OLIVIA GIBSON REVIEWS AIRE ANCIENT BATHS LONDON I’m always looking for the best spots around London without the large crowds to achieve that five-class service away from the busy streets. So, you can imagine my excitement when the AIRE Ancient Baths London team invited me to the secluded setting on the edge of Covert Garden and Leicester Square. AIRE Ancient Baths began in Seville in 2004 before expanding to Barcelona, New York, London, Chicago, Copenhagen, Vallromanes and Almeria to provide serene settings to escape the outside world. The London site is based in an 18th-century townhouse initially designed by Architect Robert Adam. It offers an exceptional example of Neoclassical construction which, much like AIRE, took great inspiration from the Greek and Roman empires. As I stepped inside the historic building, I was greeted by the scent of orange blossom and the friendly team who welcomed me to this sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the City. After filling out a short medical questionnaire, I headed downstairs to find a modern changing room with all the necessities needed. Inside our lockers were bathrobes, towels, and comfortable slip-on water shoes to be worn throughout the spaces as well as the baths. As we wandered down candle-lit stairs, we emerged into the softly lit main area with a relaxing atmosphere highlighted by the calming music and the sound of water. The rustic space features exposed brickwork, a labyrinth of pools, brown leather Chesterfield sofas and wooden accents. After being given a tour of the different baths, it was time to put the spaces to the test! We started with the Tepidarium, a warm water bath at 36 degrees with hidden knocks and crannies to relax and soak up the tranquil environment. Next was the hot 40-degree Caldarium before building up the courage to enter the Frigidarium’s cold-water bath at 14 degrees and the ice bath at 10 degrees – it’s safe to say I didn’t last very long! My favourite space was the Floatarium, a unique bath with a high salt content, which allowed me to float effortlessly. I’ve never felt so at peace and free, like there wasn’t a worry in the world, and I could have genuinely spent hours staring at the beautiful ceiling. The space was complete with a salt exfoliation area, which left my skin silky smooth for days! Let’s not forget The Vaporium, a steam room infused with mint and eucalyptus that helps promote circulation, loosens stiff joints, reduces stress, clears congestion and more. My partner’s favourite spot was the Bath of a Thousand Jets, a hydrotherapy jet bath that gave our whole body a massage while relieving aches and pains. The friendly team were always around to help guide us through the spaces while blending into the background to ensure we achieved the perfect experience from start to finish – it was really impressive – and they provided dry robes when needed. Halfway through the experience, I enjoyed a 45-minute full-body massage from head to toe. I felt completely at ease with my masseuse, who was highly professional and ensured I was comfortable throughout. Thanks to the combination of music, dimmed lighting and skilful hands, I entered a complete state of relaxation and may or may not have dozed off a few times! I had a fantastic experience at AIRE Ancient Baths London thanks to the knowledgeable team, exceptional facilities and tranquil setting. The site is perfect for romantic pre-wedding pampering, escaping the stress of wedding planning, and enjoying special moments with loved ones before the big day – I will definitely be returning! Discover more about the iconic setting and the array of experiences here: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-london SUITED AND BOOTED Zebel, the distinguished made-to-measure suit maker and retailer, is set to mark the beginning of the new year with the grand opening of its latest store on Berwick Street, Soho, reaffirming its commitment to making tailored elegance accessible to everyone. Known for its ethos of democratizing suiting, the team has chosen the vibrant and fashion-forward area of Soho, specifically Berwick St. The store manager and director Mohammed Hussain says, “It’s the perfect location for our new store; a vibrant and inclusive community at the heart of London’s creative hub. It perfectly encapsulates our ethos while maintaining our traditional high standard of the garment. If you have a particular event and want to look your finest, come in and let’s get started. We can advise you on everything from selecting the right style and fabric to choosing the perfect accessories.” Within Zebel showrooms, clients are guided through an extensive array of seasonal collections featuring over 17,000 British and Italian fabrics to suit every budget and occasion. Discover: www.zebel.co.uk A PASSION FOR FASHION The Halfpenny London flagship boutique has been redesigned in collaboration with Mutt Studios. The new environment fuses designer and founder Kate Halfpenny’s love of fashion and art with sculptural details, a bold palette and hand-picked artwork. It’s the perfect backdrop to showcase the bridalwear collection. Kate started her career as a costume designer and celebrity stylist before founding Halfpenny London in 2005. Since then, the company has become one of the UK’s leading luxury bridalwear brands crafted in England. The brand is known for its exquisite and highly distinctive pieces that transcend the bridal world and have become coveted by the fashion elite with red-carpet style. Samples run from six-22, with every piece made-to-order. All fabrics are responsibly sourced, and all off-cuts are recycled into design details and added onto gowns to avoid waste. Kate donates all end-of-line fabrics and samples to schools and universities where this isn’t possible, ensuring no fabrics are landfilled. She was included in 2019’s Walpole Power List - 50 Influential People in British Luxury. Discover: www.halfpennylondon.com www.instagram.com/catvinton www.gettyimages.co.uk 10
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