I visited a spa for the first time since lockdown, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be
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.
Questions included all the usual suspects, from family medical history to listing all pre-existing health conditions, but in light of COVID, I was also asked if I have recently experienced any coronavirus symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and headache — along with questions related to self-isolating and social distancing bubbles. I answered no to virtually every question, signed the declaration, and submitted the form after the short registration process.
On arrival, the spa receptionist invited me to wash and sanitize my hands, and then ushered me to a high-tech temperature station.
After a few seconds, the device read "normal," and I was then asked to sit in a socially-distanced waiting area with all the other spa clients.
Surprisingly, the spa was near packed with some people waiting for massages and hotel guests waiting to use the spa facilities and gym. None were wearing masks, but they all seemed to comply when asked to undergo all the necessary health checks.
Water was brought to me (bottled) and then my beauty therapist Saviana came to meet me donning full COVID-proof regalia, including gloves and a visor.
Namaste greeting and formalities complete, my therapist gave me a pre-allocated locker number for the changing rooms.
Walking down the dimly-lit stairs, I proceeded to locker number 18 to find towels, slippers, and spa-centric garments safely pre-packaged awaiting my arrival; a new measure in place to limit the risk of cross-contamination.
People were spaced out a metre apart in the locker room, with only two men allowed to change side-by-side at any one time. The snacks — from fresh fruit to hot drinks — had also been replaced with mini water bottles; magazines and other coffee table book favorites were also nowhere in sight.
Throughout the space there were signs reminding me to keep my distance: "Stay safe, we are in this together," they read.
The signs continuted: "We aim to provide a safe environment for our guests and associates and we therefore ask you to respect the 1 metre social distancing rule put in place by the government."
Recliners and tables were spread out, and all the usual tea and light snacks were replaced with bottled refreshments — even the garbage bins had been swapped for electronic hover alternatives to avoid all unnecessary contact. Hand sanitizer was everywhere in bottles and automatic dispensers.
Once fully changed, I met my beauty expert, who showed me into the treatment room.
Inside, we went through the usual formalities where she asked me what I wanted to achieve over the next hour — "extract the hell out of my nose," I said — but there was a slight difference compared to my usual visit: a sanitization ritual. Presenting me with a pre-steamed towel, she asked me to clean my hands and squirted two shots of hand sanitizer onto my right palm.
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).
Once back inside, my therapist asked me if I would like her to wear a mask and gloves. I said yes.
Armed with an army of potions, she began spreading a cocktail of serums, cleansers, and acids onto my face with her gloved hands. The feeling? Unusual, and if I am honest, void of the usual comfort you'd expect for such an intimate treatment.
Alas, in the name of safety, I implored her to continue in full regalia, despite the feeling of latex pummelling my cheeks, neck, and upper back. As Naomi Campbell would say, "Safety first!" I joked to myself.
An hour later, I left the treatment room to peek at the gym.
It's the only part of the spa that is currently first-come-first served with a maximum of 10 users at all times. Mark, one of the gym's personal trainers, showed me around and explained that all the kit has been blocked out to "comply with government rules." Snacks such as protein bars are off the cards, along with shakes and other post-workout favorites. In their place? Simple bottles of water stashed away in the fridge.
The social distancing signage continued downstairs in the underground spa.
By the dreamy vitality pool, a sign reminded guests that a maximum of only four people can take a dip at any one time, while in the larger spa pool a golden plaque warned that up to six can go for a swim.
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.
People kept their distance in the pool at all times.
Elsewhere, the sauna and steam rooms remained closed. They'll be that way for some time, I was told.
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 experience was not as "relaxed" as one of my usual spa trips would have been pre-lockdown, though — throughout, I watched everyone like a hawk, making sure they were washing their hands and trying to maintain my distance at all times.
However, while this luxury spa is pricey, the staff did everything in their power to make me feel chilled the entire time, despite all my corona-induced anxiety.
It may be a long time before the spa experience returns to what it was, but from staff wearing masks to spas operating at far fewer guests, booking yourself in still feels worthwhile.
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