Financial Times
When a friend told me about a “secret spa” in a town house in London’s Chelsea (just behind Peter Jones), I was intrigued. Ushvani, I subsequently discovered is an Asian spa which opened “softly” just a year a go. It was founded by a high-flying Malaysian lawyer frustrated at not being able to find massage and other therapies of the high standard she was accustomed to in the East.
Usually, I avoid day spas because of the production-line, “one in, one out” factor, but this is precisely what Ushvani aims to avoid. The spa is spaced out over three tranquil floors (with a treatment room for men), and is so serene that you will wonder if you are the only person there. In fact, treatments are staggered and space is factored in between clients, so the spa feels totally private and the ambience super-exclusive.
Ushvani offers a stylish menu of authentic Asian massages as well as an interesting selection of scrubs and wraps (ranging from ginger and kaffir lime to a green pea for sensitive skin). The Malay massage (£180 for 90 minutes) involves long kneading strokes and is deeply relaxing, while the Balinese massage is great for tense muscles and generally reinvigoration (£180 for 90 minutes). It’s not cheap, I know, but Ushvani would no doubt say that you are paying for a high standard of service and exclusivity.
Quality of the massage aside, I can’t decide what I love most about this spa: the tranquility, the private spa pool in the basement, or the cinnamon and brown colour scheme (which sounds hideously1970s but, in practice, is quite wonderful.)
In addition, Ushvani has launched its own spa range based on botanicals commonly used in Asian therapies. Products include Coconut and Hibiscus Oil (£35) and the signature Ushvani Balm (£25.50), a “wonder” product containing rosemary, thyme and eucalyptus. Excellent for muscle aches or pains – I find that it works wonders on RSI (repetitive strain injury) – as well as jet lag and generally clearing your head.
Karen Wheeler

GQ
Wandering down Sloane Street among a sea of designer shops and sports cars, its difficult to envisage that through the large oak doors of No.1 Cadogan Gardens lies a little haven of Southeast Asian delights. There is no sign, no indication of what’s inside the Grade II-listed building, other than a discreet buzzer inside the porch. Once inside and surrounded by an unusual mix of intricate Asian wood carvings, Malaysian wall hangings and traditional British oak-panelled walls, it’s also pretty difficult to envisage ever wanting to leave. Now, I’ve been to a lot of spas in my time (occupational hazard - don’t pity me) but this spa, little known to many, is something else. Everything is in place, from the marble-tiled doors to the immaculate and well-equipped changing area, has been executed with such fervent attention to detail, I spent a good ten minutes just snooping around in an attempt to discover my oversights.
After a perfect 90-minute massage (it may sound like a long time but this was one of the few where I’ve actually fallen asleep and remained comfortable throughout the treatment). I was ushered through to the relaxation lounge. Alongside a comprehensive array of Southeast Asian therapies, the spa offers a breathtaking suite for couples on the ground floor. The suite has its own plunge pool and two beds so treatments can be carried out in unison (a very sexy place to take her for an anniversary). OK, so a massage costs a substantial amount more than the 400 baht you’d expect to pay in Thailand (try about 25 times more) but then this is Chelsea, not Chiang Mai. Think of all the flight time you’re saving, and the sting won’t feel so bad.

Country and Town House
Super-stylish and secret day spa, discretely tucked away behind Sloane Street. For stressed out shoppers, opt for the 120-minute signature massage. Bliss.

ES Magazine
The Treatment An organic facial, using rose and coconut oils and ylang-ylang and ginger products, followed by a foot massage. Between the warm, soft bed and the softly spoken therapist, sleep was inevitable. Heaven. Décor & Ambience Welcome to the rainforest; dark wood panelling carved with hibiscus flowers (the symbol of health), and a vast tank full of bright tropical fish in reception. A warm, woody smell and a forest soundtrack, complete with birdsong and rustling leaves. The Therapist Friendly and knowledgeable, with the knack of knowing when to be silent. The Extras Fresh mint-scented towels and ginger tea on arrival; a spa pool and steam room. Cost £150 for an hour.
DF

The Resident
The discreet Cadogan Gardens spa, Ushvani, opened quietly last year, with a select, in-the-know Chelsea clientele already dedicated to their Malaysian inspired treatments. Followers can now indulge at home with their newly launched products, from the Hibiscus and Rice scrub to a Papaya and Cane Sugar Body scrub. All fragrances are 100 per cent natural with some organic, fairly traded raw materials, too. We love their coconut and hibiscus oil |(£35, 150ml) that can be used as a body oil or deeply conditioning scalp treatment.

The Centurian
Now the capital has a satisfyingly exotic venue to add to its spa list.
SO NEAR SO SPA? Not in London. There are a handful of day spas with small plunge pools or multiple treatment rooms, but it’s been hard to find an all-encompassing venue that resembles anything you’d find in an exotic location. Until now, Ushvani is a three-storey destination spa set in a Grade 11-listed building in Chelsea, open to men and women, where discretion is the order of the day. With one small doorbell at its residential entrance, it’s the antithesis of a shriekingly loud high street salon. According to founder Usha Arumugam, ‘We wanted to bring an authentic Asian spa experience to London, as we felt this frenetic and fast-paced city was in need of one.’
Arumugam trained as a lawyer at Oxford University, but having experienced traditional beauty therapies in her native Malaysia from an early age, she nursed an ambition to open a spa of her own. Her vision was to deliver the finest therapies in a beautiful environment, and she spent four years in planning and research. It was worth the wait.
The five spacious treatment rooms and the public areas are decorated with Malaysian touches such as carved-wood hibiscus flowers – a national image that symbolises good health – and hand-printed silk curtains. Polished teak flooring runs throughout the building, and bedspreads in dark red, cream, aqua and amber complement the look.
Authentic and traditional Malaysian elements also feature in the spa menu. Treatments are based on Asian techniques, with inspiration drawn mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Natural herbs, spices and flowers are used in massages, polishes and facials such as cocoa and coffee, desiccated coconut or ginger and kaffir lime scrubs. Massages include a Balinese or Malay option, while the Ushvani Signature treatment uses a heated herbal compress to ease aches and pains, followed by a massage which incorporates Balinese and Malay techniques and a series of Thai-based stretches.
Ushvani also has a spacious yoga and pilates studio for private lessons and one-off sessions with visiting teachers. ‘As a full-service day spa, we wanted to introduce the philosophies of the east through yoga, meditation and pilates,’ says Arumugam. Guests can also bliss out in the spa pool, scented/illuminated rainshower or relaxation room. Couples can book the large Asmara suite, with its two treatment beds, private bathroom, shower/steam room and mini plunge-and-soak pool. Teas, juices and light refreshments can be ordered and delivered directly to the room. Arrive at this tranquil haven in the heart of the capital, slip on a complimentary pair of flip flops, sip a cup of warm hibiscus tea and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Asia even before your treatment starts. No jet required.Kinvara Balfour

Marie Claire
A new spa claims its unique stomach massage can ease digestive pains.
When I heard a new spa called Ushvani had opened in London, I did my best to stifle a yawn. There are millions of great spas in the capital. What’s so different about this one? Well, for starters, it offers so-called pelvic lift as standard in all of its massages. Yikes! And, what’s more, it has a massage treatment for IBS, which I have suffered from. So, I booked myself in.
What treatment would I have?
The lulling water features and warm wood panelling in the period building that houses Ushvani calmed my nerves. My therapist recommended a Malay stomach massage to help the symptoms associated with IBS. She would alos work on my ‘energy channels’ to detox my system.
How did it work?
Long, kneading strokes were administered to my stomach. The gurgling from my tummy pleased my therapist. ‘Your intestines are responding well’, she said. Pressure was applied to my ‘meridians’ or energy channels and, although initially sceptical, I was intrigued to find out that the areas said to be linked to the digestive system were unusually sore. ‘Blocked’, said my therapists as she pummelled the skin with her hands.
And the pelvic floor lift?
No more scary than a series of brisk, upward strokes on the abdomen. It’s recommended for 40 days after giving birth to tighten the pelvic floor. I haven’t noticed a difference but, having not had any children, I’m not sure if I would.
Did it help my IBS?
Two days later, my digestive system was doing odd things. I was visiting the loo more often – this was colonic irrigation (almost) without the embarrassment. In the weeks that have passed, the cramping has eased and the bloating is less frequent. Overall, it’s a far more pleasant way of treating tummy trouble than a trip to your GP.

Tatler
Best for: Softening scaly skin
The lowdown: Rivalling the Shangri-La-like spas of Asia, Ushvani is possibly London's most exotic retreat. High fish tanks, under ground plunge pools and sweeping wooden staircase make it a heavenly hangout. The spa has recently developed is own line of products centred around the healing hibiscus flower. The Hibiscus Scrub, which sloughs away city grime, is followed by a relaxing massage to ease away tension. The finale is a sweet-smelling, detoxifying wrap that leaves your skin softer than a kitten's tummy.
Our verdict: Perfect for smoothing rough, flaky skin suffering from beach burnout. It's just a shame Ushvani is a day spa - we wanted to stay for a week.
Details: £180, at Ushvani, 1 Cadogan Gardens, SW3 (tel: 020 7730 2888)