USP This women's-only day spa is in the salubrious surroundings of a cobbled back street in Covent Garden, which means there is great shopping and dining on the doorstep - the perfect compliment to a girly spa day. Unlike many day spas, the addition of swimming pool, sauna, steam room, lounge and restaurant means a treatment here is much more than an hour on a massage table.

AMBIENCE Despite the heavy traffic of spa goers who pass through its doors - an average of 200 people per day - The Sancturay maintains a good level of service. The welcome from the team of receptionists, who stand behind pods in a V-formation like Star Trek commandants, is friendly and genuine. Opposite the reception is a lounge, probably the most attractive bit of the spa, with an open fire and stylish furniture. Once I'd checked-in it was time for processing in the room next door. I use that word because it felt just like that - rows of tables and chairs with a pencil and paper on each, like an exam room, where I was ushered to sit down, fill in some basic details and wait for a member of staff. I was given a folder with details of my treatment and then shown the changing rooms - there was no hassle or hastening, but there's no doubting this is a slick operation.

EXPERIENCE I'd booked an evening treatment, which meant I could use the facilities from 5pm-10pm. With an hour to spare I headed to the Koi Carp Lounge, where bathrobed ladies (nudity is no longer accepted) lounged over magazines and drinks. Women of all ages and sizes perched on chairs and sprawled on loungers - this is girly bonding without inhibition - a wonderfully relaxed atmopshere, although it lacks serenity owing to the background buzz of giggling and gossiping. The menu features a surprising array of unhealthy stuff - chips, spring rolls, and brownies abound; but then perhaps that's what this place is about - indulgence, not restraint. Having said that, I did find a healthy dish - the smoked salmon salad, which was fresh and tasty, washed down with an elderflower drink.

I had a brief dip in the exercise pool downstairs and popped into the steam and sauna rooms, which were surprisingly empty given that I struggled to find a free chair in the lounge. It was then time for the treatment, but finding the treatment room from the convoluted map was tricky. I was led to a reception area upstairs and then was promptly picked up by my friendly therapist for a Brightening Facial Plus, one of a new range of treatments using new Santuary products.

The treatment started with a foot cleanse, then there was a series of scrubs, masks and cleansers that included the neck and bust area. Although my skin looked a bit flushed afterwards, I think my complexion did look brighter a day later and my skin softer. I also rated the shoulder massage - she effectively located my "knots" with firm, but not uncomfortable pressure.

Overall I was impressed, and the massage is a nice addition to a straightforward facial. One product that stood out was the Warming Microbrasion Polish, which felt lovely on my skin was was effective to boot. The only thing I resented was the hard sell for Sanctuary products - what I interpreted as friendly advice on products best suited to my skin turned out to be a sales pitch when she told me I could buy everything she'd recommended (Santuary own-brand and other brands) in the shop - it left a bitter taste in the mouth.

FOOD In-house restaurant serves wine, champagne and sweet and savoury dishes (see above).

IN CROWD Hen parties, singles, mums and daughters and mates from London and the south east.

WALLET WATCH It costs £67 to use the facilities for a day (Monday-Thursday only). This includes use of the Koi Carp Lounge, Atrium Pool (the one with the infamous swing), Exercise Pool, spa pools, relaxation studio, steam room and sauna. My Brightening Facial Plus lasted 90 minutes and costs £90 for 85 minutes.

NEED TO KNOW 12 Floral Street, London WC2 (0870 7703350; www.thesanctuary.co.uk)

Over to You: The Sanctuary

Gone are the days of letting it all hang out with the beautiful few—this women's-only spa is now for the rest of us, and chides nudity. The Sanctuary is no longer a place of chilly corridors, disco decadence and mouldy tiles, The Sanctuary has expanded into the space once occupied by the gym and has been made over in an oriental, Kelly Hoppen style. It's high-class Zen with dark wood, low lights, candles, mosaics and a swing over the pool. Not for lone relaxation, but female bonding. While slightly tarnished by product flogging and chatty women, everything is quite a pleasant waste of time. The Swedish massage penetrates deep into your muscles and will make you breathe like you're in labour. Float in an African wrap listening to Pan pipes for about 20 minutes or try the Rasul where you and your gal pals can toss mud at each other. Swedish massage is £34 for 25 minutes; the Rasul is £34. Janice Turner, Times Online

Of the 58 readers who responded to the Good Spa Guide questionnaire, who had been to The Sanctuary, about 10 per cent complained about their treatments. They either rated them as “poor”, “too rushed” or “too brief”. On the whole, therapists were considered “professional and friendly” and were condemned in only a couple of instances for “spending too much time trying to sell products”. Although many found it relaxing, almost 20 per cent mentioned that it could be a “bit hectic” and the décor looked “jaded”. There were similar mixed feelings over value for money, but many readers still said they would return, though “not on the weekend” added one.

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