Angelica Retreat

I really, really wanted to love this place. As the previous reviewer said, the space is beautiful and relaxing. However, my treatment left a lot to be desired.
I went for a REN Radiance Facial (£75) after some long haul flights. I wanted a treatment to help with my jet lag by relaxing me and deeply clean my skin after all the air con on the planes.
My facialist/​therapist was incredibly lovely and sweet. The reason I am writing the review and only giving 3 stars is because the treatment itself seemed to be simply putting product on and then wiping them off. I did not at all get the impression she was trained in ‘skin’, there was no analysis of my skin to begin with — in fact the room was so dimly lit with candles and low lights I can’t imagine she could see anything with detail. The massage was very light pressure with no specific work into any of the jaw or temple muscles that tend to get tight when we are stressed. I did not get the impression that she was trained in facial massage specifically used during a facial. During the arm massage while a mask was on my face she very kindly offered a hand and arm massage. Sadly, this too was generic and very light in pressure not working into any of the commonly tight and knotty parts. I did not get the sense that I would be receiving the benefits of what a massage is designed to offer. I think perhaps just asking me if the pressure was alright would have been helpful — that way she could have adjusted her pressure. Or maybe she needs more experience in massage to offer this service??? I’m not sure.
Again, I really wanted to love this place. It is beautiful to walk into and I have found all customer service to be efficient and professional. Also, my therapist was incredibly sweet and lovely.
I think that in an area such as Angel where there are quite a few places that offer similar facials it would be wonderful to offer something that was head and shoulders above the generic experience that can be replicated at home.

Honoured to give this place its first review. And what a retreat it is. Cheap and in the heart of London? Winning. I had the ‘head in the clouds’ head massage and it was only £30 for 30 minutes and it was absolutely beautiful. So relaxing it was almost like a religious experience. They play peaceful music and the rooms have a very clean and peaceful vibe! I’ll definitely be back.