The Retreat at The Londoner

Revolutionise the way you workout at The Retreat. The Londoner’s subterranean wellness floor features its own ultra-modern gym with a boutique space for cool-downs, stretching and group fitness classes like yoga. 

The gym floor is fully kitted out with Technogym weights and cardio machines. You’re welcome to go it alone. Or go for some one-on-one training and get a bespoke workout from one of the capital’s best wellness experts. Some of the spa packages on offer even include a personal training session. You can energise while you’re being pampered!

Prefer to exercise in the fresh air? A jog or power walk through Covent Garden then down by the Thames is lovely. Go early in the morning to see London waking up for the day ahead. 

You could even burn some calories by taking in the sights on two wheels. Santander Cycles, London's public bicycle hire scheme, lets you just grab a bike and start riding. You can go wherever the wind takes you, but if you’re not confident Green Park is under a mile away, with plenty of opportunities for traffic-free cycling. 

The spa has its own health bar for delicious, wholesome dishes. Called Refuel, the beautifully-presented food mirrors the ethos of The Retreat. Choose from detoxifying smoothies, beauty juices, nourishing body wraps, and Ayurvedic morning ritual bowls, 

Decadent lobby bar The Stage pays homage to neighbouring theatreland with its quirky design – think elegant armchairs, plush velvets and a dramatic bar. It serves an all-day menu and afternoon tea, with Champagne as the star of the show. For something more substantial, head to The Londoner’s signature restaurant Whitcomb’s for a contemporary French Mediterranean medley of small plates and mains.

Here for an extra special occasion? Nothing says celebration like the hotel’s signature restaurant. Called 8, this rooftop lounge serves contemporary Japanese cuisine. Alongside unbeatable skyline views you’ll find an indoor-outdoor garden with a firepit and retractable roof. In-house DJs keep the vibe buzzy at this epitome of London cool.

More casual is Joshua’s Tavern on the ground floor. This is The Londoner’s own speak-easy style gin pub, inspired by the 18th-century artist and former Leicester Square resident Joshua Reynolds. Make ours a G&T!

There sure is! Swimming is so good for the soul, particularly when you’re in an urban oasis this luxurious. At 12m in length, the tranquil pool is flanked by poolside cabanas - secluded booths with huge day beds to sprawl out on. There’s also a blissfully heated hydro pool, sauna and steam room waiting for you after your drip. You won’t believe you’re in the heart of the city!

Tempted to turn your spa day into a spa stay? You’re in luck. There are 350 guest rooms and suites at The Londoner. This 16-storey hotel is called a ‘super-boutique’ for good reason. Expect super-cool decor and top-notch tech, from the Dyson hairdressers to the theatrical movie-star mirrors. Rooms from the fifth floor up have fabulous views!

If you do decide to make a night of it, extra treats await you at The Residence. Your room key opens the door to these three beautifully designed spaces, reserved just for hotel residents. Here you’ll find complimentary nibbles, soft drinks and hot beverages served day and night. 

It is. In fact, the hotel wins rave reviews for its design-led, super-high spec accessible features. In 2022, The Londoner’s rooftop bar even won a Blue Badge Access Award. The Retreat is wheelchair accessible. The Londoner has 18 accessible rooms with features like roll-in showers and lowered beds. Two of the 18 rooms feature a ceiling track hoist for guests with more complex disabilities. 

Wheelchair-accessible toilets have been installed on every floor, with a Changing Places room in the Odeon Cinema.

For overnight stays, check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 12pm. For spa day packages, arrival times vary so please check your booking confirmation.

Love basement spas? You’ll be in your element. The Retreat is a subterranean wonderland because it’s set on level minus four of The Londoner, the 16-storey ‘super-boutique’ hotel in Leicester Square.

The five-star hotel is on the south west corner of Leicester Square, with Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square tube stations nearby. As locations go it’s hard to beat. With the galleries of Trafalgar Square to the south, the flavours of Chinatown to the north, the lights of Piccadilly to the west and Covent Garden to the East, a stay here puts you in the beating heart of London’s West End.

It would be easier to tell you what’s not on offer! The Retreat has an indoor swimming pool with hydro pool, a gym, sauna and steam room. There’s also a hair salon, nail salon, gentlemen's barber and superfood bar called Refuel. At the hotel you’ll find a rooftop lounge bar and French Mediterranean restaurant, two Odeon Luxe screening rooms, and a pub that specialises in gin. There’s also The Residence with three spaces, including a drawing room, just for hotel guests.

No, The Retreat is blissfully adults-only with treatments reserved for those aged 18 or over. While the hotel has more of a grown-up than a family-friendly vibe, little guests can swim in the pool on weekdays (10:30am to 12pm, 3:30pm to 5pm) and on weekends (8am to 9.30am and 12pm to 1.30pm).

Sorry, it’s not. No dogs are allowed at The Retreat or in The Londoner hotel.