A spa staycation at the fabulous Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa

Staycations are all the rage right now, this is obviously exacerbated by the fact that international travel has been severely restricted. As epicureans we normally love to discover far-flung places across the world for our readers, but we decided to join the craze and have our very own staycation.

You might imagine that as intrepid explorers we might venture to the British Riviera and visit Cornwall or Devon or the beauty that lies north in the Highlands of Scotland - but no! We ventured one mile from our office to the very Riviera-ish/Monte Carloesque Chelsea Harbour and had our first ever staycation at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa. No airport check-ins, no queues, no traffic, no hassle, I'd say no problem!

Surprisingly everything you would want or would expect from a fabulous European vacation is here on our very own doorstep - fabulous food, exceptional service, world-class spa and relaxation all enjoyed with views of yachts in a marina!

This hotel is a true gem that lies somewhat undiscovered in SW10 off the beaten path and is often used as a base for both Chelsea and Manchester United football stars during home games at Stamford Bridge. The hotel is also a mainstay for designers and others who are visiting the adjacent, award-winning Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

The welcome at the hotel is as you would imagine, superbly professional and efficient. Within a blink of an eye we were ushered to our deluxe rooms on the seventh floor of this eight-storey, all-suite hotel. The beautifully appointed suite is spacious and has both a living room and separate bedroom with an ensuite and also a separate guest loo. All the amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel are present including a sweeping balcony that offers fabulous views of the boats and marina below.

We began our evening with a glass of champagne at the bar before being ushered to the outside terrace for our dinner. Sat underneath heat lamps we enjoyed a fabulous night of brasserie-style cuisine all with views of the harbour. Our Bulgarian waiter was extremely pleasant and guided us through the menu offering, his recommendations were all on point.

Naturally, the fundamental reason to go on vacation or a staycation is to relax and get away from it all. There is no better place to do this than in their new deluxe spa and wellness centre. Recently opened at the beginning of August, the spa is the ultimate urban retreat in the heart of London: A place in which to unwind whether for an hour, a day, or a whole weekend.

With an impressive treatment menu and deluxe facilities that include a 17-meter heated pool, swan-neck water jets, sauna and steam room, this chic haven offers the ultimate antidote to fast-lane London life. World-class treatments include facials to leave you glowing, tension-melting massages and divine body treatments. Wellness experts are on hand to relax and reinvigorate even the weariest of bodies and minds.

I chose to have an indulgent pamper day and enjoyed all the spa facilities as well as a super relaxing massage. My masseuse was very professional and as she worked to take away all the tension from my back, gentle music played in the background and as I rested my eyes I could just as easily have been lying on a bed in the Caribbean or the Maldives. Post treatment I was invited to relax with a glass of Champagne and a bowl of strawberries in their newly designed relaxation room - a vacation with style.

Spa packages all include use of the heated pool, sauna and spa such as a full-day pampering package complete with afternoon tea and fizz - ideal for groups of friends. Overnight wellness escapes for the ultimate ‘me time’ getaway include full use of the hotel’s facilities with panoramic views over Chelsea Harbour.

Head to The Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa, for the ultimate staycation weekend without having to travel outside of London. Who knew such a fabulous staycation could be right on my doorstep!

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa

Chelsea Harbour Drive

London SW10 0XG

www.millenniumhotels.com

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