Tucked away in the capital's top hotels, you will find calm havens of tranquillity where pampering is everything. We take a look what's on offer.

The power of flowers
The Spa at the Dorchester
For the ultimate in indulgence, book a Rose Ritual at the Dorchester. This is two-and-a-half hours of pure bliss. Your body is first exfoliated with a fragrant salt and rice scrub. Once you have showered (with a rose cleanser, of course), you're then treated to a massage - hydrating rose water in a gel and rose oil are layered one after another onto the skin - and whilst your body is absorbing the fabulous scents and moisturisers, your therapist works on a facial with a rose mask and a scalp massage. And before you have to head back to reality, you're treated to a glass of rose Champagne and a rose petal cake.

Other treatments on offer at the spa include the legendary Eve Lom facial, which starts with a deep cleanse, followed by warm wax to open up the pores. Lymphatic drainage techniques are then used to encourage decongestion, and a camphor mask applied. Or, if energy levels are flagging, try the spa's traditional Thai massage.

There is a Charles Worthington hair salon next to the spa so you can pop in for a nourishing conditioning treatment and blow-dry to complete your day of pampering.

Best for: Chilling before a night out. The rose massage will have you falling into slumber so you can stock up on some sleep, and the hair salon next door means you won't even have to lift a hairbrush before you hit the town.

Park Lane, W1
+00 44 (0) 20 7495 7335
www.thedorchester.com

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Steam temples and stars
Spa InterContinental
The new spa at the InterContinental hotel has a steam room with a difference. Twinkling star lights are set into the domed roof, and with flickering candles and beautiful tiling, it's a romantic spot to unwind - plus, there's room for two should you be inclined to bring a spa companion. The treatment involves mineral-rich clay designed to stimulate circulation and the herb infused steam helps the body eliminate toxins. The spa also has a VIP Suite, with a therapy room for two, so you and your companion can then indulge in the treatments together.

Body treatments on offer at the spa include Aroma Stone Therapy, where small stones are placed on key energy points, while warmed oils are massaged into the body.

Or try one of the Elemis facials, such as the Pro-Collagen Marine Facial, which uses marine extracts to help reduce lines and wrinkles and works well if you need to perk up your complexion. You're also treated to a hand, arm and scalp massage. Men can try the likes of an Urban Cleanse facial, which gets rid of impurities.

Best for: Pampering for two. Continue the romance with dinner at the hotel's new restaurant. Theo Randall, formerly head chef at the River Caf�, has been garnering much praise with his latest venture.

One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1
+44 (0) 20 7318 8691
www.spaintercontinental.com

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Chill out zone
Landmark Spa
The new spa at the Landmark offers perfect tranquillity in the middle of the city. There's a beautifully designed pool area, with a sanarium that uses changing light features to great effect. The sanarium's heat is gentler than a sauna and much more relaxing. Afterwards, you can cool off in the essence-infused monsoon showers.

You can then ease away any tensions with an hour-and-a-half massage. Or try the spa signature treatment which includes exfoliation, aromatherapy massage, hot basalt stones and marine mud, as well as a facial and scalp massage.

If you can't face the real world just yet, you can chill in the spa's relaxation room where you're provided with your own iPod.

Best for: Escaping the bustle of the city. You'll find it hard to drag yourself away from the spa's blissful swimming pool and whirlpool.

222 Marylebone Road London NW1
+44 (0) 20 7631 8000
http://www.landmarkspa.com/

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Quick spa fix
If you don't have time for a full afternoon of pampering, check out these ways to incorporate a quick spa treatment into your day.

Beauty breakfasts
Chancery Court - Brek-A-Manger
Make time for a manicure before you even start your day. The Brek-A-Manger hour-long treatment starts with a hand massage, followed by a sea salt scrub, cuticle treatment and nail colour. And breakfast is included with a healthy bento box provided afterwards.

252 High Holborn, WC1
+44 (0) 20 7829 7058
www.spachancerycourt.com

Express facial in your lunchtime
Brown's Hotel - Booster
In just 30 minutes, the Spa at Brown's can provide deep pore cleansing, skin hydration or rejuvenation. Booster sessions combine power cleansing, massage and masks.

Albemarle Street, W1
+44 (0) 20 7493 6020
www.brownshotel.com

Pre-party pamper
K West - K-SPArkle Me Manicure & Pedicure
Two therapists get to work on your hands and feet while you relax with a glass of Champagne. In 60 minutes, you have the perfect manicure and pedicure.

Richmond Way, W14
+44 (0) 20 8008 6600
www.k-west.co.uk

Image courtesy of Spa Intercontinental