MYSTERY SHOPPER
THE LONDONER
The Londoner has been billed as one of the most important hotel openings in the city in recent times. Megan Whitby went along to check it out
PHOTO: ANDREW BEASLEY
The pool, with its near perfect replica of natural daylight, sits at the heart of The Retreat
M
y journey starts well when I call to book, with a cheerful staff member guiding me towards the best treatment option. I’m looking for a 60-minute fullbody massage and she steers me towards the Hibernation massage, which is described as a top-to-toe experience delivered using British organic skincare line ila. The rate is £110 (US$148, €132). I ask about using the thermal area to loosen up beforehand, but I’m told its use comes bundled with a private cabana rental and access to the pool and so would cost an extra £110 for two hours… I politely decline. A follow-up email is promised, but doesn’t materialise. Given these emails are invaluable for orientation, its non-arrival causes a bumpy start to my experience.
