Originally published on Monday, 18th November 2013

Wakeman Road

Wakeman Road, 4 Wakeman Road, NW10 5BN | www.wakemanroad.co.uk

Name/Location:

Wakeman Road, Kensal Rise, NW5

In a sentence

Secluded, private member’s spa for those who are after five star treatments with a side of health community.

Vibe/Décor

This is a house. Climb through the black door and up the spiral staircase and open the back door- voilà! You’re here! We thought we had the wrong spot. Inside the open plan reception is welcoming and light, and the kitchen- all wood, stainless steel, greenery and XXL fridges filled with Jax Coco water- is somewhere we’d like to spend more time in. The treatment rooms were chic and uncluttered.

Treatment

We had a Tui na massage, which was a first. Our therapist studied his craft in China, and proceeded to knead our back and neck, truly getting into problem areas. It might not have been relaxing, but it was definitely effective. Interestingly, we were massaged with our clothes on (which is usual for this type of massage); easier to knead the skin. We also had a quick beauty fix with La Crema post treatment, and instantly fell in love with its founder, who definitely seemed like ‘one of us’.

If we could make a suggestion

Think there might be too much going on in the main reception. In addition to the requisite natural beauty products there was leather and outdoor apparel, stationary, artwork, homewares and handbags. Whew! Every handpicked company here has the feel/do good element, but some lacked the style factor. We’d also like some music in the treatment rooms. Especially if we could choose the soundtrack (no whales, waves, or wind please).

Verdict

Loved the treatment, liked the passion behind this place (the membership pack was extremely well put together), and the commitment to innovative health. The idea of private events in the kitchen is certainly appealing. Now we just have to see if people want a bit of community with their spa. We think you might be surprised.

Details

Wakeman Road, 4 Wakeman Road, NW10 5BN. www.wakemanroad.co.uk Membership is £29 per month, which is redeemable against treatments and purchase. The fee is to encourage use more than ‘dues’.