Adlon Spa by Resense, BerlinThe Adlon in Berlin is one of the best hotels in Berlin and one of the most famous in Germany. As a 5* member of the Kempinski family, the hotel has all the facilities you would expect. The day spa is probably the best spa in Berlin (although the leisure facilities are situated some way away). The main entrance is on Behrenstrasse, at the back of the Adlon. Upstairs is the reception area and hair salon (prices not as high as you would expect). Then, down one set of stairs is the cosy waiting area, a set of single treatment rooms, the nail salon, private yoga room and the tranquil relaxation area, complete with complimentary water and juices. Down another set of stairs is the area containing the treatment junior suites and spa suites. Throughout the pale, cool facilities are flowers, metal tribal necklaces and ethnic-inspired metal curios. Prior to treatment, you are invited to change into slippers and enjoy a herbal tea or cold drink.
Spa SuiteThe highlight of the Adlon Day Spa is the couple's private spa suite, available to hire for 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. We would advise taking the suite for a minimum of 2 hours - then it includes a bottle of champagne, some dried fruits and an impressive selection of fresh fruit, as well as the soft drinks available throughout the spa. If feeling in need of something more substantial, you are also welcome to order from the hotel's room service menu.
The suite itself consists of a living-room style relaxation area (request the suite with TV if you want to watch a DVD), a large jacuzzi, cosy sauna and steam room/shower combo. As with all treatment rooms, lighting is from a large panel - you can choose whether you have yellow, blue, green, pink or purple light. In our view, the spa is missing a residential suite with the spa suite downstairs and a bedroom area upstairs - this would be the perfect end to a relaxing day. |
Treatment RoomsThe treatment rooms on the lower of the two floors are our favourite. Generally, we like to have treatments together, thus use the couple's suite. However, the junior suites are also lovely, with a bench to relax on before or after treatment, a deep soaking tub, shower, changing area, toilet and comfy fully adjustable massage bed. As you can see in the picture, there is complimentary still and sparkling water, as well as a couple of fruit juices available.
An unusual treatment offered by the Adlon Spa is the singing bowls massage, whereby large metal bowls are placed on and around you and struck so that they resonate. The vibrations and sound produced create an experience quite unlike any other - we definitely recommend. |
Overall Impression
The Adlon Day Spa is a beautiful facility that offers a wide range of spa treatments. The spa membership package offered until 2014 was good value if living locally or visiting Berlin frequently; however, the new packages are a disappointment. We love the private spa suites - our favourite treat is to hire one of these for a couple of hours. Prices for treatments are no higher than other hotels in Berlin (average €90/hr), yet the surroundings are better.
However, we have nearly always had some small problem with our treatment, mainly through a lack of communication between reception and therapists (we have tried in German and English). For example, we may request to be in the same treatment room, but will be taken to different rooms, or we may request a Swedish Massage and the therapists have prepared for a Balinese massage (which includes a 30 minute scrub). Whilst these problems are small, they should not occur in a spa of this calibre. Our advice would be to book a few weeks in advance, receive written confirmation of your treatments and to arrive early on the day to reconfirm. Also, although the therapists are mainly very good, some do not establish a connection in the same way that many therapists in SE Asia do - this may be mainly cultural but it is important to remember and take into account.
For a special occasion, the Adlon Day Spa in Berlin is fantastic - spoil your loved one with a massage followed by hire of the spa suite. For a real treat, book a night in the hotel and enjoy the wonderful champagne breakfast the next day.
However, we have nearly always had some small problem with our treatment, mainly through a lack of communication between reception and therapists (we have tried in German and English). For example, we may request to be in the same treatment room, but will be taken to different rooms, or we may request a Swedish Massage and the therapists have prepared for a Balinese massage (which includes a 30 minute scrub). Whilst these problems are small, they should not occur in a spa of this calibre. Our advice would be to book a few weeks in advance, receive written confirmation of your treatments and to arrive early on the day to reconfirm. Also, although the therapists are mainly very good, some do not establish a connection in the same way that many therapists in SE Asia do - this may be mainly cultural but it is important to remember and take into account.
For a special occasion, the Adlon Day Spa in Berlin is fantastic - spoil your loved one with a massage followed by hire of the spa suite. For a real treat, book a night in the hotel and enjoy the wonderful champagne breakfast the next day.