THE Bulgari name is synonymous with luxurious extravagance. The bold Italian style that characterises the brand’s heritage is evident across The Bulgari Hotel and Resorts. Starting with just three exclusive locations in Milan, London and Bali, the brand recently enriched with two additional openings in Beijing and Dubai. Four new Bulgari Hotels are due to open from 2020 to 2023, including the newly announced Bulgari Hotel Roma, as well as Paris, Moscow and Tokyo.
The Bulgari Hotel, London
After lockdown ended, I was in dire need of TLC, and The Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge was the first spot on my list. Bearing in mind the plethora of activities that I could engage in at the Spa, I was also drawn to its tasteful opulence – nothing short of the brand’s core aesthetic.
But for me, what really sets it apart from your regular experience is the superior service and incredible design. I was continually expecting the unexpected – from luxurious dining experiences to Spa treatments specifically designed to cater to your needs.
The a suite at the Bulgari Hotel, London
The Spa only reopened its doors on the 12th of April to welcome guests, and I know that the majority of my acquaintances jumped at the opportunity to lavish in its splendour once more. And who can blame them? The Spa is one of the largest and most exclusive ones in central London.
Arranged over two levels, this urban oasis of tranquillity boasts a 25m swimming pool lined with shimmering green and gold mosaic and a vitality pool entirely covered by gold leaf tiles.
I was spoilt for choice with 12 private treatment rooms, including one double spa suite, complete with its own steam room, hydromassage tub and side-by-side treatment beds; and a large fitness area with personal training at the Workshop Gymnasium. What more could I ask for?
As I settle by the pool reminiscent of an oasis of heaven, the feeling that I was no longer in central London sent me into an almost immediate sense of relaxation. And yes, I do observe how honey starts dripping into my text at the mere thought of it. I have to say that the poolside beds were my first port of call in discerning whether or not this was an experience that I’m going to want to revisit time and time again.
The Bulgari Hotel, London – pool
As I am still longing for warm summer days spent in blinding sunshine, a personal favourite was the vitality pool entirely covered by gold leaf tiles. It also boasts a temperature of 36 degrees celsius, much to the delight of my senses. Its variety of total body massage jets alongside the Byzantine mosaics reminded me of the age of luxury of Venice or Ravenna. If I can’t travel physically in this day and age, I do not mind spending time in an environment where I can fantasise about it in tranquillity.
After spending over four months enclosed into my household due to the ongoing pandemic, my skin was in desperate need of attention. With the help of their specialists, as part of my Spa journey, I opted for Bulgari’s eponymous Dramatic Healing Facial alongside the Amala Smooth and Glow body treatment.
The Bulgari Hotel, London: Suite Bathroom
Both treatments are specifically designed to rejuvenate my skin using gentle serums by 111Skin. The 111 Spa/Clinic is a revolutionary spa concept offering aesthetic performance face and body treatments for the first time in a multi-sensory, opulent spa environment.
Founded and curated by cosmetic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides, the treatments are inspired by his surgical expertise and multi-disciplinary approach to skin health, utilising clean and aesthetic-grade skincare, in-clinic technology and advanced medispa regimes.
The therapists at Bulgari Spa are all experts in their fields and use their knowledge to adapt their practices in line with my skin’s needs at the time of treatment.
The Bulgari Hotel, London: Spa
The Amala Smooth and Glow body treatment is based on the philosophy of Living Skincare for Living Skin. Amala treatments tap into living bio-botanical actives to deliver bespoke results for each person’s unique skin identity. With 100% natural origin products, Amala treatments work in total synergy with the body, empowering the skin to strengthen and repair itself.
The Bulgari Hotel, London: Sette Bar
At the end of my Spa journey, the therapist that I spent over four hours with guided me to the relaxation room – a place of quiet where you can re-energise for the day ahead. With a cup of organic peppermint tea in my hand and the soothing sound of the fireplace playing gently into the background, it was the perfect ending to an already wonderful afternoon.
I know that many people see Spa experiences as a one-off for special occasions. However, the Bvlgari Spa reinforces my pre-existing conception that you have to look after your body in the same way you nurture your mind and spirit. It’s not for special occasions – but for your overall consistent health throughout the year. And for me, it was a space of peace that I’ll always treasure.
by Adina Ilie