Housed discretely off Islington’s bustling Essex Road in north London, this serene, basement level spa disarms guests with an ambience that is informal and otherworldly in one. Candles flicker and casually scattered rose petals lead into a spa resplendent with feminine design touches; antique trinkets, embroidered pillowcases and Moroccan tea lights all reflect an ethos that leans towards the personal touch.

Not surprisingly then, Angel Therapy Rooms is the creation of a holistic mother and daughter duo, who established the venue after spotting a gap in the market for a venue that would nail the art of relaxation. Believing London had become saturated with “conveyor belt spas”, the two set about creating a space where downtime doesn’t have a stopwatch associated with it. Phones are banned, watches (advisably) removed and shoes swapped for snug slippers – or bare feet, like the dressed down therapists who float between the bare bricked treatment suites. Angels by name, angels by nature, each therapist is trained personally trained by the owner and specialize in reflexology, pregnancy massage, Thai stretching and a newly launched holistic facial; featuring copious amounts of the spa’s signature (and certified organic) facial oils packed with a heaven-scented rose otto oil.

After treatments or a 3 hour pamper ritual, guests are encouraged to recline on a giant squishy day bed, before an ‘angel’ appears with herbal teas and bowls of seasonal fruit topped with organic yoghurt. Not quite naughty, but very, very nice.