Wellness has become quite the buzzword lately, hasn’t it? From wellness warriors preaching clean eating to doctors advocating for preventive health, it seems like everyone’s on board. One of the early champions of this movement was Grace Belgravia, a private members club exclusively for women, dedicated to staying healthy and aging gracefully.
Back in 2012, founder Kate Percival opened the doors to Grace Belgravia in a prime Kensington location that most of us can only fantasize about. Picture this: you stroll off a bustling street nestled between Hyde Park Corner and Sloane Square, and as you step inside, a spiral staircase whisks you away to the main reception area. There, you’re greeted by an informal restaurant offering up a mix of healthy bites and more indulgent treats. The space is airy with high ceilings, decked out in neutral tones accented by pops of colorful cushions, giving off a modern, spa-like vibe. And if you happen to visit on the right day, you might find the atrium transformed into an art gallery.
Now, if your idea of wellness leans more towards the traditional health route, head on upstairs to the medical and wellbeing clinic. Led by none other than Dr. Tim Evans, who also happens to be Apothecary to HM The Queen, this clinic offers appointments with specialists ranging from gynaecologists to hypnotherapists and nutritionists.
Let’s Talk Spa
Fast forward five years, and Grace Belgravia feels like it’s hit its stride. As it’s grown, some of its facilities have opened up to non-members, including the spa. Picture this: you’re in the changing rooms, which are feminine and pretty with soft pink walls and chic pale wood lockers. There’s even a vanity area stocked with everything you could possibly need to freshen up post-spa session or gym workout.
And then there’s the spa itself – a haven of relaxation. You’ll find a mani-pedi room adorned with ash wood and shelves twinkling with enchanting nail varnishes. Next stop, the sauna and steam room, both spacious and beautifully designed. The sauna exudes warmth, adorned with botanical artwork that adds a touch of sophistication to the space.
Legs for Days
But perhaps the pièce de résistance of the spa experience is the affusion room, where I had the pleasure of trying out one of Grace’s signature treatments – The Capri Palace Leg School. Promising “smooth, healthy, younger-looking legs,” this treatment was an indulgent 80 minutes of pampering. My therapist, Elodie, guided me into a serene, white-walled wet room where a Vichy shower awaited.
Over the next hour and twenty, Elodie worked her magic, applying a mix of heat and cold therapies, wraps, muds, and solutions to my legs. The sensation was exhilarating – from the cool, tingling mud to the refreshing ice-cold bandages. And let me tell you, the results were worth it – my legs felt toned and rejuvenated, if only temporarily.
Grace Belgravia offers an array of unique treatments like The Capri Leg School, alongside classics like Natura Bissé facials and CACI machine-led facials. It’s a sanctuary of calm, where women from all walks of life gather to unwind, connect, and invest in their well-being. And while membership comes with a hefty price tag, there’s always the option to dip your toes in the water with a spa visit before taking the plunge.
In the end, Grace Belgravia isn’t just a place – it’s a lifestyle. A haven where you’re free to embrace wellness on your own terms, surrounded by like-minded individuals. And if you ask me, that’s worth every penny. If I were still a Londoner, you can bet I’d be crunching the numbers to make it work.