You wouldn’t necessarily associate the bustling hub of Earls Court with being a haven of Thai-inspired relaxation, yet step through the doors of Old Brompton Road’s Sabai Leela day spa and that is just what you will discover.
A boutique health spa offering a unique Eastern approach to health & wellness in the heart of one of London’s busiest areas, Sabai Leela aims to ‘refresh and energise to provide an essential antidote to city life’ – and it stays true to its word. The name is derived from Thai – Sabai meaning to be relaxed, happy or content and Leela translating as style, grace or technique. Their holistic treatments are designed to treat the mind and body as a whole, so clients leave feeling totally relaxed and at ease with a sense of inner wellbeing.
I visited after a particularly hectic day (/week/month) at work, rushed off my feet, running late, flustered and hating to keep people waiting! Upon rumbling through the door I was soothed and calmed, urged to breathe, told it didn’t matter if I was a few minutes late – always a brilliant start. There is nothing worse than turning up a few minutes late and the staff acting as though you are some kind of criminal, quietly seething with anger (you’d be surprised – it has happened to me before!). After changing I was led through to a tranquil, dimly lit treatment room whereby I was thoroughly treated to Sabai Leela’s signature Thai Combination Massage.
Incorporating an acupressure therapy that blends deep tissue massage, its aim is to combine gentle stretches and stimulation of acupressure points to instill a perfect balance of refreshment and relaxation. Heavenly-scented massage oils were used in smooth flowing massage strokes to relieve tension in the back, shoulder and neck, of which there was plenty. I have a continuous knot in my shoulder blade for months on end, the pain and discomfort of which was gently eased.
The massage was so good I’m certain I drifted off at some point, it was all over far too fast and I could have easily stayed for another hour – the treatment is available as a 60, 90 or 120 minute appointment. The Sabai Leela menu consists of a wealth of treatments, from several different kinds of massage (including a Herbal Heat Compress massage which is seriously indulgent) to facials, reflexology and acupuncture. If you live in the area it should become your local and if you don’t, find an excuse to visit – it will be well worth your while!
Thai Combination Massage from £55 at Sabai Leela, 282 Old Brompton Road London, SW5 9HR. For more information visit www.sabaileela.co.uk
Love Laurel x
