Disclosure: Services were provided free of charge to the writer. All thoughts, opinions, and words are those of the writer and were not influenced or reviewed by the company providing services.
As part of Vane’s airport spa review series on spa products and services, our editor Nicola Brown investigates the Plaza Premium Lounge Wellness Spa at Terminal 2 (Departures) at Heathrow Airport in London, UK.
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Plaza Premium Lounge’s Wellness Spa is a secluded spot for relaxation for Heathrow Airport’s international travelers
Tucked neatly among the shops at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 departures area, you’ll find Plaza Premium Lounge and their Wellness Spa. After security, follow signs for the lounges, then follow “A3” to find Plaza Premium Lounge.
It’s in a quieter nook of the terminal, so it provides a welcome bit of peace and seclusion from the frenzy of this busy airport.
When you check in with the desk, the Wellness Spa is just to the left up a short ramp inside the lounge.
Wellness Spa experience
I was running incredibly late for my flight and was about as stressed as I’ve ever been while traveling. Entering the Wellness Spa, I immediately felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I was half an hour late for my appointment, but they were still able to accommodate me and welcomed me straight in.
I tested one of the spa’s most popular treatments, the Express Shellac Manicure. It’s £35 (about US$45) for 30 minutes and includes a file, cuticle treatment, and application of gel color.
I like shellac nail treatments when traveling. My hands and nails go through so much rough treatment with packing, dragging heavy bags, and rifling through pockets to find passports and customs forms. A shellac manicure is the only thing that will stand up to the stress. A regular manicure would get scratched off within minutes!
My manicurist was quick and talented, paying close attention to the limited amount of time I had and still doing a thorough job.
The spa has a relatively small selection of shellac colors, but plenty of natural-looking and pretty pinks to choose from. I opted for a light pinky-nude shade that my manicurist recommended would complement my skin tone. It still looks great!
One of my favorite aspects of the spa is how it’s designed. The walls and furnishings are done in natural-looking, texture-rich earthy hues and heavy fabrics that help to block out sound. It was quiet and peaceful, and this contributed a great deal to my sense of calm.
The spa tends to be busier in the morning and less busy in the evenings, so it’s the perfect place to get some physical and mental respite for those international evening flights.
Treatment menu
Here’s the full list of what’s on offer at the Wellness Spa:
Express Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage: 15/30 mins £15/£30
Express Foot Massage: 15/30 mins £15/£30
Full Back Massage: 30 mins £40
Full Body Massage: 60 mins £60
Express Shellac Manicure: 30 mins £35
Luxury Shellac Manicure: 45 mins £40
The full-back and body massages include complimentary use of their shower facilities, too.
You can book your treatment when you arrive or book in advance by phone (+44 (0) 208 9767807) or email ([email protected]).
Location & hours
Look for the Wellness Spa inside the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 (Departures) at London’s Heathrow Airport (Level 4, follow signs for lounges – A3). It’s near the terminal transfers area. The Wellness Spa is open daily, Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 9 pm.
Plaza Premium Lounge also has a location with a spa in Terminal 2 Arrivals on Level 2.
