You’ll never guess what lies behind a heavy wooden door on Sloane Square’s busy Cadogan Gardens. Ring the buzzer and step inside, and you’re transported from the chaos and noise of London in to a serene, soothing, Malaysian-inspired spa. Welcome to Ushvani.

For the last six years, Ushvani has been offering rejuvenating therapies and treatments by some of the most highly skilled practitioners in their fields. Informed by the healing traditions and philosophies of South East Asia, this isn’t just any day spa – everything from the genuine Malaysian artefacts to the impeccable service here is authentic and unique. Their custom here is mainly through word of mouth and referrals, and it’s not difficult to see why clients are so keen to recommend this place.

I arrived on a deceptively warm October day, flustered from the tube in a thick scarf too hot for the weather. Within minutes though, my irritation was muted by a fragranced flannel, comfortable slippers and a tour of the spa. Being led down the winding staircase and below street level into London’s belly felt like entering a secret and ancient chamber, where everything smelt of essential oils and lay bathed in a warm orange glow. I revelled in picturing the hundreds of hurrying feet above my head, completely ignorant to this sacred spot hiding in plain sight.

I’d opted to try the Ushvani Signature Facial, a 90 minute (all treatments are a minimum of 90 minutes long) bespoke treatment using highly antioxidant hibiscus flowers and moisturising coconut and kemiri oils. My therapist began by talking through any skin concerns I had, and what I was hoping the results of the treatment would be. She then tailored the facial completely around my answers, which not only meant everything felt more tailored and personalised, but also meant I was likely to get much more out of the treatment.

After a ten minute chill out in the relaxation room (where I snacked on fruit juice and banana chips) the treatment began with a gentle cleanse and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rejuvenating massage of the face, décolleté and scalp. This helps to activate the muscles, drain lymphatic areas and hydrate the skin. A mask is then applied (mine was clay-based, helping to pull impurities out of my congested and stressed out skin). Finally, hands and feet are treated using a nourishing blend of coconut and kemiri butter. The treatment was so heavenly that it comes as no surprise that all the therapists at Ushvani have undergone an extensive and rigorous training programme, which includes being able to diagnose a client’s needs and match the spa’s bespoke products to them.

I walked out of the treatment feeling serene and lighter, somehow. I was reluctant to leave the calm, restful embrace of the spa, so was all too keen to stay and enjoy a cup of (complementary) traditional hibiscus tea and prepare myself for the journey home. But even as I resurfaced into the slightly smoggy London air, the thought of a rush hour commute didn’t phase me. The serenity of Ushvani stayed with me all the way home, and I felt smug in having uncovered one of London’s best kept secrets.

A 90 minute signature facial at Ushvani costs £130.