HIDDEN behind the bustling streets of Sloane Square is the Ushvani spa. A tranquil escape from one of the capital’s busiest roads, the location is an immediate transportation into Malaysian serenity, offering a varied range of treatments and amenities, one of which being the intensive Dynamic Body Ritual.
It is in the secluded doorway where I am greeted by Dorina, my practitioner for the day. Upon entering, I am immediately removed from the 30 degree heat of the London streets and taken to a cool, quiet paradise, void of all distractions from the outside world. After removing my shoes, I am taken on a whistle-stop tour of the spa, learning the historical and cultural significance of the select variety of treatments, as well as the layout of the location itself.
Ushvani Treatment Room
Ushvani Hydrotherapy Pool
For instance, keeping with ancient Malaysian practice, men and women are treated on separate floors. The female floor offers clients a variety of amenities including a hydrotherapy pool, pregnancy bath, private showers and relaxation rooms, while the male treatment suites reside on the upper floor with a neighbouring yoga studio which can be booked for private sessions, all made from wood specifically imported from Malaysia.
I am treated in the “Istana” room, Malay for “Palace.” Unlike other treatments which use oils and balms, the Dynamic Body Ritual is performed above a clean pair of loose, comfortable clothing, of which the client must bring with them to the appointment (a great commentary on sustainability, avoiding the unwarranted production of excess garments to be used within the spa).
Ushvani Asmara Double Suite
The massage uses the weight of the practitioner’s body to stimulate nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems, performed slowly working from the feet to the head. The two-hour treatment follows a series of pressure points up the body, known as “zen lines,” which help to release pent up energy and relax muscles. Occasionally, Dorina would request me to lay or sit in different positions, guiding me through certain stretches and helping keep my breathing slow.
After the treatment has ended, I am escorted to the private tea and relaxation room, where I am served a hibiscus tea and given one last opportunity to immerse myself in authentic relaxation. The purpose of the tea room is intended to reawaken your senses, ready to walk out of the spa and back into the busy streets of London, certainly making the perfect finale to an already wondrous experience, one which championed complete serenity and mindfulness above all.
by Ben Sanderson
The Dynamic Body Ritual lasts 120 minutes and is priced at £240 – book via https://www.ushvani.com