The hotel

When you discover one of London’s most prestigious hotels has as rich a history as The Bloomsbury, it’s little wonder it continues to evolve to become one of the most luxurious stays the capital has to offer.

The hotel was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928, Queen Mary laid the foundation stone in 1929 and, following completion in 1931, the hotel started life as the Young Women’s Christian Association. Now part of the Doyle Collection, the hotel stands majestically behind the Dominion Theatre in London’s centre, it has 153 rooms and suites and feels private and close to all the action all at once.

It has recently teamed up with the incredible Aire Ancient Baths in nearby Robert Street to offer the ultimate relaxation Sanctuary in the City package and we were lucky enough to experience it for ourselves.

The hotel itself is impeccable, not least because you enter via the wisteria-draped beauty of alfresco restaurant Dalloway Terrace – all fairy lights and floral displays, the year-round heated space is a tempting pull for brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails, especially as the summer approaches.

Our suite on the fourth floor is like the Sex and the City apartment of dreams. The jewel-toned entrance hall is elegantly wallpapered, the main space houses a comfy king bed, two armchairs and a desk. Separated off with a giant sliding door is the palatial Italian marble bathroom with freestanding bath, wet-room shower, twin sinks and a separate toilet and bidet area. We will be quite happy here! And if it wasn’t for the lure of a revitalising afternoon at Aire Ancient Baths as part of our Sanctuary in the City package, we probably could happily enjoy the comfort of this suite.

The wellness package

Set beneath a Robert Street apartment once frequented by Peter Pan author JM Barrie, Aire Ancient Baths is rich with history and character, renovated into the most rejuvenating and calm space designed to restore balance in body and mind. The former underground waterways were a trading zone for wine and tea back in the 18th century but luckily for us, they’ve changed the water and created a cluster of dreamy pools – each one offering something different.

There’s the Tepidarium (warm bath), where we started, a perfect temperature to relax and allow the heart rate to steady ahead of a 45-minute Ancient Relaxing Massage set to the tone of frequency-perfect Yin music. Following our massage, we returned to the pools, opting to reawaken our sleepy selves in the Balneum (the “bath of a thousand jets”) – a unique kind of jacuzzi that acted like a water massage. The 40-degree Caldarium (hot bath) was more like the temperature of a bath at home, albeit with more room and a much more relaxed candlelit vibe accompanied by the gorgeous scent of Aire’s signature orange blossom aroma.

The team at Aire recommended a cold plunge in one of two Frigidariums (one 10 degrees and another 14 degrees) immediately after the hot bath to encourage good circulation. We opted for the 14, which is still a real test of endurance for the uninitiated but nevertheless instantly invigorating. To top it off, we headed to our favourite pool – the pool we could happily live in – the Flotarium. A salt bath where you can feel totally weightless and at ease. It was hard to leave this one. The shower at the end of the pool allows guests to enjoy a salt scrub before floating away for a moment of bliss.

As part of our package, we then relaxed in our Aire robes and enjoyed a selection of chocolate truffles, a healthy – and delicious – juice and a glass of cava. The facilities here are great – they have thought of everything from L’Occitane shower gel to GHD hair stylers. One of the best things about the experience is the discreet and friendly staff. Had JM Barrie seen the baths, I think he would have likened them to Neverland’s Mermaid Lagoon, “underneath a magic moon”. And we certainly felt light enough to fly back to The Bloomsbury for dinner – if only we’d had some fairy dust handy.

The food and drink

Naturally, we had to book a table for dinner at the aesthetically pleasing Dalloway Terrace and it did not disappoint. Surrounded by beautiful blooms, made comfortable at our table with cushions, blankets and delicious cocktails from The Coral Room (the hotel’s vibrant bar) next door, we ordered from the curated menu of British classics. With eyes bigger than our bellies, we ordered three starters to share between two: a succulent beef tartare, moreish hand-picked Devonshire crab and the pièce de résistance, the duck parfait – delicious.

Although it was hard to top the starters, the mains did not disappoint: our black Angus grass-fed beef fillet and fries, and a spicy massaman red curry went down very well and despite being stuffed and satisfied, we could not resist a milk chocolate and mango mousse with hazelnut crumble to share for pud.

A mint tea to aid with digestion later and we’re ready to retire to our room after one of the most indulgent and relaxing days we’ve ever experienced!

The bill

One night for two guests at The Bloomsbury Hotel with the Sanctuary in the City package (including breakfast and a 90-minute thermal baths session at Aire Ancient Baths with truffles and champagne on arrival) starts from £650.

Dinner at Dalloway Terrace for two with cocktails, from approximately £200 for two diners.

The verdict

I have answered my own question. This was, without doubt, the most indulgent and relaxing day and evening we have ever enjoyed in the bustling city of London. Fit for a king or queen, it is the ideal gift that will leave you revitalised and ready for anything.

The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN; doylecollection.com
Aire Ancient Baths, 2-3 Robert Street, London WC2N 6BH; beaire.com