Facial At The Como Shambhala – A ‘Gym’ Workout For The Skin

The Metropolitan has always been known as the star-studded boutique hotel where you’re guaranteed to spot a celeb.

Just as trendy is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Nobu – a well-known A-lister magnet.

But have you heard about the Met’s onsite spa? The Como Shambhala Urban Escape is a haven of six treatment rooms and provides a number of wellness packages for the face and body. As contemporary as the rest of the prestigious Park Lane location, I went along to sample their signature Performance Facial – great for a mid-winter pick me up.

The immediate interiors of the spa entrance are so simple and fuss-free they won’t leave a lasting impression. But as I escaped from the hectic traffic of Park Lane, the sleek surroundings and caring attitude of the therapists provided a welcoming air of calm.

The Met’s spa is the only one under the Como Shambhala group in the UK. Others exist in worldwide retreats as far-flung as the Maldives, Bali and Singapore and take their inspiration from mythological ancient Buddhist texts. ‘Shambhala’ means a ‘sacred place of bliss’.

According to my therapist, Samantha, Como Shambhala London is the only UK spa that uses Dr Perricone – a world-known anti-ageing skin care brand.

After a muscle-calming steam room treatment, my facial began with a Dr Perricone nutritive cleanser and citrus facial wash. I then relaxed into a heavenly head massage while a steamer drew the impurities out of my skin.

Dr Perricone is one of the ‘celeb’ doctors who’ve got people talking both sides of the Atlantic. And as part of my Performance Facial I was ‘privileged’ enough to sample the ‘Formula 15’ product – a vitamin C heavy formula claimed to deliver brighter and firmer skin within days.

I was warned that the collagen mask to follow had mixed reviews. And as a cool liquid was smoothed over my skin, I relaxed into a healing shoulder massage and a slight fishy odour lifted over me.

In the name of beauty, I was willing to endure the whiff of caviar – a rich source of omega 3, and key ingredient of Dr Perricone’s collagen mask. Hopefully it would pay off.

The celeb doctor’s methods are based on a thorough diagnostic approach and my therapists’ thorough examination of my skin, daily routine and diet, made my experience seem all the more credible.

Aside from the sought after ‘Formula 15’ the other ‘potent’ ingredient used in many Perricone products is Alpha Lipoic Acid. Without getting into the science of it all, the ALA is supposed to brighten and smooth the skin, and with the finishing of a light lymphatic skin massage, the aim is to rid your skin of oxidants, and make it appear like it’s had a gym workout!

The results? Admittedly, my skin felt much smoother and radiant. And I felt incredibly relaxed as I perked myself up with some ginger tea in the spa’s lounge.

I imagine that to get the full results, you’d need to follow the likes of Kim Cattrall and Uma Thurman and buy Dr P’s full range of products. But for now, I felt ‘glowy’ and revived and happy my skin had earned some respite from the harsh winter weather.

The 75 mins Dr Perricone Performance Facial is available from £130 at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the Metropolitan by COMO, London.