WE WENT: 'Spa & Spritz' at the St Pancras Renaissance, Hosted By Belvedere

Healthy Living London was invited to ‘Spa & Spritz’ at the St Pancras Renaissance, hosted by Belvedere and what a lovely way to spend the day. We were welcomed to the spa and treated to a relaxing massage which was just lovely. After this, we headed to the relaxation room where tea and light snacks were provided. Once I had awoken from the comatose state that a massage induces, I headed to the steam room followed by a dip in the pool. We were then treated to an incredible lunch at the ‘Booking Office’ followed by a tour of the hotel and a lesson on the art of making the perfect spritz with Belvedere. What a perfect way to embrace the warm weather and welcome the summer…

The staircase in the St Pancras Renaissance – just once piece of carpet wraps around the several floors that it covers… how?!

‘Spa & Spritz’ at The St Pancras Renaissance is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city. The spa is a quiet space that offers relaxing treatments as well as gym equipment for those that want to get their sweat on! However, I snubbed the treadmill and opted for the steam room this time, which provided a well needed moment of tranquility that the dimmed lighting and gentle heat allowed. Once the heat became a little too much, I rinsed off and sunk into the cool water that the pool provided. The jets, in the shallow end of the pool, made sure I was awake as they massaged my back.

“Spa treatments from across the globe unite at the peacock themed Spa; a symbol of eternal life and regeneration.” St Pancras Spa

Lunch was served in the ‘Booking Office’ restaurant, right next to the station itself. This was once the booking office – hence the name – for the train station and the hotel has retained the original booking windows that once served customers their tickets. These have cleverly been incorporated into the design of the bar. As we were seated, we were shown how punch is created using Belvedere vodka. The bowl was prepped with lemon zest and large ice cubes were added, so that they would keep the drink chilled, but not dilute the punch – makes sense! Belvedere vodka, simple syrup, juice and English sparkling wine was poured into the bowl, stirred and then poured into the fruit filled glasses. Simply divine.

The fruit punch with Belvedere vodka.

Lunch was delicious; a selection of dishes that we helped ourselves to. The burrata and tomato with crispy garlic was one of my favourites. The devonshire potato & wild garlic vegetarian dish was an indulgent ‘comfort food’ plate packed with flavour that was filling and delicious. Then the desserts came out, wow! Healthy Living London acknowledges that a little indulgence, occasionally, is all part of a well-rounded diet!

A beautiful and indulgent dessert!

In an attempt to walk off our full and satisfied bellies, we were taken on a tour of the hotel. The main staircase is just incredible: one piece of carpet covers the entire staircase. I just can’t comprehend how this is possible – the logistics, the weight, the space they needed to create it – however, the outcome is beautiful. Filming has taken place here, including the Spice Girls’ famous ‘Wannabe’ video. We were shown a hotel room too and it was well decorated, spacious, comfortable and luxurious. Perfect for a spa weekend retreat, in the heart of London.

One of the hotel’s suites.

After a day filled with well-being and relaxation at the spa as well as a much loved lunch, the day was completed with a masterclass into making the perfect Belvedere spritz at the Belvedere bar at the hotel’s entrance. We were shown how a Belvedere spritz is made and why a spritz was created. In Italy, in the 1800s, the German soldiers found Italian wine to be too alcoholic and very different from their own, so soda water was added to the wine to soften the taste. Today, the refreshing spritz has become a much loved cocktail that is a healthier alternative to the sugar filled concoctions on offer. The variety at the Belvedere bar is sure to satisfy all.

The Belvedere Ginseng Spritz and the Belvedere Cucumber Spritz.

UPDATE: Fever-Tree’s G&T Summer Pop-Up

The Belvedere bar at the entrance of the hotel is now closed. However, Fever-Tree have a pop-up G&T bar open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 5pm to 10pm. So, if you’re in the area and fancy a delicious G&T in a beautiful setting with live music, head to the St Pancras Renassaince.

“Expect lots of flavours, mixology, live music and G&T in a trendy King’s Cross area!” Fever-Tree