The Balance: Spas
Splash out in London or save in Ethiopia
SPEND
LONDON
ONE ALDWYCH
Unlike the majority of the capital’s spas, the Health Club and Pool at One Aldwych has a higher male to female ratio, thanks to its business travellers. Which probably explains the spacious gym (what’s with the poky gym cupboards in so many hotels these days anyway?). Now they’ve upped the ante with the latest hi-tech skincare treatments on offer from Barcelona, called Natura Bissé. The Spanish luxury skincare and spa range has proved so popular at the hotel recently that it’s now the exclusive in-house line – with several treatments being created specifically for One Aldwych this season. So after you’ve done your lengths in the 18-metre chlorine-free swimming pool, with its waterfall feature at the end, and discarded your executive stress in the roomy sauna and steam chambers, book in for the likes of a Pick Me Up Facial (30 minutes; £50) which is recommended for post-flight skin or the ultimate CEO of treatments: The Diamond Experience for Men (90 minutes; £170). The Health Club, One Aldwych, London WC1, +44 (0)20 7300 0600; www.onealdwych.co.uk
…OR SAVE
ADDIS ABABA
ADDISU FILWOHA HOTEL
The Ethiopian capital was settled on the site of a hot spring, and the waters can still be taken by visitors. Though the Filwoha hotel and bath complex might look a bit run down, its treatments remain popular and prospective bathers are advised to book a day or so in advance, or face long waits. Oil and hydro massages are available, and rates are staggeringly cheap. You can probably get a full body massage and still walk away with change from a fiver, while a mineral bath will set you back by about 3 birr (15p).
+251 (0)115 510 902
