East river spa
East River Spa in London's Canary Wharf is ideally located
to cater to both city workers and leisure guests alike.
Sasha Lill checks out what's on offer
East River Spa is a fabulous urban hideaway situated in the four-star Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel at Canary Wharf. An oasis of calm in London's most dynamic business districts, it has breathtaking views of the River Thames and the 02 Arena (inside the Dome).
Opened in September 2007 after a three-year development, the spa is located in Ontario Tower - a modern, oval-shaped glass building linked to the deluxe hotel (built at the same time) via a glass atrium. The spa takes up the whole of the first floor and has private apartments above.
Flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the spa's curved walls and 'treatment' corridor (tiled with dark cork flooring to help absorb sound), are enhanced with soft 'halo' lighting to create a feeling of flow and continuity. Contemporary in look with an oriental twist, the striking black walls at reception, with large gold Buddha, candles and artefacts, give way to soft greens and blues in the treatment areas to reflect the river beyond, while reeds enclosed within glass cleverly separate areas and also act as a strong focal point.
At the centre of the spa are the changing rooms with cosy under-floor heating, lockers stocked with soft fluffy robes and towels, and green granite and glass showers. The remaining amenities radiate from this central point and include the wet facilities.
Clients are invited to arrive up to one hour prior to treatment to gain the most from this thermal and hydro experience (included in the treatment price), which encompasses an ice fountain, six 'experience' showers, herbal sauna and aromatic steam room with its large crystal and twinkle-effect, colour-changing ceiling lights. Mosaic tiles of blue, green and gold reflect the light beautifully, with a dramatic play on light and shade. 
Clever chain blinds at the windows of the relaxation room give privacy without compromising the spectacular views of the river. This is the room where clients are encouraged to relax and unwind on one of six ergonomically-shaped, heated loungers and sample the complimentary refreshments. A separate spray tanning room is located nearby.
There are six, generously-sized treatment rooms, including a double room; five have showers. Stylish, high-shine black cupboards give a clutter-free finish, with hot stone caddies tucked away within. Beautiful brown and black throws cover the extra-wide hydraulic couches, and beige organza blinds at the huge windows offer privacy without making the rooms oppressive.
on the menu
Products and treatments include those from Pevonia and Algotherm, chosen because they complement each other, explains spa manager Lara Lympaney.
"The thalassotherapy effects of Pevonia with its sea muds fits with the medical background of Algotherm. Both brands are recognised worldwide and are results orientated - very much the spa's philosophy," she says. In addition, facial skincare range Kimia and Essie nailcare are also offered.
Lara explains there are no "novelty" treatments offered and descriptions appeal to both men and women. "Most treatments are an hour long in keeping with our clients' busy lives. Pricing is kept simple at £65, regardless of whether it's a face or body treatment. We do offer standard services such as manicure and waxing, as well as more comprehensive day spa packages - some lasting three-and-a-half hours."
Massage to help de-stress is the most popular treatment requested and a priority for Lara is to expand the types offered. She has also noticed an increase in demand for Ayurvedic treatments.
To meet client demand, the spa is open seven days a week from 6am-11pm (to cater for gym users), with treatments offered from 10am to 10pm by four full-time and three part-time therapists. As well as hotel guests and day spa users, membership is also offered to the occupants of the private apartments situated above the spa, who can use all the facilities for free, paying only for the treatments they have.
The spa attracts two client types. During the week it is business people - city workers who are very demanding and don't have much time; at the weekend its leisure people - hotel guests and day spa clients. The average age group is between 25 and 45 years with a 70%-30% ratio of women to men.
The area in and around the spa is up-and-coming, with lots of new developments on the horizon, while City Airport is only a stone's throw away. Where once the area was primarily perceived a business district, more lifestyle areas are being created to include shopping malls and apartment buildings - and East River Spa, with its superb facilities, is in a prime position to take advantage.
