A Hidden Sanctuary: Discovering Tranquillity Beneath the Heart of London

In conversation with Daniela Minut, Spa Manager at Akasha Spa, Hotel Café Royal
Descend into Akasha Spa at Hotel Café Royal to discover a secret world of serenity, hidden beneath the energetic pulse of London. Every detail is considered, and a genuine sense of tranquillity washes over you. We recently sat down with Spa Manager Daniela Minut, explore her approach to nurturing such an intimate and restorative environment, and the authentic connections she builds with her team and guests.

Akasha is described as marrying ‘innovative wellness practices with ancient Eastern traditions’. Could you elaborate on this synergy? What are some examples of cutting-edge technologies or treatments Akasha has introduced, and how do they complement or transform more traditional approaches?
We seamlessly integrate Eastern traditional therapies like Ayurveda, Reiki, Reflexology, and Thai massage, alongside Moroccan Ritual with Traditional Hammam. Our hands-on treatments can be enhanced with technologies such as infrared saunas, LED light therapy, and tools from our partners Therabody, including the Theraface tool, JetBoots, Recovery air belt, and goggles. This blend allows us to offer holistic treatments that are both results-driven and deeply restorative.

Personalisation is a key element at Akasha. How do you ensure every client’s experience is truly bespoke, from consultation to post-treatment advice?
Every guest begins with a thorough wellness consultation, where we assess their physical, emotional, and energetic needs. Treatments are then precisely tailored in terms of technique and products to create an original experience just for them. Our therapists are trained to adapt and refine each treatment, ensuring it truly meets their individual requirements. Discretion is paramount, ensuring you feel safe and heard throughout your journey with us.

As a society, we are becoming increasingly informed on wellness. Has this heightened awareness impacted the types of treatments clients seek and their expectations from a luxury spa experience?
Today’s guests seek out mindfulness-based treatments, functional bodywork, and results-oriented facials. Expectations are higher than ever, with a desire for expertise, transparency, and experiences that truly align with their values. It’s our purposeful role to offer guidance and advice on the most appropriate treatments for our guests.

How can your treatments help with stress management or digital detoxing?
Many of our treatments are thoughtfully curated to address nervous system regulation, stress relief, and rebalancing through sensory therapies and breathing techniques. From self-healing treatments to sound healing meditation, yoga, or personal training sessions, we are here to advise and ensure our offerings are perfectly suited for our clientele. Step away from Piccadilly to the entrance of our spa, where a serene atmosphere immediately puts all our guests in the right spirit and mind for either a short 60-minute experience or a full day in our sanctuary. There’s no need to leave London to feel completely refreshed and relaxed.

How do you incorporate the principles of nature within a subterranean city spa? Are there specific design elements, treatments, or even sensory experiences that evoke a connection to the natural world?
We use natural materials, ambient lighting, and water features to evoke a sense of earth and serenity. The sensorial experience with the different brands we work with transport our clients. Our Earth, Water, Fire, and Air concept shapes the treatments and environment to mirror natural elements.

Beyond the immediate physical benefits of a massage or facial, what are the less tangible but equally profound holistic benefits clients gain from their Akasha experience? How do you measure or observe these unseen transformations?
Guests often report deeper sleep, emotional release, and a profound sense of grounded clarity following their treatments. Many return, drawn by the genuine impact on their well-being. Each team member plays a purposeful role in ensuring each guest’s journey is seamless and you leave our spa in a truly relaxed and elevated spirit. We even add special touches for celebrations, like birthdays, tailoring every experience to create truly original and memorable moments.

Guests of Hotel Café Royal are welcome to join the dynamic range of classes at Akasha. Can you tell us about some that you’d recommend, and their benefits?
Our Strength Class is exceptionally popular, focusing on resistance training with compound exercises for a full-body workout. Additionally, our Karate Box Mixed Martial Arts classes are frequently refined to align with our clientele’s evolving needs.

From your unique vantage point, what do you predict will be the next significant trends or innovations in the luxury spa industry, and how is Akasha preparing for or leading these changes? Mental wellness is becoming central to our offerings. Expect more integrative therapies that thoughtfully blend psychology, somatics, and spa treatments. This innovative approach allows for a specific coach to be paired with a tailored treatment, creating a truly holistic and personalised package for your well-being.

Can you tell us a little about your brand partnership with Valmont and how their values align with those of Hotel Café Royal?
Valmont shares our deep commitment to excellence, science-backed results, and a truly luxurious sensorial experience. Their Swiss heritage perfectly aligns with our collective values of precision, purity, and beauty rooted in nature. Together, we offer facials that are both transformational and deeply pampering, celebrating the synergy of skin health and indulgence.

Learn more about the unique approach to wellbeing at Akasha Spa and plan your visit to Hotel Café Royal for an authentic and restorative experience.