Sandra‘s Closet

«My London patients are among the most discerning in the world when it comes to their skincare knowledge, forever searching for the latest innovations and ingredients to benefit their skin. I love London, and it has long felt like a second home to me. I am thrilled to be officially bringing the #SturmGlow to Mayfair and hope to excite my patients with new inventions, technologies and treatments that have never been seen before!» – Dr. Barbara Sturm

In London, I went to Dr. Barbara Sturm’s London flagship to enjoy one of her most sought-after treatments. The flagship London Spa & Boutique is located on Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street and set over two floors. It is designed in collaboration with architect Tobias Freytag, who also designed her LA and Dusseldorf spa locations. With each new location, Dr. Sturm aims to reflect the lifestyle of the customer she is serving and the culture that surrounds the store.

This will serve as a place of skincare discovery and advanced-scientific innovations where you can enjoy the full suite of Dr. Sturm’s most sought-after treatments.

The Spa & Boutique design exhibits minimalist, modern architectural elements, including a curved, mirrored wall, a sleek, white seating area, the original pave flooring, and a new ‘Discovery Table’ made from Italian green onyx. The Spa features two Express Facial Rooms, where shorter treatments are offered to time-conscious customers, as well as four, fully-fitted treatment rooms deploying Dr Sturm’s inventions and facial protocols and the latest in anti-aging skin technology, such as Myolift microcurrent.

A new, medically-advanced skincare collection only offered in-spa after personal consultation – will also be available at the London flagship. It will also be the first of Dr. Sturm’s Boutiques & Spas to offer exclusive body treatments – details of which will be announced soon.

When I arrived, a wonderful expert aesthetician guided me through to find the best products / treatment  to address my skin concerns. Personally speaking after one month of fashion weeks, I was aiming for that #SturmGlow. My skin was dry and dull and definitely needed some hydration and a glow boost. The famous Signature #SturmGlow Facial was created around Barbara’s skincare philosophy to deliver hydration, boost skin barrier function, soothe signs of irritation and improve the overall skin health and skin matrix. The facial incorporates techniques created in her German clinic for cleansing, exfoliating, extractions, and an anti-aging lymphatic massage. It was a truly amazing facial. My facial also include Dr. Sturm’s Signature Anti-Aging Massage; a unique combination of massage techniques which help increase blood and oxygen flow and tone and define the facial muscles for an instant, youthful-looking complexion.

Long and short-chain Hyaluronic Acid molecules in the so-called Hyaluronic Ampoule were infused into my skin and provided intensive hydration at both upper and deeper skin layers.

Catering to my personal needs, my facialist added red light therapy which is a fantastic treatment. The restorative power of safe, natural light LEDs also has a therapeutic effect on your body and mind. The use of natural light LEDs is non-invasive and painless, with clinically-documented benefits, including diminishing the appearance of age spots, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as making skin feel firmer and more elastic.

The Sturm Glow after my facial. No make-up!

The 90 min facial was amazing. It instantly smoothed fine lines, reduced puffiness, lifted and defined the cheekbones and jawline and gave my skin a youthful glow. At Dr. Barbara Sturm’s spa, the result of the appointment is a routine tailored specifically to your skincare needs. To book, please contact the Spa & Boutique.

OPENING TIMES
MONDAY – SATURDAY: 10AM-7PM
SUNDAY: 12PM-6PM

ADDRESS
125 MOUNT STREET
LONDON, W1K 3NS

CONTACT DETAILS

+44 207 959 0840

TO SHOP DR. BARBARA STURM, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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With email at my fingertips, nonstop traveling, and around-the-clock social media delights and business events, actually making the time to unwind and shut down at the end of the day sometimes seems to be one of my biggest challenges. Therefore I was very much looking forward to taking some time off at the VILLA STÉPHANIE in Baden Baden and hope that you all want to hear about the best detox experience I have ever had!

There are plenty of different ways that you can give your body the relief that it needs from all of the pressures and stresses of the day. Each of us has to decide what works best for him or her. I had to try different kinds to finally find this haven on earth that offered me what I was looking for in order to regain energy. Probably you are like me and wished there was an easy, quick way to cleanse your body of all those bubbly toxins. Funnily enough, I believe we are all equipped with a natural cleansing system in our bodies, called liver and kidneys. Together, these two toxin-bashing organs act as a superefficient system for filtering out the vast majority of the harmful substances we eat and drink. The only important factor that those work well is a healthy and moderate lifestyle. And this can be hard sometimes.

Personally speaking that is the main reason why I choose to «detox» from time to time but not in this heavy, depriving way of barely eating anything but dry bread rolls. This doesn’t work for me! I get cranky, have no energy to do sports then and the overall effect is frustration and unhappiness. What I need is healthy pampering. And this is what I got at VILLA STÉPHANIE in perfection.

This luxurious and exclusive destination spa, which is part of the iconic Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, is dedicated to beauty, detox & nutrition, emotional balance and medical care. Every aspect of those mentioned is at your disposal. The beautiful and spacious rooms (15 rooms and suites only at VILLA STÉPHANIE) with views overlooking the River Oos have everything you wish for. There is even a button to turn off the electricity and the Wi-Fi connection in a second so that you will sleep better the old fashioned way without any radiation or e-smog disturbing your system.

Upon my arrival, I had a meeting with Kevin, my health coach. Before deciding on my tailor-made program and menus, I had to stand on the InBody 720 machine, which is a premium, medical-grade body composition analyzer that can fully tell your physical composition and water level in a single test. My results were great and I was looking forward to indulge in the House’s vitality-detox cuisine. Deceivingly filling, absolutely satisfying and beautifully presented, I could not believe that the three meals per day weighed in at around 1200 calories only.

What was served? Typically something like a porridge with berries and nuts in the morning and this fabulous green smoothie, a three-course meal for lunch, including even a filet of beef with a baked potato followed by a light desert. In the evening, I always started with a soup, nothing raw, and an entree such as grilled scallops with vegetables.

One evening, I was spoilt by two Michelin star chef Paul Stradner to a 5-course Vital Menu (completely lactose and gluten free as well as light on the carbs) in the Brenners Park Restaurant. Decadent detoxing I would love to call it.

There are plenty of group fitness activities, such as aqua fitness, yoga, jogging and biking for example, but I preferred working out by myself in the well equipped gym or taking a yoga lesson with a private trainer.

To accompany my detox program, I was spoilt to different treatments, such as a lymphatic drainage, clarifying and detoxifying body treatments and a luxury facial, all with products by AQUA ORGANIC, especially created by Munich based dermatologist Dr. Kuhr to support the cleansing effects of the body, to honor and stimulate the multiple talents of our skin. Other brands the experienced and fantastic therapists work with are SISLEY PARIS and SKIN CEUTICALS to offer also a more anti-aging and nurturing approach to their clients.

VILLA STÉPHANIE is dedicated to the world of spa in every aspect. Stretching over five floors and covering over 5000 square metres, it comprises a 500-square-metre sauna, plunge pool, private gym, hamam and a ladies sauna. The inspiringly designed treatment rooms overlooking the gardens offer complete relaxation. I truly felt the whole time so chilled, quiet (my readers who know me in person can assure you that this can be a challenge for me:-)) and just happy. Even digital detox seemed easy.

On the way to the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, where I enjoyed lunch and dinner, you pass the entrance to the gigantic swimming pool in Roman style. In the gardens, there are multiple possibilities to relax in the sun or just walk around.

VILLA STÉPHANIE is also connected to Haus Julius, a clinic with personalized state-of-the-art medical care from some of Germany’s top experts in fields like aesthetics, gynaecology, holistic medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology and preventive medicine. The medical teams will even visit you in the privacy of your room or suite if you wish.

I also recommend a visit to the Eden Being boutique located in the main building that offers a lot of one of a kind things. Moreover do not miss a stroll around Baden Baden. You will be amazed how many high end designer shops this little German town has to offer. The only challenging part was to pass the perceived millions of ice cream parlors.

In the evenings, I loved to sit in the lounge with its extensive library, enjoy one more green smoothie and play a round of backgammon or two before going to bed. After one week, I did not want to leave, something that I have never experienced before when being at a detox retreat as I was always looking forward to retoxing again:-).

On my last day, I got a final body analysis with my nutrition expert who gave me individual workout tips and a tailor-made menu plan, including recipes, for me to take home.

I left my stay calmer, balanced and more upbeat, regenerated by the surroundings of this picturesque resort in the Black Forest. During my whole stay at this former royal residence with its classic architectural heritage, I have never felt like being on a diet or deprived of anything. Old-school service reigned supreme. The friendly staff and professional executive team added a high touch to my experience. I will be back – that is for sure!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht