AFTER a long, cold winter, sometimes our skin and mind are in desperate need of a bit of TLC. Fortunately, DAMU Spa at The Mandrake Hotel was the first place that came to mind. Drawing inspiration from Mesopotamian mythology, DAMU Spa is named after the god of healing and regeneration. As such, the spa aims to intertwine ancient healing traditions with modern innovation, leaving guests feeling revitalised and restored.
As I stepped into the spa, it’s not an exaggeration to say that I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me. To begin, I wandered over to the spa’s The Origin Pool experience, the world’s first multi-sensory, zero-gravity wellness journey. Here, art and wellness unite to invite guests into a deep, meditative state. Low-frequency water haptics, immersive chromotherapy, and a bespoke 3D soundscape work in tandem over 45 minutes to recalibrate the senses and release any residual stress from daily life.
Whilst in The Origin Pool, a generative digital artwork titled Inner Spectrum I (2025) by REUKO was projected above. The artwork unfolds in slow, fluid patterns, creating a gently hypnotic effect that helps to calm the nervous system whilst also tapping into the body’s natural circadian and energetic rhythms.
After my time at The Origin Pool, I opted to try another one of the spa’s signature experiences: The Mud Caves. In these caves, guests are invited to self-apply mineral-rich clays, moving through the experience at their own pace within a softly lit, soothing environment.
The Mud Caves harness the power of hand-harvested muds sustainably sourced from the Austrian Alps, where the earth is enriched with powerful minerals such as quartz, mica, and bentonite.
Designed as a shared experience for up to eight guests, the treatment carries a grounding quality, encouraging stillness, presence, and a quiet reconnection with the body, with the option of private sessions available for a more secluded experience.
Whilst in The Mud Caves, the feeling of being in the centre of a bustling city completely dissipated, leaving only the comforting warmth and the gentle hum of ambient music. Moving between the aromatherapy steam room, tropical rain-inspired showers, and face and body masks, I left the space feeling revitalised and more awake.
by Sophie Richardson
Prices for The Mud Caves experience begin at £130 per guest for a one-hour session. Prices for The Origin Pool begin at £180 per guest for a 45-minute experience. For more information or to book, please visit here.