With temperatures soaring across the capital, Londoners are looking for new ways to beat the heat without having to pack a suitcase and leave the city.
The latest summer travel trend, dubbed the ‘coolcation’, is all about swapping traditional hot-weather holidays for refreshing escapes centred around swimming pools, spas, air-conditioned rooms, chilled drinks and plenty of opportunities to relax.
Searches for ‘coolcations’ have reportedly increased by 420% over the past three months, while searches for ‘escape the heat’ have risen by 300%, highlighting the growing appetite for cooler summer getaways.
And while heading north might traditionally be the answer to escaping soaring temperatures, NYX Hotel London Holborn is offering Londoners the chance to embrace the coolcation without leaving the capital.
A Coolcation in the Heart of London
Located on Southampton Row in Holborn, NYX Hotel London Holborn puts guests close to some of London’s biggest attractions, including Covent Garden, Soho, the West End and the British Museum.
The hotel is also home to Rena Spa & Leisure, where visitors can escape the heat underground with a 13-metre heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa facilities. The Greco-Roman-inspired pool features colourful floor-to-ceiling pillars, an underwater mural and NYX’s distinctive panther artwork, creating a striking urban oasis beneath the city streets.
Explore Rena Spa & Leisure at NYX Hotel London Holborn
For those looking to turn their heatwave escape into a full wellness break, Rena Spa also offers treatments including massages, facials and spa days, with access to the pool and thermal facilities available as part of selected experiences.
From Poolside Relaxation to Rooftop Cocktails
Once temperatures begin to drop, the coolcation can move above ground.
Guests can head to Midtown Bar & Dining for all-day dining and drinks, while its summer terrace has been transformed in partnership with Edinburgh Gin, offering refreshing cocktails in the middle of Holborn.
For a change of scenery, Sabine Holborn provides a rooftop escape. Located on the hotel’s 10th floor, the bar offers cocktails alongside panoramic views across central London – making it a fitting place to watch the city cool down as evening arrives.
Midtown Bar & Dining at NYX Hotel London Holborn
Why Leave London for a Coolcation?
The rise of the coolcation also reflects a wider shift towards shorter, more flexible breaks. Rather than committing to a traditional week-long summer holiday, a mini-break can provide an opportunity to switch off without travelling far.
At NYX Hotel London Holborn, visitors can spend the hottest part of the day relaxing at the spa or taking a dip in the indoor pool before heading out to explore London later in the afternoon.
The hotel’s central location makes it particularly convenient for combining a cooling retreat with sightseeing, with the British Museum just a short distance away and Covent Garden, Soho and the West End all within easy reach.
So, whether you’re swapping the daily commute for a spa session, cooling down between sightseeing stops or ending a summer evening with cocktails above the city, your next coolcation might be closer to home than you think.
