The Luxury Insider: AIRE Ancient Baths London Review

As soon as we stepped through the doors of AIRE we were transported into another world. I was taken aback with how beautifully the 18th-century neoclassical building had been restored. I remember thinking how hard it would be to capture in words just how visually stunning the surroundings were and how I suddenly left normal life outside, I had a complete feeling of calm.  

Located at 2-3 Robert Street, the property is located within London’s ‘Adelphi’ area, a spot which is the legacy of the 18th century’s most renowned architect siblings, the Adam brothers. Famed for their elegant, neoclassical influenced projects, which were inspired by the Grand Tour travels of Robert Adam, their work came to define this riverside area in central London. As time went on, 2-3 Robert Street eventually became the home of Scottish novelist and playwright J.M. Barrie, best remembered as writer of Peter Pan (check out the first edition in the lobby area).

The Unique Décor

Instead of the usual pastel-hued palette found in most spas, the décor here is unexpected. This is all about capturing a ‘faded grandeur’ of a bygone past, with stripped-back walls left unfinished, worn-torn books used as decoration and bare floorboards underfoot.

It’s an eclectic and glamorous mix, more in the style of a boho country house than a typical day spa, with brown leather chesterfield sofas juxtaposed against aged terracotta pots, wooden chests adorned with lanterns and French linen armchairs sat next to large pillar candles. Talking of which, there are hundreds of candles everywhere, glimmering away and casting an elegant glow over every space. 

After checking in we enjoyed some warm tea in the library, before we were taken down to the changing rooms  and very importantly asked to switch off our phones. AIRE spaces are temples dedicated to mind and body relaxation, where time does not exist, something that always takes a little bit of getting used to. Once in our robes (and funny little black slipper shoes) we were taken down to the labyrinth of turquoise pools framed by Roman-style arches and brickwork - it was really stunning. 

The Baths

The wellness ritual, inspired by Roman bathing, is designed to soothe the body and mind by exposure to different water temperatures. We were advised to start the tepidarium (36C) before moving to the caldarium or hot water bath (40C). As we chatted and relaxed, candles flicked around us and zen-inducing tunes played from under the water. Even though we had no idea what the time was, I just didn’t want it to go too quickly. I could have stayed here all day. 

After the vaporium (steam room), which was probably one of the best steam rooms I have ever been in, we woke our bodies up with a quick dip in the frigidarium (14C). We then enjoyed the balneum (jet pool), and then probably my favourite, the body scrub and float in the flotarium, a salt bath. 

'Couples Escape' Massage

We had a full body massage booked, but there was no worry about time. When the masseur was ready for us, we were found bobbing around in the salt bath and asked to make our way upstairs. We had booked a ‘Couples Escape’, so both enjoyed a massage in the same room which was perfect on my aching back muscles. On returning to the baths we were offered a glass of fizz and chocolate truffles which we enjoyed in one of the relaxation areas before heading back into the steam room. 

After a good two hours of enjoying this dimly lit urban oasis under London streets it was sadly time to leave. The changing rooms have anything needed to head back out into the world. AIRE is a new approach for the city’s urban spa world and a totally different concept from anything else you might have experienced before. What I do know is that I want to experience it again and again and again! 

 Argan Foam Ritual

The spa has recently expanded their menu with a luxurious new treatment: the Argan Foam Ritual. Inspired by the rituals of the Hamman, the soothing foam massage promises to gently exfoliate and moisturise the skin, giving it a supple and soft appearance. I put AIRE’s treatment to the test back in August, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

For the first segment of the treatment, I enjoyed a 15-minute foam massage atop a hot, marble bed. My therapist kicked things off by gently pouring warm water over my limbs, before then using a scrub glove to lather and exfoliate my body with a generous layer of argan and honey-infused foam. Particular attention was paid to dry areas such as my elbows and feet, helping to buff away dead cells to reveal silken skin. 

The 45-minute body massage took place in a separate treatment room across the corridor. Once again, the argan oil was the real star of the show, with guests able to select from either an elegant rose scent or a more sensual sandalwood blend. My therapist tackled one limb at a time, using a series of firm sweeping motions to target built-up tension and stubborn knots. She concluded the treatment by gently kneading my scalp and massaging my face with cooling jade rollers. Bliss.

The experience is an indulgent, immersive treat that appeals to all the senses. Aside from the delicious notes of honey, rose and sandalwood that linger on the skin, there’s an otherworldly soundtrack which transports visitors into a zen state of mind.

AIRE’S Argan Foam Ritual also includes access to the labyrinth-like thermal baths, as well as a glass of cava or juice. While the treatment is on the pricier side at £270pp, it’s worth splashing out on if you’re hankering after an all-encompassing pamper session with a side of mystical escapism. 

Noteworthy Amenities: 

The changing rooms are just as luxurious as the spa and treatment rooms. Every element has been thoughtfully designed, with wooden screens for added privacy, ghd hair products for post-sauna blow-dries, deodorant, skincare staples and a plethora of L’Occitane products for an added dose of opulence. There’s even a nifty swimsuit drier so you don’t have to lug around your soggy swimwear. Genius.

https://beaire.com/ 

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