I visited a spa for the first time since lockdown, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be

Luke AbrahamsAug 15, 2020, 15:52 IST

Luke Abrahams

I visited the ESPA Life Corinthia spa in London for a post-lockdown facial, having done plenty of research ahead of time on the safety guidelines and cleaning standards.
After filling out a health declaration form via email, when I arrived a high-tech device took my temperature.
Guests were regularly made to wash hands and sanitize throughout the visit, and social distancing measures were enforced.
Staff donned full PPE, including masks and visors, and only a few people were allowed in each area of the spa at a time.
Post-treatment teas and detox juices were off the menu, though, and it did feel weird getting a facial from someone wearing gloves.

After months of stress and uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic has left us all feeling a little worse for wear — mentally, physically, and for some (or at least for me), aesthetically.

Once lockdown was gradually lifted across the UK, the thought of booking myself in for a much-needed massage (and dare I say it — a facial extraction) had never been more appealing.

Though excited, I had my reservations about going back under a piping hot steamer in close proximity to another person. Eager to get my skin looking its finest, I did some research and found that behind closed quarantined doors the wellness sector was eager to get back to business, and for months has been devising a new set of plans to prioritize the health and safety of both staff and guests.

ESPA Life Corinthia at the Corinthia Hotel London, a personal go-to of mine, is just one wellness hotspot that has had to rethink how it operates to adapt to the "new normal." Spa Director Aysun Mut told me that during lockdown, the spa "took the opportunity to deep clean the spa using medical-grade antimicrobial cleaning agents and spent weeks fumigating all the treatment rooms and public spaces."

Pre and post appointment, spa communal areas and treatment rooms are also stripped of all linens to be steamed and cleaned with high-grade cleaning agents.

Convinced and desperate for a facial, I took the plunge and booked myself in for a weekend pampering session. Here's what it was like.

Two days before my appointment I received an email asking me to fill out a questionnaire and health declaration form.

The questionnaire and health declaration form I received over email. Luke Abrahams

On arrival, the spa receptionist invited me to wash and sanitize my hands, and then ushered me to a high-tech temperature station.

Having my temperature taken upon arrival at the spa. Luke Abrahams

Namaste greeting and formalities complete, my therapist gave me a pre-allocated locker number for the changing rooms.

I went in before the spa opened to take some photos without invading the privacy of guests. Luke Abrahams

Throughout the space there were signs reminding me to keep my distance: "Stay safe, we are in this together," they read.

A sign reminding guests to "Stay Safe." Luke Abrahams

Once fully changed, I met my beauty expert, who showed me into the treatment room.

My beauty expert asked me to clean my hands before the treatment. Luke Abrahams

After washing her hands, my therapist left the room and I readied myself for my men's facial (in training and under supervision incorporating COVID precautions, and to meet current government guidelines).

Awaiting my facial. Luke Abrahams

After washing her hands, my therapist left the room and I readied myself for my men's facial (in training and under supervision incorporating COVID precautions, and to meet current government guidelines).

An hour later, I left the treatment room to peek at the gym.

There was no snacking allowed in the gym. Luke Abrahams

The social distancing signage continued downstairs in the underground spa.

I didn't feel ready to be in a pool with others. Luke Abrahams

I didn't feel ready to share a pool with others (I have only been on public transport a handful of times since lockdown was lifted), but from what I saw, rules were being enforced.

There were only a few people allowed in the pool at one time. Luke Abrahams

I didn't feel ready to share a pool with others (I have only been on public transport a handful of times since lockdown was lifted), but from what I saw, rules were being enforced.

Though I initially felt nervous (especially in the spa's public spaces), after seeing the increased safety measures and other guests like myself taking the COVID precautions seriously, I slowly eased into the visit.

The entrance to the spa. Luke Abrahams

Though I initially felt nervous (especially in the spa's public spaces), after seeing the increased safety measures and other guests like myself taking the COVID precautions seriously, I slowly eased into the visit.

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I visited a spa for the first time since lockdown, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be

Two days before my appointment I received an email asking me to fill out a questionnaire and health declaration form.

On arrival, the spa receptionist invited me to wash and sanitize my hands, and then ushered me to a high-tech temperature station.

Namaste greeting and formalities complete, my therapist gave me a pre-allocated locker number for the changing rooms.

Throughout the space there were signs reminding me to keep my distance: "Stay safe, we are in this together," they read.

Once fully changed, I met my beauty expert, who showed me into the treatment room.

After washing her hands, my therapist left the room and I readied myself for my men's facial (in training and under supervision incorporating COVID precautions, and to meet current government guidelines).

An hour later, I left the treatment room to peek at the gym.

The social distancing signage continued downstairs in the underground spa.

I didn't feel ready to share a pool with others (I have only been on public transport a handful of times since lockdown was lifted), but from what I saw, rules were being enforced.

Though I initially felt nervous (especially in the spa's public spaces), after seeing the increased safety measures and other guests like myself taking the COVID precautions seriously, I slowly eased into the visit.