicure. Both were very good and the beauticians are helpful and friendly.

Lunch here is tasty but pricy, afternoon tea is good value for a group of people.

Would definitely recommend this for a small group of friends of perhaps a hen. Relaxed, friendly and good fun

Visited this ladies only spa on 9/8/9. On first impression the reception was up to date and very stylish. However, when I did enter into the spa which has been created deep into the basement of the building it had a 1980’s feel with the artexed walls, arches and mirrors, I think it would be fair to compare it to a Morrocan Hamman in terms of the styling. During my visit I had 2 treatments; first was the Rasul this is definitely worth booking. The treatment starts with 3 different muds; one for the face, body and back. You then enter into the Rasul, which looks amazing with its North African/Persian influence, then you relax for 30 minutes until rain starts falling from the ceiling to wash away the mud. I then visited the relaxation beds, where you receive sonic pulse theraphy as well as a guided meditation. Generally, I would say that I had a great day and felt really relaxed and chilled by the time I left in the evening. Please note that any additional treatments are expensive and the timing is not as long as you would expect.

I have been to a few spas and this is by far the best. I find it amazing how big it is , when you look from the street you would never know. It is quite pricey but so worth it. Really worth saving up to give yourself an occassional treat. I recently did the evening session which runs from 5pm to 10pm and is much cheaper than a day. It was good value for money and a really realaxing way to spend the evening.
I can highly recommend the express manicure, definately the best manicure I have had.My tip would be to book any treatments before you go as it does get very booked, all treatments were fully booked when I went.

My friend treated me to a day here a few months ago. It was such a luxurious spa day. We wandered around in our robes, moving from beautiful relaxing rooms, and in and out of the various spa pools, sauna rooms etc. They have definitely put effort into making all the rooms luxurious.

I have been to a number of spas, but this was by far the most luxurious. The pool with the swing is quite famous and it’s a strange feeling to be swinging above the pool but it’s nice.

We also had a 'sleep experience’ included in the price, where you lie in warm beds and listen to a relaxation exercise through headphones. The massage was excellent. I get frustrated when you pay for a massage and they barely tickle you, but this was a good old tough kneading massage, to really help you get rid of the stress.

I expect it’s expensive, but don’t know how much as it was bought for me. If you can afford it, it’s worth it for a slice of luxury!