I Tried The World’s First Multi-Sensory, Zero-Gravity Wellness Journey

The Mandrake has always been one of my favourite London hotels. It has a similar air to my favourite Ibizan haunt Pikes; perfectly treading the line between wellbeing and hedonism, with a side-helping of show-stopping design and a cool crowd to boot. In short, it epitomises the Country & Town House tagline of ‘a life in balance’, and I never turn down the opportunity for a visit. This time, I was there to check out their famous multi-sensory, zero-gravity wellness journey – the Mud Caves and the Origin Pool at DAMU, their award-winning spa. 

DAMU At The Mandrake 

Taking its name from Damu, the Mesopotamian god of regeneration, The Mandrake’s spa blends ancient philosophy with pioneering technology, promising to guide guests toward inner equilibrium and a sense of rebirth. As woo-woo as it sounds, if it’s alternative, trendy or immersive sensory wellness activities you seek, you’ll find them here. Which is why, in the thick of a very grey January, you’ll find me here too. 

At its heart lie the Mud Caves, an elemental ritual where sustainably sourced alpine clays, rich in quartz, mica and bentonite, detoxify and nourish the skin beneath a veil of steam. This is a fun activity for couples or friends; my girlfriend and I spent a glorious hour in the low-lit cocoon-like caves smearing ourselves in clay, emerging feeling cleansed and refreshed. 

The Mud Caves at DAMU At The Mandrake

The Origin Pool is the hero offering at DAMU, the world’s first multi-sensory, zero-gravity water journey. Here, we spent 45 minutes floating in an epsom salted pool, immersed in a choreography of vibration, light and sound on our ‘zero-gravity wellness journey’. Combining low-frequency water haptics, chromotherapy, and a 3D soundscape, the aim is to enter a ‘deep meditative calm’. The first 15 minutes is spent watching digital artist REUKO’s mesmerising installation Inner Spectrum I (2025), during which I managed to switch off my usually racing mind and briefly felt the sensations of whizzing down a water slide (all the while not moving) and of being completely detached from my body.

Next is the 3D soundscape, a deeply relaxing eyes-closed meditation led by the sound vibrations through the water which I thoroughly enjoyed, (all the while feeling like a floating detached head). Since I spend roughly an hour a day in the bath whenever possible, this feels like a spa experience specifically tailored to please water babies like myself, but I genuinely haven’t tried anything quite as relaxing as this before.   

Post-treatment sustenance further nourishes, with Chef Bettina Campolucci Bordi’s plant-forward menu. Seasonal, sustainably-sourced ingredients are transformed into delicious, restorative dishes, balancing flavour, colour, and wellbeing. Expect vegan Swedish meatballs with silky carrot mash, roasted cauliflower with crispy leaves and a smooth chocolate mousse with cherry compote, served alongside health-boosting mocktails. 

The Mandrake Suite

STAY 

Extend your wellbeing journey (or switch to hedonism) with a stay in one of the hotel’s 33 rooms and suites, all individually designed as mini city sanctuaries, blending mysticism and glamour. No two rooms are alike: hand-painted wallpapers, bespoke furniture and one-of-a-kind artworks add character, from tranquil city-view Mandrake Rooms to the expansive suites overlooking the green internal courtyard. The most spectacular, in my opinion, is The Mandrake Suite, a gothic paradise of deep purples, greys, black marble and copper, lush velvets and an enormous bed beneath a black tented ceiling with a feature light. 

THE FINAL WORD 

Truly unique spa experiences are tricky to come by, but The Mandrake always delivers something exciting. Their zero-gravity wellbeing journey in The Origin Pool is truly out of this world. 

The Mandrake Suite

BOOK IT

The DAMU Rebirth (125 minutes) includes the Origin Pool Experience, a bespoke body treatment, and lunch by Chef Bettina Campolucci Bordi | £400 for one or £720 for two

The Radiance Ritual (140 minutes) includes a head-to-toe experience combining massage, facial, and therapeutic LED light to restore luminosity and lift the spirit | £350 for one or £630 for two

The Grounding Ritual (3 hours) is a complete journey uniting the Mud Cave Ritual with intuitive body and facial therapies | £465 for one or £835 for two

DAMU Metamorphosis (2 days) is a signature experience featuring immersive treatments, plant-forward dining, and an overnight stay at The Mandrake. During their stay guests can take part in bespoke spiritual journeys including Energy Healing, Shamanic Sound Journeys and Galactic Reiki Healing. Seasonal, plant-based dishes by Chef Bettina Campolucci Bordi are included | Priced at £860 for one or £1500 for two

damu.uk | themandrake.com