USP Seconds away from LK Bennett, Space NK and Wimbledon Common, this spa is perfectly situated for high-maintenance mums with their schedules finely attuned to maintaining their waxing and manicure regime.

AMBIENCE The foyer is spacious, with a curved wall proudly displaying their mission statement “to enhance the flow of life energy”. The walls are decorated with a subtle but classy fleur-de-lys wallpaper in neutral tones, and flame-coloured artificial flowers brightened the reception desk. Manicures take place in a conservatory area which is light and airy due to the slightly-cracked glass roof, and the downstairs treatment rooms are secluded, with exposed brick walls in the corridors.

EXPERIENCE The salon offers an extensive range of treatments, including osteopathy, reflexology and aromatherapy treatments. I opted for a toxin relief massage - having started to feel the effects of a sedentary lifestyle I was hoping to feel reinvigorated. This treatment is recommended in conjunction with a detox programme, although my usual diet of organic vegetables with side dishes of chocolate and caffeine didn’t make me ineligible.

The treatment room was large, with a movement-sensitive but temperamental light switch which flicked on and off when I undressed, a useful innovation to maximise the serene experience while allowing me to untie my shoelaces.

BACKGROUND

• Sofitel Spa, Heathrow Terminal 5

• Casa Spa, Paddington, London

• Champneys Day Spa, Brighton

• Chapel Day Spa, Cheltenham

• Cowshed at St Moritz Hotel, Cornwall

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The therapist, Andri, employed a thorough Swedish massage technique, using a Dermalogica energising oil with lemongrass, sage, sandalwood and rosemary oils, which help release toxins from the body. She was informative, explaining the effects of what she was doing, professional, and reassuringly immaculate, and her massage was so pleasingly firm that I questioned her colleague on the potential for repetitive strain injury among small-framed beauty therapists.

Afterwards I felt very weak and light-headed, and had to rest for 15 minutes before leaving. My afternoon was interspersed with frequent toilet breaks, which Andri had advised me was a side effect of detoxification. I slept well and could not fault my experience.

FOOD It's a "caffeine-free zone", with plenty of herbal tea alternatives and no food. Visiting this spa on its own is a waste of an opportunity; it is best combined with a self-indulgent day shopping in the stylish local boutiques and meeting a friend for a (detox-friendly) lunch or afternoon tea at nearby Cannizaro House.

IN CROWD Well-heeled Wimbledonites and the racket weary top-seeded tennis players and their beautiful other halves during Wimbledon Fortnight. The salon also offers an appealing range of male treatments, including a deep cleansing back treatment and aromatherapy massage. Ark has branches in Wandsworth, Putney and Holland Park, West London.

WALLET WATCH Standard prices for a high-end London salon offering Dermalogica treatments. The toxin relief massage is £56 for a 55 minute treatment. A Reiki treatment is also £56, and a 30-minute manicure is £24.

NEED TO KNOW Ark Wimbledon, 49 The High Street, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 5AX (020 8944 8099; www.arkhealthandbeauty.com)

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