London’s luxury hospitality landscape has welcomed a remarkable addition with the unveiling of YĀTRĀ, a groundbreaking wellness concept by Montcalm Collection. The flagship retreat, housed within Montcalm Mayfair, represents a fresh approach to urban wellness that marries cultural heritage with contemporary luxury.
Taking its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘journey’, YĀTRĀ creates immersive experiences that transcend conventional spa treatments. The concept draws from Ayurvedic wisdom, East African healing traditions, and London’s multicultural heritage to forge a distinctive wellness philosophy where metropolitan energy harmonises with inner peace.
A sanctuary beneath the city
The YĀTRĀ Signature Spa occupies a thoughtfully designed subterranean space within Montcalm Mayfair. Created by COCON and designed by Studio Est, this underground haven employs soft pastel tones and cocooning architecture to establish an atmosphere of sophisticated tranquility. The strategic use of colour and form immediately signals to guests that they have left the urban rush behind.
Four luxurious treatment rooms, including a dedicated space for couples, form the heart of this urban retreat. Beyond these intimate chambers, guests discover areas devoted to yoga, meditation and mindful movement. The thermal experiences include both infrared and traditional wood saunas, complemented by hydro pools and jacuzzi facilities. For those seeking active wellness, a state-of-the-art gym features the latest TechnoGym equipment.
The relaxation space elevates the post-treatment experience through tea rituals developed in partnership with Camellia’s Tea House. These ceremonies provide a moment of contemplative pleasure that extends the therapeutic benefits of treatments while honouring traditional wellness practices.
Cultural immersion through treatment
YĀTRĀ distinguishes itself through treatments that tell cultural stories. The menu features signature experiences developed in collaboration with premium skincare brands QMS Medicosmetics and Mauli Rituals. These partnerships have yielded treatments that balance result-driven outcomes with authentic ceremonial practices.
The ‘Ojas Rejuvenation Ritual’ and ‘Chakra Body Realign Ritual’ exemplify this approach, using personalised dosha oils according to guests’ constitutional types. Therapists blend traditional techniques with contemporary wellness methods to create treatments that feel both ancient and innovative. This fusion approach ensures guests receive both sensorial pleasure and therapeutic benefits.
Ayurvedic traditions feature prominently through offerings like the ‘Kansa’ Marma Point massage, which targets vital energy points throughout the body. The ‘Shakti’ Divine Nurturing Body Therapy utilises Himalayan salt stones to release muscular tension while balancing energetic fields. These specialist treatments are complemented by core therapies including lymphatic drainage, deep tissue work, and holistic facial treatments.
Sensorial dimensions
The multi-sensory approach at YĀTRĀ demonstrates meticulous attention to detail. A bespoke soundscape created by London studio MindFidelity captures the essence of British woodlands and forests, reflecting Montcalm Mayfair’s historical connection to ancient woodland – known as its Mark of The Garden.
The olfactory journey proves equally compelling through a signature aroma blend. Bright green notes mingle with eucalyptus, raspberry and clove, while pine forms the heart of this complex fragrance. The base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and musk anchor the experience with earthy warmth. This carefully crafted scent profile aims to transport guests to a state of profound relaxation.
Tactile luxury completes the sensorial experience through soft robes, plush towels, and natural, biodegradable slippers from premium brands. These thoughtful amenities align with the collection’s commitment to sustainable luxury, demonstrating that environmental consciousness need not compromise quality.
The vision realised
“YĀTRĀ Signature Spa elevates the spa experience in London to new heights, integrating cutting edge technological features and amenities to ensure our guests have access to the latest advances in spa experiences and services,” explains Samantha van Exter, Montcalm Collection Head of Hotels. “Every treatment we offer is designed to provide a journey for the senses, enriching mind, body and spirit, while delivering tangible health benefits. Rooted in the ancient Ayurvedic approach of holistic healing, our treatments will address the complete wellbeing of our guests.”
Pedro Principe, CEO & Co-founder of COCON, shares this sentiment: “We’re honoured to have partnered with Montcalm Collection in bringing YĀTRĀ to life, and thrilled to operationalise the spas, delivering experiences which genuinely impact each guest’s personal journey to balance and rejuvenation. Montcalm Collection’s wholehearted embrace of this vision allows us to redefine what a truly holistic urban sanctuary can offer, not only to travellers but also to our local communities.”
The YĀTRĀ concept will soon extend beyond Mayfair to three additional Montcalm Collection properties across London. This expansion will establish a unified wellness identity throughout the portfolio, emphasising the journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation that lies at the heart of the YĀTRĀ philosophy.