Spa review - K West Hotel & Spa

• Where: K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London.
• Who went: Olive Byrne and her friend.
• Treatment: Elixir Muscle Ease and beauty treatments (eye lash tint and eye brow shaping). Both visited the 'Wet Spa'.
• In a nutshell: An extravagant spa experience situated in the heart of London - but feels like you're miles away from home.
• Best for: An indulgent day or weekend with a friend or partner. Ideally situated next to Westfield shopping centre and Shepherds Bush tube station.
• Things to watch out for: If you want to eat in the K West restaurants, make sure you book in advance because they get fully booked by non-spa and hotel goers.

Review:

"Finding the K West Spa, voted the best in the UK, couldn't have been easier. Located almost a stone's throw away from the Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush, this is an ideal place to have a spa - perfect for resting your weary limbs after a day of retail therapy! After a few hours trawling around the shops, we checked in at the spa - and what a extravagant entrance it was.

"Oozing with elegance and the scent of a spa in the air, we were lead to the changing rooms where were given a friendly welcoming tour around the spa area and given our robes and slippers. Before we were lead to the main spa area (where we were told that it'll be a experience you'll never forget!) we were led into a chill-out area where we were asked essential health questions and were able to chat to the therapist before our treatments. We were also able to try the brand new K West spa signature tea. The ginger and lemon was delicious.

"We were lead to the 'Wet Spa', which you get access to when you book a treatment. We were suitably impressed with the facilities of the spa as it went above and beyond your average spa.

"The 'Wet Spa' boasts a hydrotherapy pool that loosened up all our knotted muscles with its super powered water fountains, a hi-tech sauna, scented sanarium, steam room and the most gorgeous looking foot spas I've ever seen! We also loved the Kuddles - mini hubs where you can sit and relax, surrounded by star lights.

"However, the best (and probably most surreal!) experience of the day was the 'Snow Paradise' room. After sweating out our toxins in the steam room and cleansing our pores in the sauna, the shock of walking into a minus 15 degree room of snow and ice was definitely a boost to the system.

"This Finnish experience, and a UK first, helps you combine hot and cold therapy and despite feeling very chilly at the first instance, the temperature drop instantly made my skin feel firmer and my senses came alive. After combining the hot and cold therapy, I felt totally refreshed and was amazed how much I enjoyed freezing my butt off! A little tip - make sure you wear your slippers in there otherwise your toes will freeze!

"After rinsing off in the tropical experience showers (I loved the waterfall one), we dried off and got prepared for our treatments ahead. After much deliberation (as the treatment list was so extensive) I booked the highly recommended Elixir Muscle Ease massage, which uses Thai massage practice but with a K West spa twist.

"I was led to the Sun Meadow Suite which smelt divine and had soft, mellowing music in the background. I could sense the hot oils and massage products being prepared, which instantly made me feel relaxed. The massage used a combination of stretching and manipulating tired and weary muscles, making them come alive again after feeling sluggish. This was perfect for me as I spend most of my day slumped over a computer screen.

"The massage was thorough and at times, quite firm, but after the finale of the accupressure scalp massage, which apparently releases tension hidden in your cranial area, I felt completely revitalised. I was reassured by the therapist throughout the whole treatment, who gently eased me into the stretches.

"My friend opted for beauty treatments and was treated with a new set of perfectly shaped eye brows and gorgeous tinted eyelashes. The beautician was superb and ensured that all safety measures were adhered to (i.e. a skin patch test).

"After a day of pure relaxation, we headed to the rather swish K West Kanteen, where we scoffed salmon falafel and red pepper hummus, Rigatoni pasta and Thai Green curry, washed down with warm apple tart. The perfect ending to the perfect spa day.

Details

Price: £85 for Muscle Elixir Ease (60 mins), £15 eyebrow shaping and £17 for eye lash tinting. If you don't book a treatment, access to the 'Wet Spa' is £50 for the day.

Any specific packages to highlight: If you want to fully experience the spa's facilities and experiences, save the pennies and book the The K Spa Escape. For £285, you get an expert consultation, Mediterranean Body Scrub, Mediterranean Body Wrap, Candlelight Massage, Vitamin C Facial plus access to the 'Wet Spa' and finished off with a tasty lunch.

The K West hotel is also about to celebrate its 10th year anniversary, so to celebrate with them, and National Chocolate Week in October, treat yourself to some 'Choko Therapy' in October where for £129 per person, you'll be treated to a full body chocolate exfoliation, a chocolate body wrap, a chocolate pedicure and then finished off with five yummy chocolate cocktails. Heaven!

Hotel: If you fancy making a weekend of it, why not book a room in the K West Hotel? From deluxe doubles, the executive suits, rest your head after a day at the luxurious spa at this metropolitan hotel, complete with all the high-tech mod cons and modern furnishings. Prices start from £159 (for two people) per night. Like every hotel, the K West Spa has exclusive suites from £500 a night, perfect for those extra special occasions.

Website: http://www.k-west.co.uk/index.htm

Contact: 020 8008 6600