London

In 2005, I received this Monday to Thursday Evening (5pm to 10pm) Spa Gift Voucher and a pampering treatment Voucher as my Valentines present. It also came with a green folder included two booklet to explain the facilities and the sort of treatments such as facials, massage, exfoliation, body wraps, signature, hands and feet. The brochures really provide helpful information which really enhanced my visit. Once I set a date to visit, I phoned the Sanctuary reservation team to reserve my pampering evening and I also booked an aromatherapy back, neck and shoulder massage treatment. They ask me to make sure I have all the necessary Gift Vouchers with me when I visit. They also ask me to bring my own swimsuit and flip-flops. I didnt need to bring any bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, facial cream or body lotion because The Sanctuary provided all of them. They also sent me a letter to confirm the reservation.

When I arrived at the Spa, I checked in with all my Gift Vouchers and the reservation letter. They gave me wristband to wear; this is for you to purchase food or drinks in the lounge area. This wristband was very good you didnt need to bring your purse with you into the Spa. You just had to pay at check out if you purchased anything.

After check in, I was shown to a waiting area. There was one complimentary orange juice for each visitor. I had to wait for about 10 minutes for the introducer. She gave me a clear plastic bag with the Sanctuary logo on the front. There were a map, questionnaire and a pen inside. She also gave me the white cotton robe; this also had the Sanctuary logo which is embodied on the top left hand corner. Then the introducer showed me the way to the changing room.

Once I got change I quickly check the treatment room I need to go to for my massage. The map is quite easy to navigate, so I was on the floor in no time. The Spa is divided into 4 levels; Koi Carp Lounge level, Exercise Pool level, second floor level with the Jasmine Suite and the third floor level with the Orchid Suite and the Lavender Suite.

My massage treatment lasted for 25 minutes, which was really relaxing and the aromatic oils smelt really nice. So after the massage I went onto the Exercise pool to have a swim. There were also five under water exercise machines (Aqua Gym) for you to work out. And I swam for a while as well. Afterwards I went to the Sanarium (sauna) room to relax. It was quite dark in there with the sound of bird and waves. It was really relax, nice and hot in there, and there werent that many people in there. Afterwards I went to the Hammam (steam) room to relax, but there were quite a lot of people in there and the doors kept getting open and close so it wasnt that nice in there. There were a lot of star light in there which made it a very relaxed room. Then I went onto the Exercise Spa pool, this small round pool also had quite a few people in there. But it was nice and bubbling.

After all that, I went to the Koi Carp Lounge level. There is an Atrium Pool with the famous swing. But it wasnt as glamorous as the photo that I saw on the brochure, because it didnt have the flowers and leafs around the strings. But I still felt really carefree as I swing through the warm inviting water. Then I went and sat in the Koi Carp Lounge to rest a little. I also received a complimentary soft drink because I completed the questionnaire.

I spent most of the evening on the Exercise Pool level and the Koi Carp Lounge level. This was a really pleasant enjoyable visit and I felt really pampered.