The best functional movement treatment in London to help with tech neck, aches and pains, apothecary-style fragrance, new beauty retail and the most believable tanning drops that make you look like you spent Easter in St Barth’s.
Culture Whisper is your curated guide to the best of London. We may earn a commission for items purchased through our retailer links
As with most things in life, timing is everything, and this particular therapy couldn't have come at a better moment. Movementum at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental London is a new kind of class and treatment at the stylish refurbished basement of the grand Knightsbridge bolthole.
We've heard a lot about functional medicine that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease.The Movementum concept is based on the Movement Health Enhancement System developed by a world-leading team of experts in movement health, led by Movementum founder Stephen Price and includes renowned physiotherapists, trainers, Pilates and yoga experts, along with breath and mindfulness teachers.
'Movementum aims to be the first spa solution – treatments, studio and products – that comes from a heritage of physical activity,' says Stephen Price, founder of Movementum.
A pro or a seasoned athlete can use the classes to help boost their competitive edge and, on the flip side, anyone who has a limited range of movement, chronic soreness and inflexibility. Alas, I am the latter. And hours slumped over a screen, early arthritis, and general post-Covid aches and pains – this turned out to be the perfect solution for my stressed tech-neck, hunched shoulders and lack of movement in my arms and back.
Focus to Move, 30-minute Movementum class:
This class focuses on postural awareness through a series of mobility and breathing exercises and is specifically designed to remove neuromuscular inhibition for improved range of motion and more significant potential to move.
We focused on stretching and movements taken from Pilates and yoga and specific breathing techniques. Here, I learned some valuable daily exercises that will help release any tension when back at home during my working day.
Functional Treatment, 25 minutes:
The functional movement treatment is a hybrid treatment experience focusing on mobility, flexibility and stability and can be used to optimise preparation, performance, and recovery as a principal goal. So, if you've tried a Thai-style massage – then it's a little similar, with the therapist performing assisted movement techniques to deeply stretch out the muscles and free up the body.
Movementum Spa Treatment, 60 minutes:
This stretches the muscles out one last time, but you are laid flat out on a massage couch, re-robed and with the help of spectacular smelling oil. (It's chock-full of muscle-easing ingredients like juniper and lemongrass and makes skin almost tingle when first applied). Through guided breathwork, lymphatic drainage, soft tissue massage, trigger-point massage, and assisted stretches, my therapist melted any lingering tension away.
The takeaway from this is that although two hours at a spa isn't going to be the instant cure-all, it pushes you in the right direction. It focuses your mind, breathing, and how you move every day. So I left the spa feeling a little less crooked and more informed about what I can do for myself at home. And taking charge of your health is priceless. So I will be back for round two to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Movementum Mandarin Oriental, from £45 per class – click here
If you've ever been to Dr David Jack's clinic, you'll know the 'less, but better' approach. He is the skin hero that people turn to when they don't want to look 'done' and the expertly placed 'tweakments' mean you look refreshed and revived, not overly plumped, tight or surprised. His newly re-developed skincare regime follows suit: no extensive multi-step regimens here – just a simple three-step prescription.
Good Morning, All Day Long and Good Night are formulated to prevent and treat the age-related concerns Dr Jack encounters most often at his Harley Street clinic. Think lovely textures, efficacious formulas (vitamin C, retinoid and UV and blue-light protection), advanced delivery systems, and packaging upgrade – you’ll see an immediate improvement. Optimum skin health starts here.
Dr David Jack Daily Skin Trio, £218 – buy here
They had me at the vintage apothecary bottle, but thankfully, Gucci's new Alchemist's Garden Fragrances, Tears from the Moon and Love at your Darkest also smell as original as their namesake. Tears From the Moon wafts of spring/summer florals with white peony, lily of the valley and stephanotis, but with a zesty spike at the end.
Love at your Darkest, is powered by intoxicating incense, black pepper with woody and warm notes revealing a spicy and sultry spritz ready for languid summer nights.
Gucci Alchemist's Garden Tears from the Moon and Love at your Darkest, £240 each – buy here
Established and zeitgeisty brands have just joined the London boutique Browns for an exciting new beauty sphere challenging the beauty norms. Inclusive and conscious brands (in fact, over 90 to choose from to date) span stalwarts Eve Lom, Barbara Sturm, Augustinus Bader to culty newcomers Haeckels, Gisou, and Mount Sapo.
Browns bricks-and-mortar spaces will house events, exclusive edits, and curated treatments through residencies with brands such as Natura Bissé and Sunday Riley.
Watch this beauty space.
Read more ...
The absolute doyenne of tanning, Amanda Harrington, has launched Tonal Tan Drops, £26, to offer an immediate and gradual glow. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, and it lifts the complexion for a subtle sans-sun, skin-boosting hue with absolutely zero biscuity self-tan smell.
Amanda Harrington Tonal Tan Drops, £26 – buy here
Sann's Beauty Nourish + Tint Solid Lip Serum, £22, is a grown-up natural gloss and the perfect combination of care and colour. Plus, the Ukrainian-owned brand's impressive philanthropist endeavours mean you're supporting women worldwide. Click here to learn more.
Nourish + Tint Solid Lip Serum, £22 – buy here
Slip has reincarnated its classic pillowcases, eye masks, hair wraps and scrunchies with the help of NYC fashion powerhouse, Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet. Expect a burst of boho paisley with hot house pinks and luscious lilacs – perfect for styling summer up-dos or bedrooms.
Slip X Alice + Olivia, from £39 – buy here
If you click «Log in with Facebook» and are not a Culture Whisper user, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy, which includes our Cookie Use
