I can’t believe I’ve been back from Barcelona for nearly two weeks. I do have a very bad case of the holiday blues and am chalking up where to go for some sun next year. No doubt many of you will be jetting off somewhere in the coming months. Well if you are looking for something to get you in the mood for going away, I’ve got something to tell you.
For some, the holiday begins from usually propping up the bar in the airport departure lounge (I find it bizarre how people drink before midday) but after you’ve got over the stress of getting to the airport, checked in and had your luggage weighed before passing security, a utopia of indulgence and relaxation awaits you before you even get to the departure gate at none other than at Heathrow airport.
Heathrow has undergone a colossal transformation and is more than just a pit-stop before taking off. I actually enjoy flying from Heathrow now (I never used to) . The openness of the terminals makes for a great time of people-watching but also the temptations on offer ensure your holiday gets off to a great start.
Here’s what to expect if you’re going to be embarking on your travels from Heathrow:
Food, glorious food
Cheap fast-food joints have been banished and replaced by sophisticated eateries. There are some places that offer luxury but many are reasonably priced and thankfully of a deliciously high standard. I feel cheated when I’ve had to pay over-the-odds for mediocre food, which I’ve sadly experienced at some airports in other countries. At Heathrow you can find the likes of Giraffe, Leon, Ca’puccino, Yo! Sushi, Wagamama’s, Pret A Manger, Carluccio’s, Comptoir Libanais and EAT to name but a few.
World Duty Free
Retail therapy always hits the spot and probably costs far less than the bill from the shrink. If you have a wish-list of beauty products to stock up on, the tax-free prices are good to take advantage of. More mid to high end brands are available and if are travelling from Heathrow Terminal 5 then you are in for a treat as Urban Decay, Bobbi Brown, NARS, Mac, Giorgio Armani, Benefit and Tom Ford all have their beauty lines on sale while Burberry is at Terminal 3.
You can also get colour-matched at these beauty counters so if you have been craving a Tom Ford lipstick but squirm at the thought of paying £38 for one, rest assured the discount at World Duty Free will give you some respite. We just need Christian Louboutin to join the fold and all will be right with the world.
Drop in at Be Relax Spa (Terminal 5B)
Terminal 5 is my favourite terminal at Heathrow and it’s recently underwent a massive refurbishment and expansion. The main building in the complex is the largest free-standing structure and the departure lounge is not like the others – I mean, you can be sitting at Wagamama’s and watching the planes take off or relaxing on the loungers looking across to the other concourse. But did you know you can have a relaxing treatment before your flight at Be Relax Spa?
Based over on the B side of the terminal, the spa boutique is within easy reach by the internal shuttle train from the departure zone in 5A (straight after security). There you can have a chair or table massage, a manicure or if you need a last minute waxing appointment, that too. If you have the time to spare, I recommend an hour long hot stone massage (£95 or £85 for 45 minutes) before your flight. Not only will it relieve all the tension in your body and loosen you up (especially if you have a long flight ahead), it should help you sleep better too.
Equally if you find yourself trying to kill a few hours before a return connecting flight, it may help ease the sadness of the holiday blues particularly if you’ve just got out from a long haul flight. The spas are open from 6am through till 10pm. There is also a Be Relax Spa at Terminal 4 and there’s No1 Travel Spa at Terminal 3. For more details on the treatments Be Relax offers, visit http://www.berelax.com/en. Alternatively call +44 (0) 208 283 6387 or email london@berelax.com.
My next destination is New York in December and I will be flying from Heathrow. I know there is plenty to distract and keep me busy at the airport, I just need to make up my mind what with.
If you’ve got a holiday coming up soon, are you going to be flying from Heathrow? I’d love to know if you fancy trying a beauty treatment or if you’ve got a wish-list of beauty products you’re keen to get your hands on. Let me know below.
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