Finding a central London spa with an out-of-London feel can be tricky at times -it’s often difficult to leave behind the adrenaline fuelled bustling of the city, which is exactly what I was expecting before my appointment at Beauty and Melody Spa. Situated on an ultra-busy main road in hipster-ville Shoreditch, I thought I’d be greeted with funky music and new-age therapies to help me “reconnect with myself”, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Beauty and Melody is a classic spa equipped with modern day comforts, and it is beautiful. The décor is all about clean lines and tidy spaces, there is no clutter or chaos to disarray a peaceful mind. The treatments are traditional too, all pampering and relaxing using (the spa experts) Thalgo products, alongside ‘maintenance treatments’ for nails, waxing and laser hair removal.

I was in need of some de-clicking, so opted for a deep-tissue massage, which I find can be a bit of a tricky choice; too hard and you are in too much pain to enjoy the treatment (and it can have the opposite effect on the muscles as they can tense up to protect you) but too soft and the treatment feels pointless. My therapist expertly warmed and stretched the muscles before working out all the knots and kinks with deeper movements, there were a few uncomfortable points because I am ridiculously knotty, but I still nearly drifted off a few times and really enjoyed the treatment- I felt like my shoulders were sitting 3 inches lower by the end of the hour!

The spa facilities include a swimming pool, spa pool (dreamy!), sauna, steam and cool room, which you are encouraged to use before your treatment to get you into relaxation mode, you can also use this area after your treatment. The pool area is such a lovely space, so tranquil, you can very easily forget all the commotion of the city outside.

This is definitely somewhere to spend a morning or afternoon on your own, with friends or with your other half, but equally it is a fantastic place to have your regular treatments and escape the tumult of London for a calming little hour……or 2!

To book Email [email protected] or call Tel: 02038373010

151-157 City Road, London, EC1V 1JH www.beautyandmelody.co.uk

Deep tissue massage, £75 for 60 minutes.