Easy Escapes: The Dorchester Continues Its Transformation

The Dorchester Spa — (Image credit: The Dorchester)

Beloved London heritage hotel The Dorchester has undergone quite the transformation, with a 21st-century take on its original ‘30s glamour. This saw the hotel’s promenade transformed by acclaimed French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon into a brighter, light-filled space and a new James Bond-esque Vesper Bar, as well as an extensive refurb of the vast majority of its 241 rooms and suites and a reimaging of the hotel’s famous spa.

The latest stage of The Dorchester’s ongoing evolution sees the return of The Grill, with former Claridge’s executive chef Martyn Nail at the helm, as well as an exciting new wellness programme showcasing London’s leading experts, and a detailed restoration of the historic Oliver Messel Suite.

When you think of The Dorchester, grand chandeliers and martini trolleys probably come to mind. Or perhaps its grand ballroom, lined with crystal and polished wood, or the world-famous Dorchester afternoon tea served in ornate surroundings. But The Dorchester’s new wellness programme, with a focus on holistic health, repositions the landmark hotel as one of London’s top wellness destinations for 2026.

THE SPA

The Dorchester has long been a staple of the luxury spa circuit, with its Art Deco-inspired interiors creating a subterranean sanctuary on London’s Park Lane and always attracting a glamorous crowd. Relaxation begins from the moment you reach the basement and step out into the spa’s serene spaces, which are filled with gentle colours, plush fabrics and fresh flowers.

The spa itself reopened in April 2023, with a focus on high-spec treatment rooms and a refresh of the charming ‘Spatisserie’, an aesthetically pleasing lounge and cafe area in muted pink tones where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, light bites, cocktails and champagne. Top-notch techniques and therapists have always been part of the allure of a Dorchester Spa, but the new collaboration will see some exciting new treatments on the menu that you can’t get anywhere else.

The Dorchester spa treatment room — The Dorchester spa

Heritage London hotels and ultra-modern wellness clinics typically have very different offerings. But as the demand for wellness travel grows (the global wellness market is projected to reach $2,100 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research), guests are seeking results-driven treatments as part of stays that balance wellness and indulgence. The new spa experience at The Dorchester sits somewhere between old-school luxury and modern innovation, with resident experts who blend cutting-edge tech with a holistic approach.

ROOMS

Rooms at The Dorchester are elegant, with nods to its rich cultural heritage, featuring hand-painted headboards and English floral fabrics from Colefax and Fowler, dressed in an English country-garden colour palette. You’re almost guaranteed a good view, too, with around half of the rooms offering views of Hyde Park, while others look over Mayfair.

The Belgravia Suite at The Dorchester — The Belgravia Suite terrace at The Dorchester

Most notably, The Dorchester reopened its decadent Oliver Messel Suite earlier this month, complete with silk-lined walls, gilded mouldings, chinoiserie mirrors and a show-stopping bed canopied in imperial yellow Ottoman silk. The suite was first unveiled in 1953, named after and created by stage designer Oliver Messel, known for his inventive work across ballet, opera and theatre.

THE RESTAURANT

The Grill at The Dorchester, a staple at the Park Lane hotel since it first opened in 1931, has entered a new era, with Culinary Director Martyn Nail taking the reins from former head chef Tom Booton. The former Claridges Executive Chef has teamed up with rising star Jacob Keen-Downs, formerly of Gold, Notting Hill, to offer a contemporary take on The Dorchester’s classic grill room.

The Grill is a London institution, balancing heritage glamour with modern culinary takes, characterised by its Bentley leather banquette seating and a buzzy open kitchen that relaxes the mood. Technique is everything here; chefs will often personally finish dishes at the table.

China Tang at The Dorchester — China Tang

China Tang offers an atmospheric alternative to The Grill, with opulent interiors inspired by 1930s Shanghai, the walls adorned with contemporary artwork. China Tang offers authentic Cantonese food with a contemporary twist. Finish off your meal with a nightcap at the plush Vespers Bar, continuing the 1930s theme with a James Bond theme, the interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki.

THE AFTERNOON TEA

There are few places in the world that offer a more atmospheric afternoon tea experience than London’s heritage hotels, and The Dorchester has one of the best. Their renowned afternoon tea is served on The Promenade, a light, airy space with an opulent feel that complements the elegant experience.

Executive pastry chef Michael Kwan presents guests with perfectly formed cakes, with exceptional attention to detail, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s heritage. Cakes range from seasonal treats and classic fruit tarts to mousse-based creations. Finger sandwiches and scones are served in a traditional style, with plain and raisin scones available.

THE NEW WELLNESS PROGRAMME

Natasha Clancy of Kichi Skin will be performing two specialist treatments developed specifically for her residency at The Dorchester: the KICHI Exo Ice Lift and theKICHI Exo Ice infusion. Both treatments incorporate 5 billion E50 exosomes, designed to lift and sculpt, delivering instantly visible rejuvenation. Treatments start at £750.

Marzena Zawadzka brings something new to The Dorchester with her restorative reflexology practice, which harmonises clients' physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Marzena's expertise lies in A.R.T., nerve, spinal and pregnancy reflexology and treatments start at £250. Joining the line-up is leading acupuncturist and physiotherapist Renata Nunes, known for her highly personalised, integrative approach to wellbeing. Her principal offering, Bespoke Therapy, is an integrated treatment combining acupuncture, cupping, and therapeutic massage to release tension, restore energy flow, and activate the body’s natural healing processes.

Renata has been making waves in the industry with her signature GlowYIN facial acupuncture treatments, which combine facial and systemic acupuncture with advanced LED light therapy to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, enhance skin tone, and create a natural glow. Treatments start at £310 for a 75-minute session, with follow-up treatments from £250 for 60 minutes.

NEED TO KNOWS

KICHI Skin by Natasha Clancy will be in residence at The Dorchester Spa every Thursday and Friday from 9am. Marzena Zawadzka will be in residence at The Dorchester Spa every Tuesday, 10am – 4pm. Acupuncturist & Physiotherapist Renata Nunes will be in residence at The Dorchester Spa every Friday, 10am – 7pm.

For further information, please visit The Dorchester Spa website.

Rooms at The Dorchester start at £1,000 per night, and you can book through the hotel’s website.

Address: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA

Lauren is the former Deputy Digital Editor at woman&home and became a journalist mainly because she enjoys being nosy. With a background in features journalism, Lauren has bylines in publications such as Marie Claire UK, Red Magazine, House of Coco, women&home, GoodTo, Woman's Own and Woman magazine.