The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
– Louise Molloy
London has gained a substantial new urban spa in Belgravia following The Peninsula London’s grand unveiling of its subterranean Spa & Wellness Centre.
Located beneath the new 190-room Peninsula London hotel, the facility’s opening marks the final stage of luxury Hong Kong hotel brand Peninsula Hotels’ seven-year project to create its London flagship.
The newly built hotel was realised by British design studio Hopkins Architects and features heritage architecture to match the style of the surrounding area. The project involved the demolition of a row of existing 1950s and 1960s offices to make way for the hotel, which features shops, bars, restaurants and a ballroom, in addition to the spa
Offering wellness and fitness amenities, the two-floor wellness facility was designed by international architect and interior designer Peter Marino, alongside guidance from a Feng Shui master.
Marino defined the spa’s character using inspiration from two of London’s most famous parks – Hyde Park and Green Park – which neighbour the hotel.
The spa’s centrepiece is a double-height subterranean chamber anchored by a 25-metre pool and whirlpool, each complete with vivid turquoise tiles.
Guests can swim here while accompanied by music piped through underwater speakers, or lounge and enjoy healthy snacks and teas from chaises or three semi-private cabanas.
In keeping with the focus on nature, the spa entrance features backlit murals of trees while the pool area is adorned with mosaic tiles depicting tree canopies and overhead light panels that change throughout the day to simulate daylight.
Additional facilities include male and female changing facilities – each featuring a sauna, steamroom and ice fountain – as well as two relaxation rooms, a Technogym fitness studio and a salon where Belgravia stylist Errol Douglas MBE takes appointments.
The Peninsula London team opted to work with pool-, thermal- and wet area specialists Barr + Wray and Aqua Platinum Projects to realise its vision.
More about Peninsula Hotels
Established in 1928, Peninsula Hotels operates premium luxury urban properties in 10 cities.
Destinations include the flagship in Hong Kong, in addition to Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Istanbul, Bangkok and Manila.
The Peninsula Peter Marino Subtle Energies Margy's Italidea Zero Waste by Urb'n Nature Gharieni Louise Molloy Barr + Wray Aqua Platinum