IS THIS LONDON’S FIRST NATURE-BASED EXPERIENTIAL WELLNESS SPACE?
By Juliet Herd
Welcome to The HVN, the holistic clinic with a groundbreaking approach to treating clients that begins the moment you walk through the door.
Your wellness journey starts the moment you step inside The HVN medi-spa on busy Knightsbridge.
You can feel the tension drain from your body as you enter a kind of enchanted forest, where birdsong replaces the sound of traffic and the scent of eucalyptus and lavender fills the air.
London’s latest wellness and longevity clinic, The HVN (pronounced The Haven), redefines conscious wellbeing with a fusion of heritage therapies, medical practices and aesthetic treatments. It also offers what is possibly the capital’s first experiential wellness space.
London’s latest wellness and longevity clinic, The HVN (pronounced ‘The Haven’), redefines conscious wellbeing with a fusion of heritage therapies, medical practices, and aesthetic treatments. It also offers what is possibly the capital’s first experiential wellness space.
Inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku, the sanctuary’s waiting area is designed to mimic a natural biome, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
There are preserved plants embedded in the ceiling, lush foliage entwined around tree trunks, botanical imprints on the cave-like walls, and a flowing floor pattern that emulates gentle winds.
The therapeutic benefits of this unique environment are evidence-based as well. Birdsong (the sounds here were collected by experts in Sherwood Forest) is known to help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, while the signature scent contains phytoncides – antimicrobial compounds found in trees that can boost immunity. Scientifically proven circadian lighting enhances the calming mood.
It is all part of the clinic’s integrative healthcare philosophy with a focus on personalised support and long-term results. “The design of our waiting area is rooted in evidence-based principles shown to reduce stress and support physiological regulation,” says co-founder and medical director Dr Tanja Phillips, who launched The HVN in 2024. “We take a collaborative approach to care, supporting each client to become more attuned to their health and empowering them with the knowledge and treatments best suited to their needs. Our aim is to create a space where people can step away from the demands of everyday life and invest in their long-term wellbeing.”
And based on statistics showing that stressed-out Londoners are most likely to suffer from “nature deficit disorder”, retreats such as this one are becoming more sought after than ever.
Curated by a team of international experts, including Dr Phillips, an award-winning laser therapy specialist, and Dr Ireny Salama, who specialises in aesthetics and menopausal care, treatments range from deeply sensorial face and body rituals to advanced cosmetic therapies and innovative blends of osteopathy with bioresonance energy healing.
Massages are performed on the hydrobed, a hammam-inspired waterbed and the first of its kind in the UK, and oxygen therapy designed to improve cellular function and recovery is conducted in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
Health issues, such as hair loss and hormonal imbalances, are also addressed with tailored programmes. Functional medicine practitioner Lelani Loubser, who specialises in gut health, hormones and autoimmunity, blends clinical and naturopathic methods to tackle root causes and achieve long-term wellness.
Also on offer are cellulite and lymphatic drainage treatments, body contouring, acupuncture, IV infusions and nutritional therapy. One of the most popular treatments is the Fontona4D, a non-surgical and non-invasive face lifting procedure producing immediate rejuvenation, tightening and glow while also improving your complexion.
When Millionair visited, we were treated to the state-of-the-art Glass Skin Microinfusion facial, designed to rejuvenate and hydrate your skin.
In keeping with the organic flow of the clinic, treatment rooms are cocoon-like with smooth clay walls and indented shelving and come complete with dressing room annexe and chargers for your mobile phone.
The four-step treatment starts with a ZO restorative peel, which gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and improve overall texture and tone. Next, a specialised micro-infusion system delivers a customised blend of NCTF (new cellular treatment factor) deep into the dermis. Packed with vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants, it targets fine lines and reduces pore size.
Step three involves the application of a hydropeptide mask to lock in hydration and deeply nourish your skin, followed by an LED light therapy mask, chosen specifically for your skin type to help stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
With newly glowing skin, we return to the forest bathing space to sip a cup of antioxidant-boosting herbal tea made with butterfly pea flowers, mint and chamomile, while relaxing on one of the hand-carved, sustainably sourced timber seating pods.
Feeling supremely zen-like, we’re reluctant to leave this true nature haven…
The Glass Skin Micro Infusion Facial, £350 for 70 min.