London comes armed with a plethora of luxury spas, but when it comes to truly being transported to the realm of relaxation, AIRE Ancient Baths London is in a world of its own. Born in Seville in 2004, with its name derived from the street on which it was founded, AIRE Ancient Baths opened its London doors in 2021, hidden away below ground in Covent Garden. Now, to mark their 20-year anniversary, they have just launched their new Orange Garden Experience, and I just had to try it for myself.

Encased in a building brimming with history, as soon as you step foot through AIRE’s doors, you instantly leave behind the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life. The architecture of AIRE Ancient Baths London has a particular magic itself, inspired by the ancient ritual of thermal bathing in Ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman civilizations, reimagined for the modern day.

Upon being taken down to the thermal bath area, you are invited to leave behind any possessions and stress and enter a world where time no longer exists. The sultry lighting and sensual space instantly silence the mind in a way I have certainly never experienced before, whilst also promoting low energy. The thermal bath area also really champions sustainable design – for example, its unique furnishings and natural materials that help cool down the space and counteract any humidity. Embracing this concept, AIRE Ancient Baths can implement a more sustainable lifestyle that supports more holistic development and delivers a relaxing environment that contributes to the well-being of its guests and the Earth.

So now we come to the ‘journey’ – carefully designed to be a transformative spa journey, there is a range of thermal experiences to enjoy around any treatments you are having. With seven separate baths in total, each works its magic – whether it be to detox the skin in the vaporium (steam room scented with eucalyptus); unwind in the flotarium (the warm salt bath specially designed to replicate the density of the Dead Sea and offers you the opportunity to ‘let go’); or practice your breath work as you move between the Frigidarium (14℃ and 10℃) and Caldarium (40℃) waters.

After some time immersed in the subterranean spa-cation, it is time to try the Orange Garden Experience, as I am escorted seamlessly to the treatment room. The experience is a tribute to the Orange Garden fragrance, developed by the prestigious Swiss perfume company Firmenich, which is transformed into an indulgent 60-minute full body, face and scalp massage.

As someone who often struggles to relax, I could not recommend this treatment more. Each step of the experience submerges you further into a state of tranquillity. With a special focus on the face, the massage and facial treatment works to stimulate skin radiance, using a unique blend of natural oils, including:

Almonds: Packed with antioxidants, promoting radiant skin and improved tone
Macadamias: Guarding against skin ageing while enhancing elasticity
Jojoba: Abundant in vitamin E, providing deep nourishment for the skin, and encouraging collagen production with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

I particularly liked how attentive the therapists are at AIRE Ancient Baths London. The 35-minute full-body massage is tailored to your desire – whether you want gentle and soothing pressure or something more intense to address any specific areas that trouble you, the therapists here listen to you and your body and work their magic to give you exactly what you need.

The following 25-minute facial ritual works to remove impurities with a tangerine cleansing balm and orange-blossom-infused towels. Once free of all impurities, a combined massage of manual and Gua Sha techniques is used to purify and detoxify, as well as reduce stress levels. A gel face mask including Vitamin C and Bakuchiol that promotes cell regeneration stimulates collagen and provides an all-over glow is then applied. Finishing with a targeted scalp massage to further relax the muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce any stress, it’s safe to say I was in an almost-meditative state by the end of the experience.

Returning down to the thermal baths, you can enjoy whatever time you have left of your 135-minute slot enjoying the baths, taking a moment to breathe in the multiple relaxation areas with green tea and cold water, and even opt for a glass of Cava alongside some decadent chocolate truffles – the phrase “when in Rome” comes to mind!

So is it worth the hype? Absolutely! If you are ready to lose yourself in a symphony of scents and sensations, the Orange Garden Experience will undoubtedly deliver, leaving you fully refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to step back out into reality.

W: AIRE Ancient Baths Orange Experience
T: 020 3830 4610
A: 2-3 Robert St, London WC2N 6BH

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International