Sanctuary, Covent Garden, The

we always enjoy a day in the Sanctuary especially the lovely pool area - staff are always helpfull and efficient - making it a truly relaxing escape

When I arrived I was bombarded with information: I had to fill in a form (which is usual, so it was ok) then since it is a huge spa I was told where I had to wait for my treatments (which were in different waiting lounges). The spa is on 5 floors so it was not relaxing for me to run up and down 2-3 floors after the treatments. Slippers are not provided but you can buy them for 10 GBP which is not correct in my opinion, since I paid for a service which should have included the slippers as well. The spa was very crowded, the jacuzzis were full so I did not have a chance to use them. You have to book a time slot if you want to use the infrared sauna and the sleep retreat. I went to the sleep retreat but there were only 2 so there were plenty of free places. So I do not understand why they make such a fuss with booking time slots... The massage was okay although I was told not to use the shower in the treatment room since the massage does not include the use of shower. All in all, I had the feeling that they just want me to pay, pay, pay and that I have to be careful what I can use and where I can go because I might not be allowed to do that. This spa is only a money-making device for the owners who want clients to pay and go to hell.

I have been to the Sanctuary a few times and it is always a nice peaceful day, unhurried and relaxing. I have only been during the day mid-week, and it has never seemed crowded nor have I seen lots of large groups of women. The therapists seem competant and are not too chatty (which suits me just fine!). There are plenty of magazines to read whilst lounging between treatments, but I tend to take a book.My only complaint is that they seem to allow some women to wander about completely naked. I have no problem with the female body in its various forms, but I find it rather offputting to be swimming behind a naked lady doing breaststroke.

Visited with two friends one night after work. Our package included two treatments and dinner. When we first entered the reception area it was very busy but the spa itself inside was so big there was plenty of room for all of us. The dinner was pleasant. Because the place is so big we did get a bit lost trying to track down our treatment rooms but we got there eventually. My facial was nice and relaxing although my skin felt a little greasy afterwards. My full body scrub was NOT relaxing but that was probably my fault for choosing such a full on, basically naked treatment! It was good, just not relaxing.Everything was clean and we had a lovely time after our treatments relaxing on the beds, reading magazines and using the jacuzzi. Overall good but if you went on a busy Saturday I think it would feel very busy and less relaxing. But it's the Sanctuary, it's extremely well known, it's bound to be big and popular.

I visited this spa with a friend for the evening and had the most enjoyable and relaxing time.The staff were polite and friendly and gave great advice about the various products and how best to use them.What would be helpful if there were more chairs/beds to relax on especially if you are on your own it does seemed to be aimed towards groups of ladies rather than individuals but do'nt let that put you off.The food was very nice typical sort of price for the area.I would visit again.

The Sanctuary Spa at Covent Garden, London, is by all means a very well known spa. Somebody knows the spa from their product range, somebody is a regular, but I would like to share my ‘first timer’s’ impressions. Throughout the spa day I was overwhelmed by attention to clients, care and positive emotion all round. After a short briefing, changing into a robe, I was already sitting at the famous Koi Carp lounge and it seemed so serene and beautiful. I still had an hour until the treatment, so I explored the water facilities: swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. I think I had the most professional therapist ever, delicate and very attentive throughout the hour of the massage (not talkative!). After the treatment, I went straight to the sleep lounge to extend the feeling of bliss after the massage, my mind needed some tlc too. After the sleep retreat, which by the way helps to reach a new dimension of meditative state, I had my healthy lunch and just lounged around. The highlight of the day was: free skin consultation, what a great idea! With some great products in a bag (wanted them anyway just got an excuse to buy) jumped back on the train and took a little bit of the Sanctuary spa magic with me. Will I go back – of course!

My friend and I did the 'Mothers Day' package and it was totally amazing. Our only disappointment, if you could call it that, was that there is so much in the place there wasn't time to do everything the package included so at times it was a little rushed. This has just made us want to go back and fill in the blanks though!!

I went to the santuary for a relaxing day and it was a big let down in every way and expensive too. The staff were rude, the facial was like a car wash combined with a sales pitch, and it was dirty and overcowded. I really wouldnt go back even if it was free. I dont understand why it gets any good reviews, most gyms and high street salons offer far better facilities and service!

A full day of bliss, in the company of other smiling, happy women. The Sanctuary is really what it says on the tin - a complete oasis in the middle of fast-paced London. If you didn't have to walk through Covent Garden to arrive at its chic, but unassuming store-front, you'd literally never know you were in town. The Sanctuary is its own world. Once you slip up the stairs at the back of the store, you are in spa heaven...ladies in white robes fill the lounges and hallways, either chatting quietly or reading the abundance of magazines on offer.Spa staff are always around to help guide you through the facilities and to find your treatment room.Lunch in the Koi Lounge was easy and delicious as was the end of day tea.

I recently visited The Sanctuary for a tour of the facilities and was really impressed! The spa is very modern and would provide the perfect place for a girly spa day. Located in the heart of Covent Garden the spa offers great facilities and a relaxed environment. The Koi Carp lounge looked like the perfect place to unwind. Can't wait to go back and try some treatments.