When an invitation to have a sneak preview of the new Himalayan Day Spa opening in Chiswick dropped through our inbox, we were naturally thrilled and within minutes all booked up and mapping out our train journey to west London!
To say we were excited was an understatement, this is the first Himalayan influenced spa in the UK and Wahanda were the first to visit!
Sitting pretty on Chiswick High Road in an old bank, is the spa and hiding behind a big impressive wooden door (to keep those bank robbers out) is a haven of pure relaxation. A large reception area greets you, beautifully uncluttered and decorated in shades of nude and brown with plants and himalayan-sourced artefacts dotted around. There are four treatment rooms split over two floors, including a spacious treatment room for couples, a relaxation area, a jacuzzi and separate manicure and pedicure stations. Throughout the spa are loving, unique touches. There are wonderful carvings and pictures on the walls, an antique statue in the hallway, large copper bowls for soaking client’s feet in the pedicure area and the paper used in the extensive spa menu has come directly from the Himalayas. All this is the creation of the spa owner Kalpana Gurung.
Kalpana spent the first six years of her life in the Himalayas and has lived, studied and worked in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore before coming to London in 2007. Her background is in business and she and her Aunt, Sakun, an experienced therapist, are the brains behind the self-financed operation. The concept is interesting, because surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly for those in the know) the Himalayas do not have a spa or beauty culture to speak of. There is simply no money in the region and the last thing on people’s minds is a quick pick me up facial or a pampering massage, so consequently there are no spas or salons across the vast mountain range. The Himalayas stretch across six countries – Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan – and it is these countries that influence the culture of the the area and in turn, the design and approach adopted by The Himalayan Day Spa.
While we were there it was only fitting that Wahanda tried a Himalayan massage, and what a massage it was! Incorporating techniques from Thai massage and Swedish with some deep tissue and lymphatic drainage, our therapist, Sakun, kneaded and manipulated our body into a state of pure relaxation and bliss. Using an oil from the all natural brand Pevonia and accompanied to the sound of traditional Himaylayan music, Sakun’s fingers, knuckles and elbows truly worked magic. After an hour of pampering heaven it was time to take our leave and believe us, we left reluctantly, but not before vowing to return another day.
The Himalayan Day Spa opens to the public on Friday 13th and will be offering 20% off all treatments until the 31st March, and then 15% and 10% in April and May respectively. Regular clients may also take advantage of a 10% discount on all treatments by joining the Spa’s Pampering Club for an annual membership fee of £50.
