London has a new spa boat offering a hot tub, wood-fired sauna and treatment room on Regent's Canal. The Maria Alexander, a floating widebeam canal boat moored at Limehouse Basin, provides a full spa experience for up to four guests.
What the experience includes
Packages cost £175 for two people for two hours, including a 30-minute treatment each. Guests start with a warm foot soak and herbal tea before massages, then have private use of the hot tub and sauna. The crew, owners Corvin Roman and Ingrid Eriksson, stay out of sight unless needed.
Owners' journey
The couple bought an empty vessel in Liverpool and had it transferred to London. Working with interior designers and an architect, they created a Japandi design blending Japanese simplicity with Scandinavian warmth. The Boat Fit Company in Tottenham brought the vision to life. Corvin, who works in insurance, completed a massage course to provide treatments; Ingrid previously worked in exclusive London spas.
Challenges and future plans
Corvin aims to run three wellbeing boats side by side near Canary Wharf, but mooring leases are expensive. The boat previously moored in Paddington and Little Venice but moved due to pressure to sign a 10-year lease. Currently in residential Limehouse, the location lacks footfall. Moving the boat in central London is challenging due to its size, and constant maintenance is needed.
About 80% of bookings have been couples, though the hot tub fits up to four adults. The owners did not anticipate demand from religious clients unable to use public spas; upon request, all-female staff can be provided. The boat recently acquired a food licence and is in talks with caterers for extended packages. Currently only dried fruit is available on board.
