MISSION It's sold as London's only authentic ayurvedic spa, just a waft of incense away from Notting Hill. I was intrigued. Could Holland Park really be the London home of this 5,000-year-old ancient science of healing which originated in India? I admit it, I was sceptical, and thought it was more likely to be a marketing ploy to differentiate one slick west London spa from another.

USP The spa menu certainly seemed authentic. As well as ayurvedic massages, the spa offers a consultation with its in-house ayurvedic doctor to determine what Dosha, or ayurvedic type you are, shirodhara - the third-eye treatment which involves gradually pouring litres of oil on to the forehead to "calm the nerves and relieve mental stress." Perhaps the most authentically ayurvedic treatment available is the Panchakarma, an intensive detoxification programme which normally involves a few weeks in India. But Shymala offers it all without having to leave the comfort of Zone 1. After a week of home preparation and consultations with their doctor, a 5-7 day custom-made programme begins for those who want to immerse themselves in the ayurvedic culture. Daily massages, yoga, reiki and colonic irrigation are just some of the things on offer.

AMBIENCE Based in an enormous townhouse, from the outside the spa couldn't have appeared less Indian if it tried. However, open the door and it was a different story. High ceilings, delicate textured wallpaper and a shocking pink throne gave the spa a contemporary Indian feel. Several treatment rooms with large windows, a yoga studio and a shower, sauna and steam room in the basement meant it was relatively well equipped. However, maybe I had come with too many assumptions based on its West London location, but it felt slightly worn around the edges. I saw towels drying on the outside wrought iron railings at the back of the building, and the water jugs that were dotted around the spa were all empty. Fair enough, it shouldn't all be about appearances, but with an hour-long massage at £100, I expected more.

EXPERIENCE I had a lovely ayurvedic massage which included a head massage. It compared well to ayurvedic massages I've had in India, although less oil was used and rather than a slippery wooden bench (which can feel kind of precarious) I lay on towels on a massage table.

FOOD Food is available to those on the Panchakarma.

IN CROWD It was empty when I was there, but apparently it's popular with locals who want a more authentic spa treatment, as well as people who travel further afield for the Panchakarma.

WALLET WATCH It's not cheap. A 40-minute treatment costs £75; 60 minutes is £100; 90 minutes is £140, and a seven-day Panchakarma costs £1,700.

NEED TO KNOW Shymala Ayurveda, 152 Holland Park Avenue, Kensington, London W11 4UH (020 7348 0018; www.shymalaayurveda.com)

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