Talk about playing your cards right. Editor Sophie Ritchie visits five-star W London in Soho for a taste of its new Intentions package, a revitalising experience based centred around the magic of manifestation
Positioned smack bang in the centre of Soho, with the chaos of Leicester Square and Chinatown mere steps away, W London is not exactly the first property that comes to mind when you picture a tranquil wellness escape.
But fluffy robes come in all shapes and sizes – and thanks to the five star stay’s new wellness package, created in partnership with self-development coach and best-selling author, Roxie Nafousi, there’s never been a better (nor cooler) spot to unwind, switch off, leave the past in the hotel closet and focus on working towards your biggest goals and ambitions instead.
The Venue
Much like other properties within the global W Hotels group, W London is a captivatingly fun hotel through and through, dripping with playful sultriness from the moment the elevator doors glide open to reveal a modern, strikingly cool lobby area.
Opened in 2010, this contemporary 192-key property commands attention through its glamorous interiors which walk the fine line between urban chic and Dubai-like ostentatiousness. Outside, the tourist-lined streets are mayhem – but once you swipe the key to your W London abode, expect a haven of laidback luxury from here on out.
The Room
I find myself in a sixth floor Studio Suite for the night, which overlooks the iconic streets of Chinatown and its iconic lanterns with a bird’s eye view. Considering the central postcode it’s absolutely vast in size, utilising the space cleverly to combine a bedroom, living room area and bathroom all within one room – the latter of which is tucked away behind a jet black wall (which also doubles up as a wardrobe with hidden compartments).
It’s undeniably flamboyant and modern from tip to toe, kitted out with chic furnishings such as floor-to-ceiling mirrors, lavish quilted headboards (which remind me of being inside a Range Rover) and furniture selected to help create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, such as a large red velvet sofa and black coffee tables.
The interiors manage to capture the thriving essence of Soho and weave it into hanging lighting, geometric shapes and the room’s artwork, all of which work seamlessly to a conjure playful, city-centric feel. I pull back the curtain and let the people watching begin, thoroughly enjoying the prime position lookout over Soho.
Tech also features heavily within the space – many interactive features, such as room temperature and lighting, are controlled via iPad, which is why my skincare-obsessed millennial self spends 20 minutes looking for a non-existent TV remote. But once you get used to it, it’s intuitive enough and adds to the modern adventure feel. Guests can also use the before mentioned newfangled device to book wellness classes via the Digivalet to further enhance the Intentions stay experience.
The Experience
I could easily sink into the pillows on the large low double bed and dream the day away but there’s manifestation work to be done.
Crafted in partnership with best-selling author Roxie Nafousi, the wellness-focused stay is designed to help a guest uplift their mood, feel relaxed and leave the hotel feeling not only rejuvenated but fully ready to run straight towards their goals.
The overall aim is to depart the property feeling like the ‘best’ version of yourself. This higher state of being is achieved through the use of Roxie’s beautifully-crafted ‘toolkit’ – a range of manifestation-led products which aim to help you feel your best through different methods and mantras. The Intentions stay does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s all about setting positive intentions and feeling the transformative effects of self-belief and empowerment.
Mental health has never been so important nor so prominent in our lives – and thanks to endless scrolling on social media alone, it’s all too easy to let negative self-talk dictate the day and compare one’s life or achievements to others. The products are designed to combat this negativity, turning the gaze inward instead.
Guests can make full use of the following during the stay:
Mantra Cards
First up, the mantra cards. Housed within a small black box, this opens to reveal a deck of 52 affirmation cards designed to help you change your mindset, increase self-esteem, and raise your vibration.
It works by simply picking a card you feel drawn to, repeating it to yourself and sending positive, dopamine-rich messages to your brain. I notice immediately that the cards are all based around self-empowerment, not just gimmicky messages of Disney movie love or getting rich – it feels a bit like an encouraging pep talk from a friend each time I draw one from the pile spread out around me.
Manifest Cards
Larger in size, the Manifest Cards meanwhile consist of a stack of 52 pink-hued cards with key quotes, learnings and reminders from Roxie’s best-selling book – MANIFEST: 7 Steps To Living Your Best Life. They’re equally gorgeous to admire, but not just a pretty face either – the cards are designed to be picked at random each day and let it serve as your manifesting message.
I had a busy evening attending a work event the night prior, so I make it a priority to pull a card from the pile spread out before me the following morning before my friend arrives:
“Ask Yourself What Would The Most Empowered Version Of Myself Do In This Situation?”
Well, she pours another coffee and writes out a lengthy to-do list to start. But I love the positive reinforcement of the deck – the idea of always reaching for that higher version of yourself and not settling for anything less. The experience also includes a gifted Roxie’s positivity journal to take home, designed to be used each day to help in one’s manifestation quest.
The Pampering
As well as Roxie’s ‘tools’, there’s further goodies awaiting in the hotel room- after all, what’s a five-star stay without a little pampering. Guests can enjoy a small selection of [comfort zone] in-room amenities such as soothing body oils and diffusers, which I soon glide onto my legs faster than you can say “What’s Body Lotion”.
Those who book the experience are also indulged with AWAY Spa’s bespoke ‘Essentials’ treatment package, which incorporates the ‘De-Stress’ massage and ‘Express’ facial. The hotel’s spa is found at the very top of the building, emulating an otherworldly feel with its crisp white walls and immaculate rows of products.
De-robe, lie down and let the experienced spa therapists take care of the rest. Combining a custom massage with a glow-worthy facial, I practically drift back down to the room (and reality) once the opulent experience is over. There’s also a small steam room and sauna to complete the sky high spa experience.
The Food & Drink
Served at the sleek W Lounge, breakfast is a truly delicious affair at W London. I find myself a table in the busy room and start my day with a fresh green juice (soon balanced out with a frothy oat cappuccino for good measure). W Lounge in itself is an experience, featuring dark wooden flooring with a mix of petrol leather booths and large unique tables embellished with British pennies.
The options are seemingly endless – I flick through the menu booklet with item after item calling my name (hello French toast and buttermilk pancakes) – but ultimately end up trying ‘The Green’, a house omelette with spinach and feta for something different. The food is pricey but suitably sumptuous and overall it’s a lip-smacking hotel breakfast that puts others to shame.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Play your cards right and book this wellness-led experience before August ends. A stay centred around the self-empowerment of manifestation, the Intentions package at W London is both fun and fulfilling for anyone, regardless of whether they’re a seasoned manifestation lover or simply looking for a fresh chapter.
The rooms are stylish, the spa treatments are rejuvenating and the manifestation kit provides everything you need to simply take a deep inhale and remind yourself “You got this”.
Make it happen
When: Available to book until 31 August 2024
Where: 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF
How: Find out more and make a booking via marriott.com
Wallet: Please enquire directly for pricing
Get The Skinny – the package includes:
- Breakfast at W Lounge
- Curated selection of [comfort zone] in-room amenities
- Use of Mantra Cards any Manifest Cards by self-development coach and best-selling author, Roxie Nafousi
- Gifted Journal by Roxie Nafousi
- Access to wellness classes on the Digivalet lead by Roger Frampton, Ciara McGinley, and Jamie Clements. In-person classes available on selected days.
- Bespoke 90-minute ‘Essentials’ treatment at AWAY Spa, incorporating both massage and facial.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
