After working flat-out last week & over the whole bank holiday weekend I thought I'd treat myself to a mini spa day. I'd heard great things about the Cowshed treatments at Babington House in Somerset, so yesterday in search of an urban retreat I headed off to the Cowshed spa at Clarendon Cross (nestled in the leafy area of Holland Park) to give my toes some love & care.
I went for the Ultimate Cowshed Pedicure. Which sounded like an amazing 75 minutes of pure relaxation & indulgence.
Beginning the treatment was akin to being cocooned in a cosy white fluffy towel. You are sat in the biggest squishiest armchair you can imagine with a huge v-shaped cushion settled around your lap. There really is no need to move from your soft towelling cloud & you immediately become glad that you need do no such thing for the next 75 minutes. The cushion is a great idea as it makes it so easy for you to read a magazine or book whilst lying back having your feet preened & prepped.
I opted for the bright selection of polishes & was in Essie heaven when presented with the basket of gleaming bottles to choose from.
Pretty much my idea of heaven.
My final colour selection was "Meet me at Sunset". I'll never get tired of cute nail polish names! The treatment itself was fantastic, all the usual bits you expect from a pedicure but with an amazing leg & foot massage with hydrating mask (where your feet are covered in Cowshed's luxury products & wrapped up in hot flannels & yet more fluffy towels to allow the mask to really get to work) completed with a head & shoulder massage using lavender essential oil that very nearly sent me to sleep. When it was finished I felt completely unwound, pampered & already planning my next treatment.
I loved how there was absolutely no rush to move on when the treatment was over. I was given the option of continuing to relax in the treatment area (as there wasn't a client booked in straight after me), or sitting down at the lovely rustic cafe a few paces away whilst my nails dried.
Cowshed really have nailed the art of relaxation I can't recommend visiting them enough! They have a few spa's & shops dotted about London (& a few other places in the UK), find them here.
*Sidenote* In keeping with the relaxing retreat-like atmosphere you're not supposed to use phones in Cowshed spas. I hope they will forgive me for taking a few subtle snaps in the name of sharing the experience with you all!
What is your favourite spa treat in London?
Harriet x
