Sir David Chipperfield designs spa for Cafe Royal hotel

Akasha is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘ether’ that has been chosen as it reflects the spa’s vision of combining the earth, water, fire and air elements.

The design marries western practices with eastern traditions and is divided into four spaces, which are inspired by these elements.

Earth offers ‘nourishment’ in a lounge bar setting, water flows through the spa, fire ‘blazes across our gym’ and air ‘breezes through our studio space,’ according to the Café Royal Hotel.

Features include an 18m lap pool, a Watsu pool offering Watsu Hydro experiences and water meditation, a private Hammam steam room, a sauna, a Vichy brand treatment room and a range of ‘holistic and rejuvenating’ treatments.

The gym features ‘state-of-the-art equipment’ a spacious training area for boxing and personal training, a meditation space, and a spinning and fitness studio according to the Café Royal Hotel.