British Airways' Elemis airport spas get new look, new treatments

There are few better ways to set out for a long international flight than with a relaxing and refreshing spa treatment, and British Airways is one of the few airlines boasting day spas at its flagship airport lounges.

Those Elemis-branded travel spas are now getting their own refresh, spanning from the decor to the treatments available for business class, first class and Gold-grade BA Executive Club frequent flyers.

The revamped menu for pre-flight pampering puts the focus on luxury skin and body care with personalised treatments for sleep, relaxation and mindfulness, with a range of free 15-minute treatments including a muscle ease back massage and deep scalp massage.

This is already in place at the Elemis travel spas at BA's London Heathrow Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 lounges, with the spa at New York JFK's Terminal 7 slated for the same upgrade before the end of this year.

Spa appointments can be made when you arrive in the lounge, although BA's first class passengers have the option to pre-book a treatment from 28 days before departure up until 48 hours before.

Among the most popular treatments at BA's Elemis travel spas are the 'essential facial' for men and women; the tension-melting 'sleep soothe' neck and shoulder massage; and the stress-busting scalp massage.

BA has also tapped interior designer Kelly Hoppen to give the Elemis travel spas a warm look that's a little more contemporary rather than clinical.

"For me, a spa should be a sanctuary, and it was important to create a calming space where you can completely step away from the rush of the airport activity, and truly unwind before boarding your flight," notes Hoppen, who has dressed the spas in her signature style with new soft furnishings such as curtains, rugs, cushions and throws.

British Airways says the Elemis travel spa refresh is part of its ongoing £6.5 billion investment in improving the passenger experience, which has most recently included the launch of the new Club Suites business class seat.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.