Relax, recharge, detox.
Spa InterContinental

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

Part of the InterContinental London Park Lane's three-year, $150 million refurb, this 3,000-square-foot retreat skips the usual East-meets-West trappings in favor of something a little more nightclub-meets-spaceship. British hospitality design firm RDD outfitted six podlike treatment suites with black-glass surfaces, wenge wood panels, and a palette of chocolates and golds. Featuring Elemis and La Thérapie services, the menu organizes scrubs, massages, wraps, and facials by intended goal (relax, recharge, or detox), then further breaks down time into increments starting at 15 minutes, so clients can mix and match. Thirty minutes will get you a dry float--that is, a restorative nap on a heated waterbed ($89); with 50 minutes, you can do the couples' fave Steam Temple mud ritual ($148); and with 75 minutes, a signature Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial ($222), which yields glowing results (massages, $178).

Further reading:
* Spa InterContinental
* Hot List 2008
* Check out our Hot List London video featuring the Spa Intercontinental