Situated in the heart of London’s theatre district, the Haymarket boutique hotel is a gem to uncover. Designed by owner – designer Kit Kemp and part of the Firmdale hotel family, the quirky and colourful interiors will have you oozing for days.

I was invited to stay at the Haymarket to experience their FloatFit HIIT fit class and as I’m always excited to experience new wellness offerings in London, I was intrigued to find out what it was like.

THE HAYMARKET DESIGN

On entering the hotel, you will immediately be blown away by the detail of each and every corner of the property. Just past the hotel foyer, is a botanical themed conservatory with gorgeous rays of natural sunlight beaming down from the sky. I’m instantly attracted to the calming blues, greens and natural wooden materials and slowly start to unwind from the busy week. 

Continue walking and the conservatory opens into a cosy warm library – the idyllic spot to have a drink from the honesty bar or catch up on your favourite book. Just the place to unwind and relax.

Upstairs, each of the 50 hotel rooms are individually designed by Kit Kemp herself in her unique yet elegant signature style. Think printed wallpaper juxtaposed with striped sofas, textured fabrics and pops of colour. It’s all just very glam.

A GIRLS NIGHT IN

Sure, there are theatres, restaurants and nightlife galore here in St James to explore. But, after a long week of work, we decide to order in, run a deliciously hot bath and don the white fluffy robes for a girls night in. There’s a walk in wardrobe big enough to have a sleep over in and double sinks in the oversized bathroom. 

Climbing onto the super high bed, we giggle at each other in our robes and can’t wait for our Friday night in. We flick through the hotel’s list of DVD’s you can have delivered to the room and oooh and aaahhh simultaneously over the mouth watering dishes from the room service menu.

After settling in to our generously sized room, it’s time to unwind and relax. Room service arrives and it literally blows our mind on quality and taste. The vegan pumpkin ravioli was to die for and we couldn’t say no to a glass of Malbec to finish off the evening.

The turn down service knocks at the door and we are offered a delightful lavender sleep spray to spritz on our pillows. Now it’s time to sleep in probably the most luxurious hotel bed I’ve ever slept in. And I’ve slept in 100’s across 53 countries.

FloatFit HIIT by Aqua Physical

After the most gorgeously quiet deep sleep in a tower of duck down pillows, it’s time for our FloatFit HIIT session.

Hidden down in the basement of the hotel is an illuminiously lit pool which feels more like a glamorous bar than somewhere to do your leisurely laps. With gold leather lounge chasers and an ever-changing colourful light installation, I was slightly excited about what was to unfold in our fitness on water session.

Seven floating boards are suspended by rope to the sides of the pool, and our instructor encourages us to each take our positions up on the board. For some reason I thought I would be able to get out of this session without getting wet (or washing the hair) but I was very very wrong.

After a few minutes of  balancing on a wobbling board beneath my feet, we are warmed up pretty fast with some drills for mobility and balance. Think mountain climbers and planks all with the added challenge of balancing on the board. “Now the real fun begins” our instructor Chris shouts. Each of the guests are doing 180 jumps on the surf boards and one by one we a falling into the water (and not gracefully might I add). To my relief, the pool is heated to a comfortable temperature so the only thing that is hurt is my ego.

The 30 minutes of exercise passes by so fast as we spent the time giggling and laughing at each other falling in. It’s time to take a nice cool down stretch before we get changed for brunch. Make sure you pack some activewear you don’t mind getting wet and a change of clothes for afterwards.

WELLNESS BRUNCH

So after all that morning exertion, it’s time for your recovery brunch. Served in their newly refurbished Brummus Bar and Restaurant, a lavish array of pastries, fruits, cereals and juices are elegantly spread and ready to be devoured.

You also have the option to choose from the a la carte menu for the likes of the sweet corn fritters or an omelette of choice. I opted for the vegetarian full breakfast and I was delighted by the tasty crispy tofu and crushed avocado on rye.

HOLISTIC GYM & BEAUTY

After an exhausting yet fun morning, it’s time to head home. I’m totally whipped out so another workout was not on the cards. But if you did want another chance to sweat, you have a work-out room with everything you need. Fly freestyle or book in with a personal trainer – the choice is yours. I would reward your good efforts with a post workout massage from their range of body and face treatments or even a cheeky afternoon tea. 

Planning a girls wellness break or something out of the ordinary this Summer? My stay was everything . look for in a weekend away. Luxury, design features, wellness options, almond milk for coffee and friendly service with a smile. I’m still pondering how I can replicate their bed and duvet situation back at home.

Head to the Haymarket hotel website  for more information on wellness stays and FloatFit HIIT classes dates and times.