A Different Kind of Spa Day: Floating Tranquillity on London’s Waterways

There are moments in London when the city feels relentless—its pace, its noise, its constant motion. And then there are places like Maria Alexander Spa Boat, where time softens, the water gently carries you, and the city fades into the background.

I arrived at Limehouse Basin at the allotted time, scanning the water and wondering which vessel might be my sanctuary for the afternoon. Invited by co-founders and hosts Corvin Roman and Ingrid Eriksson, I was quietly intrigued: how, I wondered, could a truly restorative spa experience exist on a barge?

The answer soon revealed itself.

Corvin greeted me and led me along the towpath until the sleek lines of a widebeam canal boat came into view—gleaming, elegant, and unmistakably intentional. This was Maria Alexander: a private floating spa.

Stepping aboard, I was welcomed by Ingrid and shown through the vessel. The interior was immediately calming—beautifully designed, warm and refined, blending Scandinavian minimalism with subtle Caribbean warmth. Despite its setting, nothing about this felt novelty or compromised. This was a high-end spa, thoughtfully created, complete with a wood-fired sauna, a freshly filled hot tub and serene treatment spaces.

The spa boat itself is a 70-foot by 12-foot custom-built Collingwood widebeam canal boat, engineered not only for comfort but for sustainability. Solar panels, a water-freedom system and an incinerating toilet allow the vessel to cruise independently, maintaining eco-credentials without sacrificing luxury. It’s a quiet, conscious approach to wellbeing—one that feels entirely aligned with modern spa values.

Designed for intimate groups of one to four guests, Maria Alexander places emphasis on privacy, personalised service and holistic wellbeing. I loved that this experience can be booked solo. With my newly found appreciation for European spa etiquette—and the freedom of a no-textile sauna—I had the entire space to myself. Sauna, hot tub, calm waters… all mine.

The experience began gently: a pot of herbal tea on arrival, followed by a grounding foot soak ritual using mineral-rich water—perfect after a city walk. A deeply relaxing half-hour body massage followed, expertly delivered, easing tension and signalling the body that it was time to let go.

What followed was a glorious afternoon of unhurried relaxation—reading, drifting between sauna and whirlpool, feeling the warmth sink deep into muscles and joints. The hydrotherapy experience is powerful yet subtle: deep detoxification through sweat, improved circulation, reduced cortisol levels, and a profound sense of calm. Floating on water adds another layer entirely—the gentle rhythm of the canal mimicking meditation, resetting the nervous system and sharpening mental clarity.

As the sun began to set and I stepped back onto dry land, the contrast was almost surreal. Just moments from the bustle of the city, I had spent hours in complete tranquillity, suspended on water, wrapped in warmth and stillness.

Maria Alexander Spa Boat is not just a spa—it is an escape. A reminder that wellbeing doesn’t always require retreating to the countryside; sometimes it can be found quietly moored in the heart of a city. It is the perfect gift to yourself, or to someone you love: a few precious hours of ‘me time’, floating between worlds.

Treatments on board include:

• Massage Therapy – relieving muscle tension, improving circulation and encouraging deep relaxation
• Foot Soak Rituals – mineral-rich soaks to ease tired feet and ground the body
• Luxury Facials – hydrating, rejuvenating treatments using high-quality skincare

For those seeking a different kind of spa day—private, immersive and deeply restorative—this floating sanctuary offers something truly special.

Website: mariaalexander.co.uk
 Instagram: @mariaalexanderspaboat