I tried a posh £325 massage by a brand that Victoria Beckham loves... my body will never accept anything less - Daily Mail

[Maria Okanrende]

By MARIA OKANRENDE FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 09:59 EST, 12 January 2025 | Updated: 09:59 EST, 12 January 2025


What better way to jumpstart 2025 and live out the 'new year, new me' mantra than with a luxurious body treatment.

I had the pleasure of trying an exclusive new body massage at the posh Corinthia Hotel in London; their in-house 5-star spa recently launched a treatment in conjunction with beauty brand and Victoria Beckham favourite, Augustinus Bader.

In fact last September the former Spice Girl unveiled a 'first of its kind' eye concealer with the German biomedical scientist - his work on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine is globally revered and highly sought after.

Celebrity-endorsed or not I must admit I was sceptical at first. I thought well a massage is a massage no matter the inflated price tag slapped on it.

But nothing could prepare me for the out of body experience to come...

I booked in for the 90 minute 'Augustinus Bader Full Body Regeneration' at Corinthia London's ESPA life - a four-floor building boasting transformative massages, rejuvenating facials and wellness therapies, all priced between £175 and £1400.

Shaking things up for the new year, Corinthia has launched a new partnership with Augustinus Bader founded on 'cutting-edge stem cell research'. It includes a range of skincare treatments 'clinically proven to boost the skin’s natural regeneration and deliver visible rejuvenation'.

The Full Body Regeneration focuses solely on the physique and promises to use Bader's specialised formulas to renew my body 'from top to toe'.

According to the Corinthia, this is what I was to expect: 'A full-body exfoliation, followed by an invigorating massage to stimulate circulation and promote detoxification.

'This personalised experience harmonises luxury and science, leaving you with a sense of renewed vitality and glowing skin'.

'What grand claims to live up to?!' I initially thought. I admit I was pessimistic about how the massage could renew my inner self.

I arrived at the Corinthia shortly after 11am where I was greeted by a doorman in front of gigantic doors. He asked me how he could help, to which I informed him I had an appointment at ESPA life.

Inside appeared vastly grand, yet bustling, as a mixture of hotel guests, receptionists, bellboys and staff all intermingled to provide top notch service.

There were two reception kiosks, one stationed ahead of a colossal crystal chandelier, and another unassuming one, located in a corner to the left in front of a set of lifts.

Though I pride myself on standing out, I picked the quieter desk as I was eager to start my day with a calm and understated tone.

A male receptionist looked up from his phone and smiled before asking: 'How may I help you today?' I excitedly blurted out that I had an Augustinus Bader body treatment, after which he directed me to three lifts just footsteps away.

'Fantastic!' I thought. 'Let's get this show on the road!' I got off at the mezzanine floor where I was amazed at the difference in tranquility between the two floors.

It was quiet, calm and peaceful, and every member of staff I came across seemed incredibly happy to see me.

I walked towards the entrance of ESPA, where a lady named Valerie asked me about my day before offering me a medical questionnaire to fill out.

From allergic reactions to pregnancy and full disclosures of medication, I got through it pretty quickly after scoring everything with a unanimous 'no'.

Next I was briefed on everything the spa had to offer and where to find it, including a state of the art gym, sauna room, 'relaxation pods', salon and of course treatment rooms.

I was accompanied to a lower floor and shown a beautifully-lit female spa changing facility.

I was provided a key card for my locker and shown to my personal robe and black leather slippers, which to be honest looked stylish enough to wear outdoors.

Elsewhere in the room was a snack station loaded with a variety of nuts, fresh and dried fruits, as well as herbal teas and water.

I decided to explore this later and was told to get changed and sit tight while my massage therapist prepared for the appointment.

Minutes later, an enthusiastic senior therapist named Sandra approached me. She put me at ease and informed me that she would be conducting the treatment today.

She then lead me on a short journey through a winding passage of 'relaxation pod' rooms placed on either side. I had a quick peek inside and was instantly wowed!

The black-coloured pods featured body-length beds, a large snack station, personal dimmable lights and majestic fireplaces. I immediately began to regret my choice of treatment and instead pined for a quick nap in the pods.

I must've worn my thoughts on my face because Sandra sympathetically revealed that the pods were a favourite among spa guests.

We finally arrived in front of the treatment room. We stopped in front of a closed beige-coloured door which Sandra slowly opened.

I was faced with a kind of opulence I had rarely seen before.

The spacious room was dimly-lit and within it lay a large massage bed covered with lush bedding and supple grey towels. The marble decor was nothing short of gorgeous - and had a somewhat calming effect.

I was shown a collection of Augustinus Bader skincare treatments neatly displayed on a small matching table to the side of the bed.

Sandra - who's worked at the Corinthia for two years - then began a brief monologue detailing what to expect.

I also asked a few questions, to which she happily explained that the full body treatment would begin with a rhythmic exfoliation.

It would also include light lymphatic drainage movements along with various pressure points 'to boost the immune system'.

A special body cream and geranium rose body oil - both formulated by Augustinus Bader - would be used during the massage to treat 'dead cells on the surface of my skin' and essentially 'revitalise my body both inside and outside'.

The masseuse warned me that she would be working on my stomach, and that I might feel a sudden rush to use the loo later.

I joked that this was clearly what I needed after the enormous amounts of chocolate, cake and biscuits I'd scoffed over the festive period.

So it was time! Sandra waited patiently outside the room while I disrobed and slipped on a complimentary pair of disposable undies.

I got under the covers and shouted for her to come in. To my delight, she explained that the first half of the massage would start on my back.

Of the few massages I've had in the past, they often began with my head shoved between a makeshift hole at the head of the bed. It can get uncomfortable if placed in this position for long periods.

From start to finish I can only describe what felt like light - yet thorough - kneading movements across my neck, shoulders, stomach, back, groin, legs and feet.

Beginning with my arms, Sandra utilised a scrub-like material to gently work away the dead and harsh skin.

She then moved onto my shoulders, which she touched with a repeated sweeping motion, leaving me feeling warm and relaxed.

Each part of my body was given undivided attention and worked into state of calm before moving on to the next part. My body responded by completely letting go and falling into a deep state of tranquility.

My favourite part came when she got to my waist - using the cup of her hands she firmly worked on either side in a sculpting motion. I could literally feel the bags of crisps I'd eaten days earlier being banished for good.

It was now obvious this treatment was partly a firming and cleansing one, and the use of the Augustinus Bader lotions left my skin feeling as soft as a new born baby's.

To put it aptly: it's the best massage I've ever had and it left me with goosebumps.

I can honestly now say I've lived in the lap of luxury and I fear my body will never accept anything less.

When Sandra informed the massage was over I thought I was dreaming: 'No way it's been an hour and a half!' I said.

She handed me my phone and to my dismay surely 90 minutes had passed.

If afternoon tea wasn't scheduled shortly ahead I might have requested a do over.

After the treatment, I was offered a cup of herbal tea, water, and other light refreshments.

I was then directed back to the changing rooms to prepare for lunch.

Afternoon tea was set in the Crystal Moon Lounge on the ground floor of the hotel - and the sprawling room was nothing short of exquisite.

By the afternoon, this section of the Corinthia had transformed into a buzzing social space with guests laughing over fine teas, champagne and sandwiches.

My diligent waiter James informed me that the hotel had launched a revamped version of their afternoon tea just one day before.

On the menu was a selection of five finger sandwiches, including secret smokehouse salmon with horseradish and lemon, salted cucumber with chilli and coconut yogurt, and Wiltshire cured ham with orange marmalade and mustard.

I was also served a turkey with baby gem and parmesan emulsion sandwich, along with a Clarence Court egg mayonnaise and szechuan pepper one.

My favourite by far were the secret smokehouse salmon and turkey sandwiches. And taking full advantage of the 'unlimited' menu, I requested a second helping.

A course of scrumptious scones made its way over; a soft and gently warmed collection of plain and sultana scones accompanied by Cornish clotted cream and a selection of jams.

For dessert, a large multi-tiered gold trolley was permanently stationed beside my table. I could choose from a coffee and hazelnut rocher, vanilla religieuse, pear and frangipane tart, exotic gateaux, chocolate marble cake and lemon cookies.

While my eyes said 'bring it on', my stomach could barely keep it together and so I politely requested to take the mini treats home - to which James obliged. (I gobbled them all down like a hungry ghost that night - the pear tart was a masterpiece).

I washed everything down with a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne, and for the cold weather it was two cups of matcha and silver needle tea.

The latter is made with honeydew and is said to be 'plump, soft, and sweet enough to make the heavenly angels weep with joy'. I will admit it was absolutely delicious.

Goodbye basic spa treatments - after this they're no longer for me I'm afraid.

Oh and the Corinthia London is offering champagne afternoon tea for a reduced price of £55 for the whole of January.

LondonVictoria Beckham