Your Guide to the Perfect Wellness Weekend in London
by Katie Baxter
As someone who has recently started work in the city since graduating, I’ve personally felt in dire need of some relaxing escapism; a need which inspired me to seek out wellness activities close by. Sometimes, so that you don’t feel swept up in London’s tidal wave, you need to come up for air.
And when you feel this urge to take a step away from it all, look no further than some of the quiet corners of the city itself. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on a weekend away at a five-star spa retreat in a country estate to experience some much-needed self-care. If you’re on the lookout for some rest and recuperation that’s only a tube ride away, keep on reading for a guide to the ultimate wellness weekend in London.
Pilates, Barre, Yoga — Willow LDN
I’ve always felt ill at ease in a gym setting, terrified by the prospect of feeling the eyes of toned and tanned athletes burning into my back as I fumble with the equipment and sheepishly stand around with no sense of direction. But stepping into the Willow studio, leaving the hectic energy of the notoriously busy Northcote Road in Clapham behind me, felt like I was being drawn into a warm hug.
The first thing that struck me about this boutique, woman-owned fitness studio was the friendliness of the people there. Anxious about where to put my shoes, one of my fellow class-goers promptly told me where the lockers were, before making a light-hearted joke about not caring if someone stole her own shoes (“jokes on them if they do!”).
To describe the studio as aesthetically pleasing would be an understatement. The space is flooded with light in the day, and there is a warmth exuded by the milk and honey tones of the décor. It’s an intimate space, looking like a normal storefront at first, but there is a spacious studio that spans back further inside, hidden behind a curtain that keeps the class private from onlookers passing by on the high street.
I went to Willow for an evening yin yoga class after a rather arduous day at work, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered. The class started with the instructor gently beginning a soothing meditation as she slowly tiptoed around the studio to strike some matches and fill the space with the warm glow of candlelight. The practice was healing and beautifully thought-out, accompanied by a calming playlist throughout. It goes without saying that I’m going to become a regular at Willow’s studio.
Acupuncture — PRICC
If you’re a sucker for pastel interiors, PRICC is the acupuncture studio for you. I’ve sworn by the practice of acupuncture for a while now, as it’s a natural and holistic method of helping with a number of common health concerns, both physical and mental.
Prior to your booking, PRICC sends you a questionnaire to fill out, so that they can get a sense of your health concerns and background before you even step foot in the clinic. PRICC is nestled away in Notting Hill, and a brief walk from the tube station to the acupuncture studio is a form of therapy in and of itself, as you glide along the beautiful townhouses that line the streets in the area.
As you recline back on the sofa ready for your treatment, your practitioner goes over your responses to the questionnaire, and everything you mentioned is reinforced. You have a truly in-depth and therapeutic consultation, sitting and talking about the problem before you dive in.
If you’re new to the practice of acupuncture, there’s no need to be alarmed. As daunting as the prospect of needles in your head and body may sound, it’s actually incredibly relaxing. I opted for ‘The Chill Pill’, the treatment designed specifically to help with anxiety and insomnia.
The treatment was caring and considered, and I’m all booked in for my follow-up. Be sure to give it a go if you’re looking for a holistic and natural healing practice, tailored to your concerns and needs.
re:lax
Smack-bang in the middle of Hackney Road, you’ll find an oasis; an oasis that comes in the shape of a converted industrial storage pod. Located in the Gossamer Project, an artists’ community tucked behind the main road, this female-founded business is based in a structure of five intimate and cosy pods, making up one reception room and four treatment rooms.
The facials here truly are one of a kind. Not only are they non-invasive, they also exclusively use ethical and sustainable products as part of all their treatments. Each facial is tailored entirely to your personal wants and needs, whether that involve LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage with gua sha and facial massage, or acupuncture. At re:lax, they’re founded on the principle that ‘our skin is as unique to us as our fingerprints’. And every treatment genuinely does feel personal and curated to your needs.
I left with a sensation of utter zen that made it difficult for me to open my eyelids. My practitioner gave me a little handwritten note that listed all the tools and products she recommended for my skin, so that I could ensure long-term results.
Speaking with my practitioner, I discovered that re:lax came into being just before lockdown, in 2020. During lockdowns, they used e-commerce as a means of providing advice and services to their customers from afar. The blog on their website to this day continues to be a font brimming with skincare advice and knowledge, whilst you can also purchase hand-picked sets of skincare products online, according to your skin needs: whether you want to ‘Glow’ or ‘Purify’, ‘Revive’ or ‘Tone’, there’s a specially curated skincare package for you.
If you’re looking for a deeply personal facial experience catered to your needs from a team of skincare specialists that are genuinely invested in helping you achieve wonderful skin in the long-term, this is the place for you.
Though it’s all too common to feel like you’re drowning in London’s gushing stream of commotion, there’s a wealth of amazing wellness businesses tucked away in every corner of the city, nestled beneath its booming and bustling façade. Invest in yourself by engaging in one of these self-care activities, when you feel the need to counter the chaos of London life.
Photos by Katie, unless stated otherwise.
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