A discreet address off the Kings Road

My beloved city is home to a host of uber-chic venues where you can cleanse, peel, polish and generally preen to your heart’s content. But if you’re not blazing the lady-who-lunches-and-shops trail, and prefer products aimed at a younger market, that are also a touch kinder to your wallet, look no further than this little haven.

Set away from the bustle of shoppers and traffic of the King’s Road, on the second and third floors of a period townhouse lies anoasis of calm; the Chelsea Day Spa. It’s not opulent or overly spacious, but clever use of furnishings and lighting results in a comfortably cosy ambience. I immediately feel at ease, and with the obligatory scented candles and soft jazz tunes playing, it won’t be long before lethargy becomes an understatement.

Privately run by the owner and founder, Nigerian-born Faye Fasan, the decor is typical of a boutique establishment, but charming none the less. Simple lines and clean colours accompanied by refurbished, shabby-chic, antique chairs and mirrors create a gentle look.

A trained accountant, Fasan dived into the realms of running her own business after working for Estée Lauder. She of course loves the flexibility it affords, but admits that with all her energy going into the Chelsea Day Spa, her love life has taken a back-seater. ‘This place is my new man’, she giggles – and a damn fine one at that.

The spa menu is extensive and the four full-time staff approachable and competent. With waxing, threading, facials, massages, and a variety of mani/pedi options, this day spa is fast becoming a popular spot for young workers and employees to beautify themselves in between commitments. And for those who have more time on their hands, bespoke packages and signature options are also available. The team can even organise you a spa brunch in case you get peckish en route to the next treatment. Tough life, eh?

A very cheery Emma takes me upstairs where the two treatment rooms and showers are. She looks a lot younger than her 29 years – as do all the staff, so something must be working here – and holds the covetable title of spa coordinator and qualified massage therapist. I opted for the 60 minute back, neck and shoulder massage (priced at £75) in an effort to relieve my ‘computer shoulders’. And as Emma pummelled away at my knotted upper back, I felt the day’s woes ebbing away, as well as my Quasimodo hunch.

For clients who want to massage-and-go, there is a half hour option which comes in at about 20 per cent less. There are aromatherapy and Swedish massage variations, and a compulsory consultation, so the therapists can maximise the affectivity of each session.

Boutique chic at The Chelsea Day Spa

Back downstairs to the newly added nail bar and pedicure room. Polish nail technician Kamila gets to work on my thirty minute mini manicure (£35), followed by a pedicure at the same price. JESSICA polishes are used as Faye and Kamila concur that it is the best all-round brand, and looking at my perfectly polished little toes, I’ll have to agree.

The perfect summer look wouldn’t be complete without a bronzed glow, and the Chelsea Day Spa are the first in London to offer spray tan, Vita Liberata (£45). This new Irish brand is already a hit with various celebs as it’s paraben free, organic – and here’s the best bit – odourless. Available in three shades; Hawaii, Equador and Brazil, I opt for the darkest and to my great relief, don’t look like I’ve been tangoed, but rather spent a few weeks at carnival with Jesus Luz and friends.

Faye ensures there are often promotions available, which is a sensible touch in this climate. Needless to say, opening a salon at the start of a recession must have been daunting, but judging by the stream of customers that came in during the two hours I stayed, the Chelsea Day Spa won’t be credit-crunched anytime soon.

More information about The Chelsea Day Spa is available online here.