The mission To roll back the signs of ageing in 24 hours with an “Age-Defying Weekend” package at the Four Seasons Hotel.

USP The package includes overnight accommodation and breakfast in the hotel, unlimited access to the Virgin Active Health club on site, where the infinity pool and well-equipped gym have, like the hotel, stunning views of the Thames. You even get a ride in the hotel's Jaguar to the Rejuvenation Medi-Spa, about five minutes' away: hotel and spa have teamed up in a joint venture.

Ambience The spa is a quiet little refuge tucked into one of the malls in Canary Wharf, buzzing with shoppers even on a grey Saturday.

Quality of experience The spa is run by Dr Mario Luca Rosso, a Harley Street-based surgeon and specialist dermatologist, who combines his medical expertise with Ayurvedic techniques. I had a 75-minute age-defying facial, in which five different products were applied, from cleansers and toners to serums and “phyto corrective gel”.

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It includes microdermabrasion, a non-invasive technique in which an electric wand tipped with tiny crystals is passed over the skin, removing dead cells. It's supposed to encourage the skin's renewal process, which slows as we age. My therapist, Hayley, explained clearly what was going on at every stage. Afterwards my skin was squeaky clean and soft. Weeks later my complexion still looked clear and smooth.

Products SkinCeuticals are used for the age-defying facial. The spa also uses Espa products.

Food From the copious breakfast menu at the Four Seasons I chose the “healthy” option in the name of duty: bran flakes, piles of delicious fresh fruit and a courgette and carrot muffin. The hotel's Italian restaurant, Quadrato, has a spectacular “exhibition kitchen” so you can see the chefs in action, and it highlights different regional styles in turn.

In-crowd Hotel guests include corporate types on business trips and residents of the many luxury apartment blocks near by in search of pampering.

Wallet watch The Age-Defying Weekend starts from £490 plus Vat per night, based on double occupancy, including the facial, overnight accommodation, breakfast and access to the Virgin Active Health Club. This may sound a lot but there's a lot to be said for a quick and refreshing weekend treat in a stunning setting minutes from central London.

Need to know Four Seasons, Canary Wharf, London E14. Phone 020-7510 1999; www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf

For more than 260 independent spa reviews log on to timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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