I was just in London before a big work trip and decided I would make it a weekend about feeling good and taking care of myself before what I realized would be a stressful few days for work. Who says you can’t mix business and pleasure, everything about big cities like London, Paris, Mexico City, and the like speaks to the need to balance business and pleasure. Whenever I travel to a place I always try to balance the energy, the people, the pace, with the wellness pauses that I need to help me feel good. Whether you are travelling for a work conference or for a girls’ weekend, here are some amazing spots that I highly recommend to check out during your next trip to London.

If you have been craving a trip that focuses on your health and wellness or you are just in the market for a pick me up during your next trip to the British capital - there is something on this list for everyone.

For the sports fanatic:

BXR London

This boutique gym is chic, with a full Joe and the Juice in the lobby and Malin and Goetz products in the change rooms. Sweat by BXR Classes have an offering that includes Versa Climber cardio classes (think spinning in a dark room but instead climbing) in a club-like setting with the instructor doubling as a DJ. You will definitely burn anywhere from 300-800 calories and feel amazing after. Other classes include strength and conditioning, yoga and more. They have an introductory offer of 3 classes for 40£ which makes it well worth it to go at least twice. They have multiple locations all over London, find their schedule here: https://booking.bxrlondon.com/book-a-session.php

Total Chi Yoga and Pilates

This little Reformer and Mat pilates studio is quaintly set right near Hyde Park. The studio is super small but manages to even have a healthy café situated in the front of the studio with some healthy vegan and gluten free snacks. In addition, the classes are almost semi-private with the reformer class I took having only two other people in it. Mimo the instructor was amazingly helpful and made sure we were activating the right muscles. I really felt the burn. Find them here: https://totalchi.com/

For a quick skin pick me up:

Pfeffer Sal

This tiny hole in the wall clinic in Fitzrovia is hard to find. It is basically set in a little alley way away with steps leading down to what feels like an underground studio cave. The minimalism greets you with a pleasant escape from the chaos of central London. They have charcoal purified water and offer tons of amazing skin treatments. I love the essentials facial which consists of full extractions, LED lamps. hylauronic acid and the like. Book here: https://pfeffersal.com/

Face Gym

If you are serious about your skin massage and facial routine this is a perfect midday pick me up. Check in for a forty minute face sculpting massage giving your skin the best looking tone. First location ever in Notting Hill. They are known for their amazing facial sculpting tools and skin care as well. Check them out here: https://facegym.com/

For every girl’s toiletry bag:

Holland & Barrett

This little pharmacy is everywhere but they have everyone’s major must haves including food and pantry staples. From vitamins to CBD gummies to healthy chocolates, Hu’s Kitchen (chocolate with three main ingredients) is my personal favorite and Trip the elderflower and mint sparkling soda CBD and L-theanine infused to help you relax and take the edge off or just enjoy a chill afternoon in the city. They also have tons of basic skin care and food products you may need. Find them online too: https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/

John Bell Croyden

A girl’s dream pharmacy with amazing natural products like mineral supplements, vitamin supplements, body and skin care. Brands like Decree (a doctor led simple skin care set for those looking for a skin care routine), WILD Beauty by Rhug Estate (a skincare brand with farm to skin products, Rhug has their own North Wales farm where most of the ingredients are produced), Ignae (an award-winning clean beauty plant-based brand from the Azores). They also have a full pharmacy inside for all your prescription needs.

Healthy lunches and snacks:

Lina stores

Cutest Italian delicatessen, with a deli and a full restaurant in Marylebone. Fresh ingredients and cute patio. https://www.linastores.co.uk/

Farm girl

Australian café serving the best brunch, lunch or just snacks and coffee. Highly recommend it if you are in Notting Hill. https://www.thefarmgirl.co.uk/

Granger and Co.

Super fresh offerings include salads, poke bowls and curries, as well as yummy coffees. Locations all over London. https://grangerandco.com/

Gold

A modern European restaurant in a relaxed setting. Serving healthy fresh dishes from fresh fish, salads and all the goodies. The terrace is cute for a girls lunch. https://goldnottinghill.com/

More wellness weekend recommendations coming soon!

A Wellness Weekend in the City of London