As London braces itself for another cold snap, what better time to engage in a little self-care at the mecca of relaxation: the Rosewood London’s Sense Spa. This Rosewood itself hardly does things by half – it boasts a monumental marble staircase reaching up across seven stories, a hotel Labrador and a six-story suite with its own postcode – so it’s little surprise that the spa is superlative in quality (think low lighting, tinkling water sounds, Bamford products in the showers). With treatments themed around the four seasons, one dark winter’s evening we headed to Holborn to try out the signature Winter Warmer Facial.

Following a brief skin consultation, we reclined onto a heated spa bed while Ratti, our facialist, swathed us in warm towels as citrus vapours puffed through the air of the treatment room. Sense uses all-natural, chemical-free products by the Australian spa brand Sodashi, so the double cleanse, first with camomile and then with calming lavender, smelled natural, aromatic and never astringent or chemical. Ratti applied a clay mask and wafted rose mists over the face before beginning a long session of warm compresses and facial massage where she worked the chin areas, cheeks, nose and forehead. The treatment is also carried out on the decollète, then followed by a neck, shoulder and head massage. The vitamin-rich boosters and moisturiser target the drying effects of wintry winds and heating, which can so often leave the skin parched, and the heating and massage are aimed at helping improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. The treatment is designed to be holistic, which is why a facial might be the ultimate form of self-care: by treating one's skin you treat the whole body. The results are instant: de-stressed, calmed and lifted skin which looked plumper and softer, dare we say like a baby's bottom. 

The treatment was quickly followed by ten minutes inside the changing area’s amethyst crystal steam room and topped off with a tropical experience shower. After all this bliss, we lay down in the otherworldly, gold-ceilinged relaxation lounge, sipping on jasmine tea and hoping the effects might last forever. Wellness doesn’t seem like such hard work after all.

The Winter Warmer Facial costs £60 for 30 minutes or £115 for 60 minutes, more information and booking can be found at Sense Spa London.